Weighing system offers direct Ethernet connectivity

Vishay Precision Group has announced that its VPG Process Weighing division has expanded the fieldbus protocols of its BLH-Nobel Weighing Systems G4 family of multichannel weight/force indicators and HMI to include the EtherNet/IP communications protocol. This new capability allows the instruments to communicate with other industrial control systems and their components, such as a programmable automation and logic controllers or I/O systems.

VPG’s G4 instruments offer high speed and performance for industrial applications, such as process weighing and control, force measurement, Web tension measurement and control, automation, force vector calculations, high dynamic force measurement, and high-speed batching/blending systems. The units are certified to link to a wide variety of communication interfaces, including Profibus, DeviceNet, Modbus/RTU, USB, RS485, RS232, Modbus/TCP, and now EtherNet/IP.

The G4 family is offered with four base mounting options: DIN rail, panel, desktop, and harsh environment. Most configurations are equipped with a 5.7-in. color touch screen and graphic display for HMI functions, including operation and simple parameter changes. The screen displays up to four weight/force channels simultaneously, allowing the user full control of multiple process vessels. The modular nature of the units provides a flexible, upgradeable, single instrument system capable of weighing up to eight independent vessels or scales.

The G4 units can be configured for either 24 V dc or 115/230 V ac operation. Software upgrades can be downloaded from VPG’s website and transferred to the instruments via a standard USB port connection. Custom software designed to customer requirements for special applications is available upon request, and is easily accommodated by the units’ MS Windows CE software platform. Remote access via a standard Web browser allows for simple set-up, monitoring, and diagnostic tests.

www.vishaypg.com

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Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com

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