Westermo device server switch provides IP
connection to legacy serial devices and routing functionality

Westermo announces the release of its Lynx DSS compact device server switch for connecting legacy serial control and telemetry systems to the latest IP networks. With low data rate serial communications being replaced by higher bandwidth IP networks, the Lynx DSS helps to preserve any investment in existing systems, add functionality by supporting new equipment that requires additional bandwidth, and ensures trouble free industrial communications for many years.

Lynx DSS is an industrial Ethernet switch for managing applications with a combination of IP and serial connections. Providing a single unit solution the Lynx DSS replaces the need for multiple units. Powered by an updated version of the Westermo WeOS operating system, the device delivers enhanced serial to Ethernet connectivity, and support for dual serial networks, modem replacement functionality, and Modbus gateways. Legacy devices can be connected via two serial ports. One of these is configured for RS-232 and the other for either RS-232 or RS-422/485.

Two versions are available, the L208-F2G-S2 and L108-F2G-S2. The L108 supports a range of layer 2 switching functions that provide resilient, rapid recovering redundant ring Ethernet networks. The unit has four 10/100 Mbit/s ports and two further ports can be fitted with either Gbit or 100 Mbit SFP transceivers. In addition to these functions the L208 provides additional layer 3 networking functionality including routing, firewalls and VPN remote access.

With the increasing number of cyber attacks, advanced security is now critical for industrial networks. Remote, secure access to a network is provided using encrypted VPNs and a multi-port DMZ (demilitarized zone or subnet that is exposed to the Internet) can be constructed using the internal port-based-firewall-function. These functions support users wanting to communicate over potentially insecure networks and also help to prevent users inadvertently connecting to the wrong network.

Suitable for deployment in extreme operating conditions, the device is type-tested to meet industrial EMC, isolation, vibration and shock standards, and approved for use in relevant industrial applications, including Cenelec EN 50121-4 certification for railway trackside installations. The Lynx DSS has a wide operating temperature range from -40 to 70 °C. There is no fan or other moving parts, and the industrial grade components and a full metal IP40 enclosure - with no cooling holes that would allow the ingress of dust - contribute to the extremely high mean time between failures (MTBF) of over 500,000 hours, resulting in long
trouble-free service life.

Lynx DSS is the most compact and energy efficient switch of its type on the market. The low power requirement of just 250 mA at 24V DC, results in a reduction in running cost over the life of the unit and helps companies reduce their power usage. With a footprint size of only 100mm x 50mm, the unit is easy to incorporate into machines and existing applications. A wide operating power requirement of 19-60V DC further increases the number of suitable applications.

The WeOS operating system has been developed as a cross platform solution. Available on the Westermo RedFox, Wolverine, Lynx and Falcon products, it provides a future proof and scaleable solution for industrial networking requirements.

Westermo provides a full range of industrial data communications solutions for demanding applications in the transport, water and energy markets among others. For more than 35 years Westermo has been at the forefront of technological development and often pushed the limits of what is technically possible. In order to provide the best possible support, we have local presence in more than 35 countries through our authorized distributors and own offices. Since 2008 Westermo has been part of the Beijer Electronics Group, a fast growing technology company with extensive experience of industrial automation, developing and marketing
competitive products and solutions with focus on the user.

For further information, e-mail: magnus.jansson@westermo.se or view website: www.westermo.com  Refer to page 398 

FDB 12 series of IP65 housed
single phase earth leakage protection units

FDB Electrical recently announced their FDB 12 series of IP65 housed single phase earth leakage protection units. These are designed to make industrial installations simple and robust in outdoor or indoor situations and are available in 240v or 110v specification. Their simple installation features mean that the FDB 12 is suitable for permanent or temporary use in virtually any industrial application.

The single phase FDB 12 series comprise a large choice of high or medium sensitivity RCD's, featuring solid state electronic circuitry for stability and immunity from spurious tripping, together with a double pole MCB to provide overload and short circuit protection.

The FDB 12 series has variants available with Earth Continuity Monitoring & Socket outlets and adjustable RCD's, making the FDB12 series cover a vast range of single phase applications.

Where 3 phase protection is required refer to the FDB15 series.

For further information on FDB Electrical products and services, view website: www.fdb.uk.com  Refer to page 162

EPLAN Pro Panel 2.1: Panel layout in XL

What started with high-performance 3D mounting layout turned into an integrative "XL engineering solution" for enclosure layout. Design, 3D layout, production and mounting merge to form an integrated solution - plus more added-value.

The nclosure layout is subject to extreme deadline and cost pressure, which solution provider EPLAN Software & Service substantially alleviates. With the new EPLAN Pro Panel 2.1 automation engineering, mechanical and plant engineering all reap the benefits of an interdisciplinary engineering tool that covers all discipline-specific requirements. Design, 3D layout, production and mounting merge onto a uniform database for a fully integrated solution. The result is an accelerated product development process - reduced costs and more added-value.

