Communications and automation & control

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New Anybus CompactCom Modbus TCP
2-port module eliminates external switches

The new 2-port version of Anybus CompactCom for Modbus TCP is not only a fast and easy way for industrial device manufacturers to achieve connectivity to Modbus TCP. It is also a way to reduce the need for expensive external switches and cut down on factory wiring since the module comes with a built-in switch of its own.

With this new member of the Anybus CompactCom family, HMS strengthens its embedded offering for Modbus TCP - one of the major industrial Ethernet networks on the market with a large installed base. Many manufacturers of machines, robots, drives etc. have already equipped their devices with the single-port version of the communication module providing them with instant connectivity to Modbus TCP (and the possibility to connect to 19 other industrial networks by simply switching Anybus module).

Built-in switch saves money and facilitates network design
The new 2-port Modbus TCP module includes an integrated switch that makes it possible to build networks in normal fieldbus style (daisy chain) rather than connecting all devices through an external switch. This saves money since it reduces the need for expensive external switches. It also reduces wiring and makes network maintenance easier.

"There is great need for communication solutions with integrated switches on the Industrial Ethernet market today," comments Leif Malmberg, HMS Product Line Manager, Embedded Solutions. "The market is definitely moving in this direction and we are certain that this technology will provide great value to device manufacturers and system integrators working with Modbus TCP."

Technical highlights
The Anybus CompactCom module acts as a slave on the Modbus TCP network. It is available with and without housing and is about the size of a compact flash card. The core of the module is composed of HMS´s NP30 microprocessor with its integrated fast Ethernet controller along with RAM and Flash memories for the Modbus TCP device software stack.

Thanks to the integrated web functions (such as dynamic web pages, email and FTP) it is possible to get online statistics, notification emails and other information about the performance of the device. For example, it is possible to get an email whenever the machine is in need of service.

The onboard 2-port switch provides two 100 Mbit/s full duplex Ethernet interfaces with RJ45 connectors.

What is Anybus CompactCom?
Anybus is the world´s most widely used technology for industrial network connectivity. Anybus CompactCom is a range of embedded communication modules allowing communication with a specific industrial network. The modules are interchangeable which means that users can easily connect to any desired network. Anybus CompactCom works with all major fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet networks such as Profibus, DeviceNet, CC-Link, CANopen, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT and Modbus TCP.

Anybus CompactCom modules are used as communication interfaces in intelligent automation devices such as drives, HMIs, robots, inverters, instruments, and scales. By embedding Anybus CompactCom into a device, manufacturers get quicker time to market, decreased development costs by as much as 70%, and also the possibility to easily connect to another industrial network by simply switching Anybus module.

To read more, view website: http://www.anybus.com/products/products.asp?PID=458&ProductType=Anybus-CompactCom

For further information, contact Michela Nalin, e-mail: min@hms.se or view website: www.anybus.com   
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Do you have a machine controller with a floppy drive?

You have a machine controller with a floppy drive? The machine still functions perfectly but you're not really happy with the floppy technology anymore? With the Compact Flash floppy drive (CFF 011), SIGMATEK offers an alternative, operating system-independent device. This allows the PC to be easily updated with the latest data storage technology. With the CFF 011, the data from up to 99 floppy diskettes can be stored on a single Compact Flash card. The data and programs from several machines can be saved and/or loaded with a Compact Flash card.

Physically, The Compact Flash floppy drive is not different from a conventional floppy drive. Plug and Play - the exchange is simple and without installation. The CFF 011 supports all current operating systems and can be connected to any IDE controller in a PC.

It was especially designed for industrial applications and is constructed accordingly robust. The CFF 011 can be mounted horizontally as well as vertically and fits into any standard 3.5" floppy slot.

SIGMATEK in profile
SIGMATEK is counted among the leading manufacturers of complete automation systems for machine and plant manufacturing worldwide. In the 20-year history of the company, trend setting automation technologies were developed in close coordination with customer demands. With a product spectrum that meets all requirements from best asset cost to high-end applications, today practically any job requirement can be covered with serial products. In keeping with the company's philosophy, long-term availability is guaranteed.

