The Hirschmann Automation & Control GmbH, Neckartenzlingen, has added the Fast Ethernet-Switch OCTOPUS 8M to its product portfolio. This switch, which meets the requirements of the IP67 type of protection, supports numerous functions which can be managed via SNMP v1, v2 and v3 or TELNET. This includes redundancy mechanisms such as Rapid Spanning Tree and HIPER Ring, an access control in accordance with IEEE 802.1x, filter possibilities per port and flow control with prioritisation and traffic shaping.
This makes it possible to integrate IP67 switches in managed Ethernet rings for the first time, comfortably linking the field level to the corporate network.The OCTOPUS 8M has eight twisted pair ports designed in standardised 4-pin M12 D-technology. Since the switches can be cascaded, locally structured networks with short transmission distances to the terminating equipment can be set up.The OCTOPUS can be mounted either on the wall or directly on the machine or it can be snapped on to DIN rails by an adapter.
The housing measures just 171 x 143 x 70 mm (width x height x depth), so the devices need little space.The switches satisfy all the relevant industrial standards and can be set up for operation quickly by the plug&play principle. A redundant 24 Volt power supply guarantees high availability of the components.There are LEDs on the front of the switches which indicate the device status and the network status. The OCTOPUS 8M also has a relay contact for external alarm signalling, for example in programmable logic controllers.
Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH
The Hirschmann Group has combined its competence in the area of automation technology in the Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH, Neckartenzlingen. The company is also the management company of PAT GmbH, Ettlingen, which is also part of the Hirschmann Group. The products range from network components for Ethernet, Fast-Ethernet and Gigabit-Ethernet, through fieldbus systems to electromechanical connectors for actuators and sensors. Business activities will be enhanced by systems for load indication and load moment limitation that will be marketed under the brand names PAT and KRÜGER.Hirschmann Automation and Control is currently the only company on the market to offer a complete product range for homogeneous data communication using Ethernet.
Hirschmann Ethernet solutions provide a uniform, company-wide communications infrastructure without interface problems and media discontinuities.In the future both Ethernet and fieldbusses will be used at the controller level, as well as at the field level of industrial networks depending on requirements. Hirschmann therefore offers fibre interfaces for bus systems such as Profibus, Modbus or Genius Bus; these interfaces are highly suited to use in close proximity to the process due to their optical fibre technology and their robust design.The connector range includes both products for actuators and sensors, as well as for industrial machine tool and plant manufacture. The selection is rounded off by a wide range of laboratory connectors and complete test equipment sets.
Special cable connection technologies help save time and thus also costs.With its products for load indication and load moment limitation Hirschmann has taken up a leading position on the global market. The line up focuses on microprocessor systems, geometry and force sensors which enhance the availability, cost efficiency and, most notably, the safety of cranes, elevating platforms, and a large number of other types of mobile plant.
Communication is another key element: PAT systems have, for example, integrated communication interfaces allowing construction machinery operators the option of directly communicating with a support center and receiving real-time technical assistance.As specialist for automation technology Hirschmann Automation and Control has developed innovative solutions, which are geared towards its customers’ requirements in terms of performance, efficiency and investment reliability. As a founding member of IAONA (Industrial Automation Open Networking Alliance) the company has adopted a major role in the establishment of Ethernet technology as the standard also in the production area.
The Powerlink method from the EPSG (Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group) today already provides an open method for the realisation of hard real-time applications using Ethernet, for example for robot controllers. Hirschmann is also a founding member of the EPSG.The Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH has production sites in Germany and Hungary and subsidiaries in numerous European countries, the USA and Asia.
In 2004 the company, with about 1000 staff world wide, achieved a turnover of €144 million.For more information visit www.hirschmann-usa.com .
