Transport Ethernet, power over existing 2-wire installations

Product Exclusive: Using patented PCN IP-485 technology, PCN IP-Excite provides a robust and reliable way to transport Ethernet and Power over existing two-wire installations.

March 18, 2013

Based on patented PCN IP-485 technology, PCN announces the scheduled availability of PCN IP-Excite, a robust and reliable way to transport Ethernet and Power over existing two-wire installations.

For many years sensors and control devices have used excitation voltage as means for powering and communicating with many devices. Most devices have been analog or serial-based technology not easily accessible to the Internet and in locations not easily Ethernet enabled. With PCN IP-Excite technology, all the benefits of powering the devices with proven excitation techniques can be realized while evolving installations to full TCP/IP-enabled Ethernet networks.

Whether ac or dc power excitation, PCN IP-Excite is ideal for any two-wire infrastructure where critical power and data are needed. The system is supported by a 19-in. rack mount router that connects directly to (16) PCN IP-Excite edge devices. For smaller installations, a single channel PCN IP-Excite Router supports up to (4) edge PCN IP-Excite modules. Each edge module has (3) RJ45 Ethernet ports.

Initial PCN IP-Excite products will support 300 V dc, 24 V ac, and 4-20 mA current loop networks.  Wattages are robust and in the example of 300 V dc application wattages are up to 150 W over distances up to 2,000 ft. Point-to-point applications can operate with bandwidths well over 20 Mbps.  Pilot testing data has shown upwards of 30-50 Mbps. PCN IP-Excite is not limited to point-to-point communications; it provides for full multi-drop applications over its specification. This allows power and communication with multiple IP/Ethernet devices over one two-wire cable (twisted/untwisted).

Availability is scheduled for fourth quarter (Q4) 2013 with early adopter programs starting in Q2 and Q3 2013. Request information at www.pcntechnology.com/contact.html.

PCN

www.pcntechnology.com 

– Edited by Mark T. Hoske, content manager, CFE Media, Control Engineering, mhoske@cfemedia.com.

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