Additional industrial network interfaces

GE Intelligent Platforms has announced the availability of new CANopen and CC-Link bus interfaces for its high performance PACSystems® RSTi distributed I/O. Both networks enable the I/O and a wide range of control devices to connect on the same network, therefore reducing wiring and network complexity. The RSTi system is based on global standards and delivers on the promise of an open, consistent and standard high performance communication link between field I/O and controller. The unit’s integration into the control system also simplifies development and commissioning that results in increased productivity

“Equipment builders are continuously looking for ways to improve the performance of their equipment while augmenting usability and reducing size and complexity,” said Bill Black, I/O Product Manager for GE Intelligent Platforms. “These requirements extend to the control system. Every level of a GE Intelligent Platforms’ control system – from our PROFINET networked I/O modules to our cloud-based automation development platform – is built to connect and collaborate. With PACSystems, GE provides high performance control solutions with best-in-class integration of distributed, networked, I/O ideally suited for today’s demanding connected applications.”

Users can standardize on the RSTi I/O system regardless of the controller type or bus interface for a wide range of applications which, in turn, reduces spare parts, training and support costs. There are more than 80 different module types to choose from for discrete, process, motion and specialty applications. In addition to CANopen and CC-Link, GE offers PROFINET, PROFIBUS DP, DeviceNET, MODBUS/TCP, and MODBUS serial.

Starter kits for both the CANopen and CC-Link are available on the GE Intelligent Platforms online store. These specially-priced starter kit systems are ideal for OEMs to evaluate the RSTi for the first time and see the flexibility and power of this open distributed I/O system.