January 22, 2019 - In early 2019, Pepperl+Fuchs will launch the LB PROFINET gateway, delivering conventional PROFINET functionality and full access to all connected HART devices. In practical terms, this will give users access to HART auxiliary variables as a second measuring value in addition to process variables. Furthermore, the diagnostic data from the field devices can be read out via HART IP, thus increasing transparency and plant availability.
The gateway also offers flexibility since different protocols can run via the same cordset (e.g., PROFINET and HART IP), and up to 80 field devices can be connected to a fully occupied remote I/O system. These devices communicate without a time delay.
Another highlight of the gateway is the intelligent redundancy concept. An integrated switch ensures the functionality of the network at all times based on the medium redundancy protocol (MRP). If a line fails, the ring network is reconfigured to send the data packets via the alternative route. Since the potential for hazards increases as a result of big data being used alongside increased networking of industrial plants, the PROFINET gateway also fulfills the appropriate safety requirements. The device status and additional diagnostic data can be read at a glance via RGB LEDs.
