Read the online version if some of the links don't work in this Industrial Communications Update.
MOXA'S Industrial Communication Solutions
NEW! Industrial 7+3G-port Gigabit Managed Redundant Ethernet Switches - EDS-510A Series
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Active Ethernet I/O with Ethernet and 12 Digital Inputs, 8 Digital Outputs - ioLogik E2210 Series
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Industrial IEEE 802.11g Wireless AP/Bridge/AP Client - AWK-1100 Series
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From the Publisher:
Communicating Communications
Featured Articles:
White Paper: Industrial Ethernet Infrastructure - Key Selection Criteria; Digital fieldbus networks; Industrial networking for the rest of us; and more
Resources & Literature:
NI downloadable catalog; AutomationDirect Industrial Automation Catalog; SIXNET Control & Data Acquisition CD; and more
Featured Training:
Foundation Fieldbus Course for power and wire installers; AutomationDirect tutorial site; Industrial Data Communications, Part I; and more
Company & Organizational News:
Moxa DNV and GL certification; Data-Linc hires Sales & Marketing Manager; Profibus, Profinet included in China standards; Moore Industries signs Rep in Upper Midwest; and more
Featured Events:
Event: CiA Information Day; Event: CeBIT - USA Communications and Networking Pavilion; ABB Automation World; and more
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From the Publisher | |||||
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Communicating Communications Welcome to our Industrial Communications newsletter. You may notice a certain amount of overlap between this newsletter and previous ones, such as Automation Software or Machine Control. The reason is that some of the news, resources and events apply to both disciplines. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve on these product portals or topical e-newsletters, please don't hesitate to contact me. Enjoy the rest of this Industrial Communications update! Rick Zabel |
2007 Salary Survey
Automation.com is surveying automation, process control and instrumentation professionals about career, salary and company information. Find out how you stack up with other professionals, and how salaries vary by job function or geographic region. Please take a minute to complete our survey and then pass it on to your automation friends and colleagues. Survey results will be published in early spring 2007.
By: Eddie M. Lee, Application Engineer, Moxa Technologies, Inc.
With the recent growth and popularity of Ethernet in factory and process automation, engineers are struggling to select the optimal yet cost effective infrastructure components from the litany of vendors and models available in the marketplace. The first step should include determining the key goals of your network followed by selecting the proper equipment to facilitate achieving those goals. This article outlines the key criteria for selecting Ethernet components and systems.
Download full white paper
By Dan Hebert, Senior Technical Editor, Control
Upgrading a legacy system to digital fieldbus networks presents a host of expensive challenges. Modifying these systems to accept digital fieldbus signals can be very expensive or even impossible. This article explains how to use a simple peer-to-peer system to bring signals from the field, and avoid the expense of fieldbus.
Read Full Article
By Keith Larson, VP Content, Putman Media
As open digital networks continue to transform process automation and information architectures, the need to understand networking technology has added yet another layer of complexity to the already imposing knowledge base required of today’s process automation professional. Innovations from MooreHawke and MTL lead the way.
Read full article
By Mark Lamendola, Contributor, Industrial Networking
There are plenty of issues that cause network headaches, but never assume your electrical subcontractor is familiar with routing and terminating network connector cables, even if they do it all the time.We might not think much about the technology behind each connector, such as which style or termination method to use, but all can affect bandwidth, reliability, and total cost of ownership.
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By Jonas Berge, president, Fieldbus Foundation Marketing Society, Singapore
Traditionally, the automation system has been an isolated island—not connected to anything. However, new methods of operation require remote access for visualization and supervision of the controls through a live link. This requires network access to the automation system from other parts of the enterprise.
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Barry Dropping, Sr. Director Product Line Management, Symmetricom
Techniques for putting Ethernet nodes on a common time base may make it possible to synchronize widely separated connections. IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) forms the basis for defining Ethernet links that can transport synchronization signals with small and well-defined delays. A variety of silicon vendors are producing hardware that supports PTP.
Read full article
G. Raymond Peacock, Temperatures.com Inc.
Data derived from sensors can no longer be limited to the plant floor. Powerful forces are moving to integrate it with other related enterprise systems, pulling sensor data all the way to the boardroom. Sensor gateways come in the form of separate software packages, middleware, as well as hardware-software products that contain built-in middleware to enable sensor data to be directly accessed by enterprise software systems.
