January 29, 2019 – Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced the 19-inch VisuNet IXD 2100 remote monitor for outdoor use in IECEx/ATEX Zone 1/21 rated hazardous locations. Tailored to meet the demands of the oil and gas industry, the IXD features a marine-grade aluminum housing that can withstand temperatures up to 60 ºC, and thermally hardened glass for high impact resistance. The VisuNet IXD 2100 is available either as thin client or as PC. The thin client option comes equipped with Pepperl+Fuchs' RM Shell 5 firmware. This latest-generation firmware, which is based on Microsoft Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSB, supports integration and management of VisuNet remote monitors and thin clients.
RM Shell 5 allows users to create profiles and connections to access their applications on a process control system via standard Ethernet networking. The PC version offers an open Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system on which customers can install and run their applications locally on the HMI. One of the clear advantages of the IXD 2100 is its modular design comprised of three main components: the display, computer, and power supply. Operators can easily disassemble the modules on-site and replace components independently in the event of a fault. In addition to multiple mounting options, the IXD also offers a selection of interfaces for optimal communication.
Along with RS-232 and RS-485 interfaces, a fiber optic interface as well as a redundant Ethernet option are also available. This allows redundant network structures to be set up and sustainably increases the availability of the monitors. The true highlight is the new fiber optic interface, which is certified to the latest optical intrinsic safety standards. It allows the monitor to be connected to a standard fiber-optic switch that only has to meet the requirements of Class 1 laser