Uniform data - automatic synchronisation
Integration is the key word that brings together all parts of the EPLAN Platform. Devices that are used in electrical and fluid designs can now be incorporated in the mounting layout - without manual synchronisation. Users can engineer faster. Typical reverse engineering tasks such as the manual data transfer between disciplines, import and export and verification data - as well as many other time-consuming redundant steps are eliminated. In addition, potential errors during project comparison are prevented ahead of time. The full functionality of EPLAN Platform's key basic features such as revision control, rights management and special programming with EPLAN API can be used - and that's everything: Integration continues in production, mounting and wiring. Direct data transfer to NC machines, conductor routing and cable preparation ensure a smooth workflow throughout the entire product development process.

Reliably designed - accurately produced
From dynamic collision control to automatic checking of respective installation conditions: The software makes professional 3D layout design easy - even for occasional users. Production data for holes or cutouts is taken account in the 3D model and can be further processed. The flexible software lets users create both associative mounting diagrams and special drilling templates. More practical decisive advantages: Production information is only entered once when the master data is created - even for parts with variable lengths such as cable ducts and mounting rails. Components and NC data are automatically integrated in the mounting layout; a sure way to fast results. Modifications to housing, doors or mounting plates are easily transferred to the appropriate production system via an NC interface - Steinhauer and Perforex are just two examples of the high degree of production integration.

Cables quickly routed
More flexible 3D conductor routing: Now, cables as well as conductors can be routed within a 3D mounting layout. The new standard in performance also applies to cable routing: Defining route networks and laying connection is intuitive and can also be done independently of real or virtual wire ducts. New layout areas further expand the 3D routing possibilities and also support virtual wiring of Lütze frame systems. Using "wiring holes", wires and cables can be routed, for example, on the back of mounting plates, partitions or other enclosure parts - along the shortest route.

Coolly configured, precisely dimensioned
Where would engineering be without the right device data? That's where the connection to EPLAN Data Portal really scores big - components can be easily transferred from the Portal to the device list or integrated into the 3D mounting layout. Highlight at the Hanover Fair: the interface to the brand new Rittal Therm 6.1 - the engineering configurator for laying out and dimensioning heating, cooling and climate control solutions from Rittal. A configurator determines what Rittal Therm devices are required, and compiles and transfers them to the EPLAN device list. The result: Highly efficient integration of climate control solutions in a 3D mounting layout.

Image: The new EPLAN Pro Panel supports the entire enclosure manufacturing process from 3D layout design to production.

Image: Conductors and cables can be automatically or interactively laid - including conductor end treatment, length determination and bundling.

For further information, view website: www.eplan.co.uk or e-mail: HLewis@eplan.co.uk   Refer to page 182

Molex Impact 100-Ohm orthogonal direct connector architecture

Molex's Impact™ 100-Ohm orthogonal direct connector system has been designed for a direct connection of printed circuit boards using the same daughtercard.  Featuring options of 3-through 6-pair, the Impact orthogonal direct technology supports high-speed 25 Gbps data rates and substantially eliminates airflow, cross-talk, and capacitance constraints in high-speed channels that can be introduced through current backplane / midplane laminates.

"The direct connector solution benefits from the density, signal integrity and high-speed of Impact technology, without added cost and press-fit assembly," explains Pete Soupir, new product development manager, Molex.  "The space saving combination of the direct right-angle male connector and daughtercard simplifies component management for our manufacturing customers and enhances performance in data, telecommunications, medical, networking and other high-speed devices."

Molex Impact orthogonal direct connectors feature two compliant-pin attach options and 18 to 72 differential pairs per orthogonal node.  The 3-through 6-pair configurations include a complete range of options for the PCB and mating interface.  The system takes advantage of the field-proven Impact mating interface, which offers the lowest mating force in the backplane industry, and patented compliant-pin technology to provide design flexibility and balance for superior mechanical and electrical performance.

Designed to meet IEEE 10GBASE-KR and Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) Stat Eye Compliant channel performance requirements, the Molex Impact orthogonal direct connector system ensures end-to-end compliance.  Featuring shorter line cards and switch-module signal paths, the simple 2.15 by 1.35mm grid on both the Impact backplane and daughtercard reduces PCB routing complexity and costs.

The Impact 100-Ohm orthogonal direct connector system is backward compatible with previously released Molex Impact orthogonal midplane daughtercard receptacles.  For information about Impact connector solutions and technical specifications, view website: www.molex.com/link/impactorthodirect.html To receive information on other Molex products and industry solutions, sign up for the e-nouncement newsletter at: www.molex.com/link/register  Refer to page 122