Missing link for control, monitoring, and interfacing

DNF Controls has released the AnyWhere Interface Box (AIB), a compact single-box "missing link" solution that provides eight opto-isolated GPI inputs, eight relay contact closure GPO outputs, one RS422/RS232 serial port, and one 10 BaseT Ethernet port. Designed for applications in A/V, industrial, radio, and television broadcasting market segments, the AIB supports GPI-to-GPO(s), GPI-to-serial, GPI-to-Ethernet, and GPI-to-SNMP control; serial-to-GPO, Ethernet-to-GPO, and SNMP-to-GPO monitoring; and serial-to-Ethernet and serial-to-SNMP conversions; all of which are user-configurable.

The AIB makes it cost-effective for users to address their unique and specific needs, whether by establishing interoperability between incompatible systems or extending the functionality of existing systems that would otherwise require costly custom programming or interfacing.

"Unlike any other single solution available, the AIB allows users to bridge systems and achieve that key bit of functionality they require — without performing any programming whatsoever," said Dan Fogel, DNF Controls' CTO. "It's a simple but powerful solution that can be easily and quickly configured and deployed where and as needed."

Easily managed by technical and nontechnical users alike, the AIB provides users with a Web browser-based configuration user interface featuring a series of drop-down menus and fill-in-the-box entries that make it easy to map an event input (GPI, serial, Ethernet, SNMP) to one or more action outputs (GPO, serial, Ethernet, SNMP). The configuration is saved in non-volatile storage in the AIB and can be saved to and restored from a PC.

The AIB can be powered by power over Ethernet (POE) or an optional 12-W external power supply. The box itself measures just 8.25 by 4.125 by 1.5 inches.

"Typically, when customers choose a piece of equipment, it does 90 percent of what they want," added Fogel. "Businesses make this compromise because the last 10 percent of desired functionality is just too expensive. The AIB, however, can supply that last 10 percent at a very appealing price point, and that's real money saved. What's more, the user benefits through greater efficiency and fewer errors."