System integrators

Simple to use intelligent gateway connects Schneider Electric, ABB or GE PLC´s with Siemens automation systems and networks

The Anybus X-gateway from HMS Industrial Networks enables system integrators to easily transfer I/O data between two different PLC systems and networks. The X-gateway is a configurable stand-alone gateway that allows plant-floor devices on a Profibus network to communicate with the devices on a Modbus-TCP network and vice versa. Typical applications are installations with mixed usage of Siemens and Schneider Electric, ABB or GE PLCs. One example is automobile manufacturing plants where Profibus based segments shall be integrated into industrial Ethernet based control applications with the popular Modbus-TCP protocol.

The X-gateway is a compact device for standard DIN rail mounting and 24 Volt industrial power supply. It functions as a server (slave) on the Modbus-TCP network and as a master on the Profibus side. The Profibus master functionality is configured with HMS´ Anybus NetTool for Profibus, a powerful but easy to use Windows-based configuration tool which comes free with the X-gateway. After the initial configuration has been downloaded into the X-gateway, it passes up to 512 byte of input and 512 byte of output data transparently between Modbus-TCP and Profibus. Up to 124 Profibus slaves can be connected to the gateway. In addition to its data transfer capabilities, the X-gateway incorporates a powerful embedded web server on the Modbus-TCP side which supports web based remote diagnostics and visualization. Even an OPC server is included in the scope of delivery of the X-gateway. The X-gateway contains Profibus and Modbus-TCP communication interfaces that have been certified for full compliance to the respective protocol standards.
The Anybus X-gateway family is a product line consisting of over 200 proven, robust and ready-to-use gateways aimed to connect almost every possible combination of two industrial networks. The product family supports 17 different fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks such as Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen, CC-Link, EtherNet/IP, Profinet and many more. All versions work the same way and provide a flexible standard solution to connect two industrial networks.

FDI

Accelerated deployment of Field Device Integration accepted

Foundation joins other industry leaders in recent expansion of EDDL Cooperation Team into new FDI Cooperation

The HART® Communication Foundation announces its support of accelerating the deployment of the Field Device Integration (FDI) technology by enlarging the scope of the EDDL Cooperation Team into the new FDI Cooperation. The FDI Cooperation supports a uniform device integration solution for process industries across all control and host systems, devices and field device communication protocols as requested by end users around the world.

The new cooperation initially consists of major technology trade organizations, FDT Group, Fieldbus Foundation, HART Communication Foundation, OPC Foundation and PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation, and control equipment supplier companies, ABB, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Honeywell, Invensys, Siemens, and Yokogawa. The addition of these supplier companies, who have agreed to support FDI solutions in their systems and products, will provide valuable resources for the completion of this project.

“The Foundation fully supports the development of a unified device integration solution. Not only are we working towards fulfilling the requirements of our global users but we are also simplifying the development and support requirements for suppliers,” says HART Communication Foundation Executive Director Ron Helson. “Simplifying the integration of a variety of devices manufactured by different suppliers into multiple control and asset management systems is our common goal.”

In addition to the finalization of the FDI specification, which is scheduled for mid 2010, the scope of the enlarged FDI Cooperation is to cover common design and test tools, common binary format and interpreter across the protocols of HART, FF and PROFIBUS.

The FDI project was initially kicked-off at the 2007 Hanover Fair at which time ECT welcomed FDT Group with the primary objective of harmonizing EDDL and FDT/DTM technologies. Since then, the project has carefully shaped the technology direction for the converged FDI solution.