Read full article
By Thorsten Beierle, Application Engineer, Data Translation
With the right software, USB 2.0 ports can deliver very fast performance, even faster than traditional parallel buses like PCI. This article discusses the architectural points and some insights behind the design of USB 2.0 Data Acquisition (DAQ) hardware and software that can enable very fast data capture and analysis.
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The site offers improved navigation, secure order entry, search capability and an interactive calendar to keep industry informed about all of ODVA’s activities worldwide.
Read full article
Measurement and Automation Catalog 2007 describes software and hardware for test, control and design applications. For 2007, NI has made it even easier for customers to find what they need by providing the catalog in a searchable, downloadable eBook format.
View Catalog
Have AutomationDirect's entire product line at your fingertips - it is more than a catalog...it is a Desk Reference containing detailed product descriptions complemented by plenty of technical illustrations, step-by-step procedures for selecting various PLC hardware and software, PC-based control, operatorinterface, motor contactors, drives, sensing equipment, connection systems, and much more.
Request Catalog
SIXNET's FREE CD is a great tool for any industrial control professional's arsenal. The CD contains time-saving application suggestions and technical notes, detailed datasheets and user manuals, product demos, and useful software tools.
Request Free CD
The site contains videos, quick-start product guides and a library of code that help customers reduce the complexity of selecting, designing and configuring control systems. The site includes tools such as CompactLogix System Quick Start, an easy-to-understand guide designed to help reduce the time and cost associated with engineering, configuration and installation of a midsize control system.
View Web Site
Engineers Pocket Guide from IDC Technologies covering Automation Using PLCs, SCADA and Telemetry Fundamentals, Process Control Fundamentals, and Data Acquisition Concepts
Get Training Guide
To help CANopen industrial network users more easily connect to Ethernet, CAN in Automation (CiA) recently released the CiA 309 series of gateway specifications. The first part of CiA 309 specifies the communication services of the TCP/IP side of the CANopen-TCP/IP gateway. The second part has been jointly developed with the ModbusTCP organization; it specifies the ModbusTCP protocols to access the devices in the CANopen network.
More information
The Fieldbus Center at Lee College, a National Science Foundation (NSF) recognized and funded institution, is offering a FOUNDATION fieldbus training course for power and wire installers. The two-day course covers installation and testing of fieldbus physical layer components.
More information
The video tutorial and training site, learn.automationdirect.com, is divided into product categories. It helps answer questions on a range of automation topics such as Selecting a PLC, Building a Combination Manual Motor Starter, HMI and PLC software features, the basics of sensors, motors and motion control, and more. Typically, the presentations are divided into several 1-30 minute segments.
More information
May 21-23, 2007
ISA Headquarters, Research Triangle Park, NC Learn the underlying principles behind today's industrial communications systems, including Modbus, Data Highway Plus and Ethernet/TCP IP. Real life examples and case histories will help you understand the facts behind control networks and how to apply and maintain them effectively in your plant. Price: $1,395.00
More information
This course explores the advantages of LynxOS real-time programming as it pertains to drivers. This workshop will provide thorough knowledge about creating device drivers that work with LynxOS. Workshops are held at the LynuxWorks training center in San José, California, and in Fontenay-le-Fleury, France (near Paris).
More information
These courses will instruct you how to plan, install, terminate, test, commission, and troubleshoot the wide variety of fiber optic links and devices used in data, security, and industrial communications. Our instructors and materials are approved by the Fiber Optic Association, the largest educational body for fiber optic technicians in the world. Price: $129.
More information
OPC (OLE for Process Control) is the world's fastest growing standard for the exchange of process control data. While many within industry have heard of OPC, not everyone knows what OPC is and the many benefits it offers. Matrikon, an OPC Foundation Charter Member, has produced a 30-minute online multimedia tutorial to explain the basics and vision of OPC and how to begin integrating it into new and current systems.