The scope of delivery extends from control and I/O systems, IPCs, HMIs, Motion Control and Safety to the all-in-one engineering tool LASAL with object oriented programming and the real-time Ethernet VARAN. New technologies are regularly tested for their applicability in the automation industry and implemented with the shortest "time-to-market" in innovative products. This guarantees a highly modern product spectrum from one source. In-house research, development and production ensure the Salzburg Company, with over 320 employees at its headquarters, a place at the forefront of automation technology. With subsidiaries in Germany, Switzerland, the USA and China as well as sales and service partners in the most significant international industry centers, SIGMATEK is always near the customer world wide.

For further information, e-mail:
ingrid.traintiger@sigmatek.at  Refer to page 324

Washdown-immune sensor meets IP68/69k requirements

The new UMC3000 raises ultrasonic sensor performance in harsh environments to a whole new level. The units seamless, 100 % stainless steel housing and chemically resistant cable system enable ultrasonic monitoring and control in areas previously considered impossible to solve. Two housing concepts solve a variety of applications. A smooth-barrel, food-grade design meets the stringent standards of the Food and Beverage industry, while a 30mm diameter threaded model is ideally suited for agricultural machinery and other outdoor installations. LED indication of target presence and power is standard on all models.

Main features at a glance
Completely sealed design meets IP 68/69K standards; Stainless steel sensing face and barrel (Grade: 1.4404 (V4A, AISI 316L); Fully adjustable 200 to 3000mm sensing range; Configurable analog and set-point output models; Meets EHEDG* Hygienic Design» guidelines; *EHEDG = European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group.

Pictures show (top): UMC3000_1: UMC3000 direct sensing Metal Face Sensor. (Below): UMC30002 :Protection rating IP68 / IP69K

For further information, view website: www.pepperl-fuchs.com or e-mail: sales@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com  Refer to page 113

Radio position switch for Ex Zone 21 without cable and battery

Totally independent from external power supply the design engineer can apply the wireless position switch Ex RF 95. And the user does not have to care about the loading condition of a battery, since there is a miniaturized electrodynamic energy generator in the switch insert of the Ex RF 95, which generates exactly that energy quantity necessary for the transmission of a radio signal.

This innovative technology of "energy harvesting" offers special advantages in potentially explosive atmospheres , because the special safety measures for laying and connecting the cables are omitted and because the radio switch can simply transmit from inside the Ex area. Thus the receiving unit - generally built into the switch cabinet - can be mounted outside the Ex zone.

The Ex RF 95 D can be applied in the potentially explosive atmospheres of gas Ex zones 1 and 2 and dust Ex zones 21 and 22. The wireless position switch Ex RF 95 series has been approved to Atex and IECEx. Different actuators are available so that the switch can be adapted to the individual circumstances.

Although the radio signal has only a small energy quantity, it is extremely insensitive to interferences which are often unavoidable in the rough industrial environment. The encoding of the signals guarantees a clear classification between command device and receiving unit.

It goes without saying that the applied radio technology - which already shows good results in the industrial automation and building services - offers all safety features essential in potentially explosive atmospheres.

For further information, e-mail: s.hill@steute.com or view website: www.steute.co.uk 
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Pepper + Fuchs KFU8-VCR-1 Multifunctional
transmitter power supply with converter functions

Many process automation applications require versatile devices. The new signal conditioner KFU8-VCR-1 from Pepperl+Fuchs combines a universal power supply for 2- and 3-wire transmitters with signal converter functionality. Multiple outputs offer active and passive current sources and one voltage output, allowing a flexible adaptation of the field signal to the control system.

Front-sided rotary switches feature fast and easy setup and configuration without the need for software. Switch settings can be easily duplicated in case of replacements or expansions.

Finally, no 24VDC supply is needed due to the integrated wide range power supply. Ideal for small projects and world wide usage.

The new transmitter power supply is THE flexible all-rounder for input conversion and output signals.

For further information, view website: www.pepperl-fuchs.com or e-mail: sales@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com 
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