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Gateways simplify migration to real-time Profinet

12 October, 2012

The Swedish communications specialist HMS Industrial Networks has released a series of gateways that can link Profinet IRT (Isochronous Real Time) to a variety of industrial networks, allowing plant owners and machine-builders to migrate to real-time Profinet without changing their existing machinery.

HMS’s Anybus X-gateways have long been able to connect Profinet to fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks. The new models (above) extend the connectivity to cover Profinet IRT for both copper cabling and fibre-optics. It can connect to ControlNet, EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet via copper cables, and Profibus and CANopen using fibre optics.

The gateways copy I/O data between Profinet IRT and the other networks. I/O sizes and other gateway settings are configured using a Windows-based terminal interface, avoiding the need for any programming.

The gateways’ baud rate is 100Mbit/s (full duplex) and they use two RJ-45 connectors (copper) or two SC-RJ connectors (fibre optic), supporting installations in line or ring topologies. An integrated two-port IRT switch eliminates the need for external switches.

The gateways can be used to connect existing subsystems and machinery which are already networked and need to be included in new networks. This avoids the need for machine-builders to develop this connectivity themselves.




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