RS-232 / 485 meets Ethernet
Task
Ethernet now has a great acceptance in industrial applications. The automation devices are however often not network-capable. Help comes in the form of the new "serial device server" FL COM SERVER. It allows simple integration of serial interfaces in industrial 10/100 Base-T(X) networks.
Performance for industrial requirements
Both hardware and software are designed for the special industrial requirements. The 3964R protocol, for example, is supported, as are the various Modbus protocols or status messages via SNMP objects.
Simple configuration and diagnostics
If, on the other hand, configuration and diagnostics are to be carried out directly with process visualization, corresponding SNMP objects are available to be integrated in OPC databases.
Integration of serial devices
A common application is the simple point-to-point connection of two serial devices via an existing network. The data is "tunneled" through the network with two FL COM SERVERs, doing away with all limits to range, such as the maximum 15 m for RS-232.
If, on the other hand, the serial data of an application software is to be available in the network, only one FL COM SERVER is connected to the serial device. In its function as client or server, the FL COM SERVER can then make the data available and transmit it in TCP/IP or UDP.
Existing software goes network-capable
Networking Modbus and other multidrop systems
Even the classic RS-485 multidrop networks can be enhanced or replaced by modern network technology with the FL COM SERVER.
Modbus is the most familiar supporter of this technology. The FL COM SERVER supports both the serial Modbus ASCII and RTU protocols, and the Ethernet-based Modbus TCP protocol. The fully fledged gateway function allows it to be used with Modbus masters and slaves, therefore connecting any number of serial Modbus devices in Modbus TCP networks.
Directed addressing of other multidrop networks can be performed using a simple broadcast addressing sent out to all network devices, or with the aid of intelligent mechanisms. The target address is read directly out of the serial data flow and used for addressing.
Remote access in remote networks
Remote networks are often difficult to contact (e.g. wind parks). Using a modem connection (data telecommunication) in combination with the FL COM SERVER, guaranteed connection to remote networks is now simple. For this reason, the COM SERVER supports the PPP protocol.
This means that remote servicing and diagnostics of distant network devices is as simple as dialing into Internet at home.
And by combining the PSI WL BLUETOOTH converter with the FL COM SERVER, a blue tooth access point can be deployed. This allows wireless integration of serial devices in an Ethernet network with a range of up to 150 m.