Family upgraded to make industrial networking even easier!

Anybus X-gateways are used in thousands of industrial applications all over the world to enable communication between two industrial networks (fieldbus or industrial Ethernet). These popular “network translators” are now modernized as HMS Industrial Networks has introduced a new version of Anybus X-gateways, designed to meet the future of the automation industry. The new version contains several new features, but is fully backwards compatible meaning that existing users can easily upgrade to the new version without hassle.

What is an X-gateway? Anybus X-gateways help system integrators to easily interconnect any two networks, enabling consistent information flow throughout the entire plant. In today’s industrial installations, one common problem is that there is often more than one control system and industrial network. Most new factory upgrades need to integrate Fieldbus with Industrial Ethernet. Connecting these similar or dissimilar control systems and networks can be a challenge. With over hundreds of individual Master/Slave and Slave/Slave versions, Anybus X-gateways allows users to connect almost any possible combination of industrial networks.

USB interface and new configuration software
The new X-gateway comes with a USB interface, enabling the users to easily connect the gateway to a PC and configure the network communication via the Windows-based tool “Anybus Configuration Manager.” No programming is necessary.

New design for easier installation
The new housing with upright design requires less rack space and enables easier installation in the switching cabinet. The flexible design also allows mounting on the side (flat) similar to the previous version of the X-gateway. Additionally, X-gateway now offers even lower power consumption.

Ethernet focus
As part of the new release, HMS introduces connectivity to CC-Link IE Field in the X-gateway family. Furthermore, several of the industrial Ethernet versions now include integrated dual-port Ethernet interfaces with an integrated switch, removing the need for external switches.

Making system integration easier

“This new version of the Anybus X-gateway will provide machine builders, system integrators, OEMs and end users with a modern communication gateway that is very easy to use when it comes to configuration and integration,” comments Markus Bladh, Product Manager at HMS. “The X-gateway product family is a proven and trusted solution already in place in thousands of industrial automation plants. For these existing users, HMS ensures backwards compatibility within their industrial automation systems – keeping the same high performance, reliability and low latency.“