View Tutorial
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MOXA announces UPort USB-to-serial hubs with optical isolation - 02/07/07 The two-port UPort 1250I and the four-port UPort 1450I USB-to-serial hubs have 2 KV optical isolation protection on each serial port. Both include selectable RS-232/422/485 communication, baudrates up to 921.6 Kbps, built-in 15 KV ESD protection, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 operation up to 480 Mbps. |
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MOXA releases Active Ethernet I/O with condition-based reporting - 02/07/07 Active Ethernet I/O server reports and controls I/O status based on user-specified conditions. Critical sensor data can be obtained immediately instead being subject to polling intervals. It supports multiple protocols for data transmission, including TCP/UDP, SNMP trap, SMTP (e-mail), and Modbus/TCP. |
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Schneider Electric introduces ConneXview network diagnostic software - 02/08/07 Telemecanique ConneXview diagnostic software maps, monitors and troubleshoots industrial Ethernet networks. It provides automatic device discovery, Ethernet device (SNMP) and control-network device Modbus/TCP) mapping, and diagnostics that speed the identification and resolution of problems. |
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ifm efector announces ClassicLine I/O Module for AS-i Networking - 02/08/07 ClassicLine I/O module eliminates the need for mounting tools and provides a simple connection method to the AS-i networking system. It has a simple sliding mechanism that quickly connects the module’s upper and lower parts. |
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Beckhoff EtherCAT Terminals work with Profibus, DeviceNet and CANopen - 02/06/07 EL67xx EtherCAT master and slave terminals provide a direct interface to EtherCAT I/O nodes for all Profibus (EL6731), DeviceNet (EL6752) and CANopen (EL6751) devices. The terminals channel each fieldbus signal type through the EtherCAT protocol with full availability of the respective network’s features and functions. |
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SIXNET announces Slim Line series of Industrial Ethernet Managed Switches - 02/01/07 These switches feature a compact and slim package design that makes them ideal for applications where DIN rail space is a premium. Slim Line (SL) switches are available in five-port (SL-5MS) and eight-port (SL-8MS) models, with up to two fiber optic ports. |
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Phoenix Contact enhances RAD-Link network programming software - 02/01/07 Enhancements include a setup wizard that makes it easy to set up new or existing networks. The user can see the name of each radio and review which slaves are communicating with the master and which slaves are communicating through repeaters. The user can choose to set alarms to appear at the bottom of the screen, make a sound, display a pop-up or send an e-mail/text message. A free version can be downloaded. |
Other Product Announcements
- Data-Linc's SRM6310E-EU wireless modem certified for Class 1 Div 2 - 02/23/07
- Data-Linc announces SRM7210E High-speed wireless Ethernet modem - 02/23/07
- JUMO announces Wtrans for wireless temperature measurement - 02/23/07
- Pepperl+Fuchs introduces VBA AS-Interface I/O Nodes - 02/23/07
- PrismTech and Green Hills announce Software for Radio Environment - 02/22/07
- Online Development enhances xCoupler Module for ControlLogix - 02/21/07
- GE Fanuc adds serial communications modules to PACSystem RX3i - 02/21/07
- AXIOMTEK introduces NA-820 Intel Core2 Duo Network Platform - 02/16/07
- Ethernet Direct announces Industrial Ethernet Switches compatible with IntraVUE - 02/15/07
- MOXA’s ioLogik E2000 Active Ethernet I/O works with NI LabVIEW - 02/14/07
- MatrikonOPC releases Server for BACnet - 02/13/07
- MooreHawke gets FM Approval for ROUTE-MASTER Fieldbus Device Coupler - 02/13/07
- Korenix releases JetPort 560 4 redundant serial device server - 02/13/07
- Westermo introduces DR-200 secure industrial ADSL router - 02/09/07
- IXXAT announces Powerlink Starter Kit - 02/07/07
- Azure Wireless enhances Universal Wi-Fi Gateway - 02/07/07
- Elpro adds 802.11 Mesh Functionality to 24OU-E Wireless Device Server - 02/05/07
- Ethernet Direct releases Redundant X-Ring Ethernet Switches - 02/02/07
- GarrettCom DynaStar substation router now supports MPLS - 02/01/07
- Quatech announces Vista-Ready serial I/O products - 02/01/07
Product Search
Moxa achieves DNV and GL certification - 2/07/07
MOXA's industrial Ethernet switches, media converters, and serial-to-Ethernet servers have been certified by the DNV and GL classification societies.
Data-Linc hires Sales & Marketing Manager - 2/23/07
Hal Williams was appointed Global Sales & Marketing Manager in the Bellevue, WA corporate office.
Profibus, Profinet included in China standards
Profibus and Profinet received a boost in China, as they were recently named among national standards for networking platforms there. These standards provide a critical degree of official preference, which will influence end-users as they select products for domestic applications, say Profibus-related network organizations.
