The Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH, Neckartenzlingen, has extended its product range to include the modular Workgroup-Switch SmartLION. With this switch, which is specially designed for using in control rooms, users in a workgroup can be networked by copper cables and fibre optic cables and connected to the backbone. This may take place homogeneously by a medium or via medium transformation. One 8 port 100BASE-TX and two 8 port 100BASE-FX modules (multimode and singlemode) and two uplinks are available for this.
The SmartLION therefore offers a high degree of flexibility in setting up and extending Ethernet networks in close-to-production areas.All the switches can be equipped with up to three media modules each. The ports of the modules are designed for RJ45 plugs.The uplink ports are offered alternatively with a module for accommodating two SFP transceivers or a module with two permanently installed Gigabit Ethernet copper ports. Up to 255 static VLANs or 2048 dynamic VLANs are available for creating virtual workgroups.
In addition, the switches support a safety mechanism in accordance with IEEE 802.1x which serves mainly for central authentication by servers such as RADIUS. The configuration and diagnosis can be performed either by a browser (Web-based Management), TELNET or Console Interface.
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 .
