October 9, 2012 - The Industrial Automation Group of Advantech released the APAX-5071 PROFINET Coupler for its APAX series I/O modules. The APAX-5071 enables the PROFINET networking interface for APAX I/O for use in remote and distributed applications. The APAX-5071 features an integrated 2-port Ethernet Switch, allowing for a daisy-chain style of Ethernet networking between multiple distributed couplers. In addition, the highly flexible nature of the APAX Series I/O allows for high-speed communication backplane to be extended over Ethernet. This allows for I/O nodes to be connected in a line (bus) topology, instead of a traditional star topology, therefore reducing the effort required for wiring and saving installation costs.
Most importantly, a single APAX-5071 coupler can be used to interface APAX I/O for multiple distributed locations into the PROFINET network, thus requiring only one IP address on the network. PROFINET is the Ethernet-based automation standard defined by PI (PROFIBUS International Organization) and fulfills industrial Ethernet requirements. It uses TCP/IP and IT standards and has real-time communication capabilities to allow a smooth and easy integration of other legacy fieldbuses. Advantech Corporation, Industrial Automation Group – With the theme of Intelligent Automation, Seamless Integration, the Industrial Automation Group (IAG) of Advantech Corporation is a pioneer in intelligent Automation technology.
By combining connectivity, flexibility, ruggedness and being at the leading-edge of Internet of Things technology, IAG offers product offerings from Intelligent HMI platforms, Industrial Ethernet, Wireless Communication, Automation Controllers, Automation Software, Embedded Automation Computers, Distributed I/O Modules, Wireless Sensor Network Solutions, Plug-in I/O, and Industrial Communication solutions for a wide array of industries. With more than 20 years of experience in providing a full range of products to different vertical markets, the Industrial Automation Group is proving to be a global leading Automation Product and Services provider. US operations for the Industrial Automation Group are based in Cincinnati, OH.