Moore Industries signs Arjay Automation as Manufacturer’s Rep in Upper Midwest - 2/22/07
Moore Industries signed Arjay Automation in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a manufacturer’s representative for all Moore Industries product lines, including MooreHawke. Arjay will be responsible for covering Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and western Wisconsin for Moore Industries.
ABB 2006 net income rises 89% to $1.4 billion - 2/16/07
ABB's net income rose 89 percent to $1,390 million in 2006 amid strong demand for technology to increase power grid reliability, industrial productivity and energy efficiency. Revenues for 2006 reached $24,412 million, an increase of 11 percent (10 percent in local currencies) over 2005, while orders were 22 percent higher (22 percent in local currencies) at $28,401 million.
Ethernet Direct sets up South East Asia operation - 02/02/07
The operation has offices in Vietnam, and agents in Singapore, Thailand and Middle East.
OPC technology provides ease of access to the wide variety of devices in our enterprise, eliminating costly custom or proprietary interfaces. Providing us with a flexible and scalable solution we can build on for years to come. We are confident and secure in our ability to meet the 98% uptime emissions reporting requirements. Now that these manual processes are automated, we are saving approximately 4 hours of resource allocation in a 24 hour shift rotation.
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Application note from Moxa Technologies describes how to let small PLCs communicate over the Ethernet. Small PLCs, such as the Allen Bradley Micrologix family, have only one RS-232 serial communication interface, and may be located in remote areas, making communication possible only via conversion to RS-485 or a modem (telephone, leased line, radio, or satellite). This is often prohibitively expensive or impractical. This note describes how a serial device server allows the PLC serial data to be transported over the Ethernet very economically. The PLC can now be located anywhere where there is network access.
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Here’s how one of the world's leading machine builders of filling, labeling, and packaging machines uses Ethernet communications. Each of these machines is made up of a combination of PLC controllers, HMI control panel, and numerous I/Os, relays, sensors, and counters. The builder uses Moxa Ethernet switches, which support multimode fiber and are capable of transmitting data up to 5 km, making it easier to configure and support reliable, high-speed data transfer between machines or to the central control room.
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A petroleum company recently upgraded the remote control and monitoring system in its Belgium manufacturing site. Since the monitoring cells are either in or next to high temperature refinery areas, the devices used for this project are required to operate under the Class 1 Zone 2 standard. Another issue that must be considered is the reliability of the devices. The operating temperature in the cells is high, and the refinery is usually unmanned, so that in general no one will be available to troubleshoot the situation when a device fails. The answer was to use Ethernet switches over a fiber optic network.
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Event: CiA Information Day
Nuremberg, Germany - March 5, 2007
Learn about the latest standardization activities, specification activities, CAN technology trends, services and publication strategies, market figures in different application fields and other interesting topics. All presentations will be in English
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Event: CeBIT - USA Communications and Networking Pavilion
Hannover Fairgrounds, Hannover, Germany - Mar 18-Mar 24, 2004
Showcases U.S. companies in communications and networking, including those offering antennas, communications measuring equipment, data communications, modems, measuring technology, network computing software, network security and power supplies.
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ABB Automation World
March 20-22, 2007 - Caribe Royale, Orlando, Florida
ABB Automation World Conference & Exhibit targets users and specifiers of process, plant and utility automation equipment, software and services. Learn about the latest solutions and future trends in automation from ABB experts and industry leaders.
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Matrikon Summit 2007
May 7-10, 2007 - Lincolnshire Marriott, Chicago, IL
Matrikon Summit 2007 is the technology conference for industry executives, process control engineers and other professionals. Come see the latest in process data technology for industries including petrochemical, pulp and paper, mining, oil and gas, and power and learn how it will transform your business. Through presentations, case studies, panel discussions, demonstrations and networking events, you'll be immersed in new ideas for making a step change in operational and business excellence.
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ISA POWID Division Symposium
The 50th POWID Symposium, held in partnership with EPRI, will be held 10-15 June at the Sheraton Station Square Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA. It is also considered the 17th Annual Joint ISA POWID/EPRI Controls and Instrumentation Conference.
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Siemens 2007 Automation Summit
The Siemens Automation Summit will be held June 12-15, 2007 at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando. The theme of this year's event is "Automation, Innovation, Inspiration."
More Information
I hope you enjoyed this industrial communications update. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding the content in this e-newsletter or on Automation.com, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Rick Zabel
Vice President, Publisher
Automation.com
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