Product News
EtherCAT Box for conveyor control
Beckhoff: To enhance control and cabling efficiency for motor-driven roller (MDR) conveyor systems, Beckhoff Automation has released the new EP7402 EtherCAT Box. This compact controller is a two-channel motor output stage for BLDC motors used in MDRs, regardless of the conveyor or roller motor vendor. The EP7402 offers optimal conveyor control through zero-pressure accumulation (ZPA) logic in its firmware, programming in the TwinCAT 3 engineering environment and high performance EtherCAT industrial Ethernet communication. Designed for conveying tasks in intralogistics, packaging, food and beverage, assembly and other industries, the EP7402 offers numerous advantages: IP67 rated and compliant with new electrical standards being enforced in 2020; does not require a protective enclosure; mounts in standard C-channel or L-brackets directly on the conveyor frame; One Cable Automation (OCA) via two B23 ENP hybrid connectors; and multiple M8 sockets to support two MDRs per device and digital I/O for peripheral sensors, vision systems or junctions to the entire range of EtherCAT Box modules.
Communications gateway
HMS Networks: A new Intesis gateway makes communication between PROFINET and BACnet easy. The Intesis protocol translator enables communication between PROFINET PLCs on factory floors and Building Management Systems using BACnet IP/MSTP. With this, full data integration, monitoring, and control is enabled between factory floors and building facilities. Key objectives can be achieved using factory-
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to-building communication. In factories, it is essential that environmental dimensions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality are controlled and monitored automatically to ensure optimal conditions for manufacturing and working staff. And, by ensuring efficient control of facilities such as HVAC and lighting systems, factory owners can save a lot of energy and manage emergency situations in a safe way. However, when system integrators plan for factory-to-building integration, they normally face a heterogeneous and challenging communication situation. BACnet is typically the protocol used in the Building Management System (BMS) to control the facilities inside the building, and PROFINET is one of the most used factory networks for controlling production processes.
Wireless position switches/sensors
The cables, CFBUS.045 and CFBUS.049, are targeting implementation of Industry 4.0 in automation. The cables have UL certification for North American markets and received the certificate for CC-Link IE protocols for the Asiatic region. Industrial Ethernet is the future for the digitized factory of tomorrow. Many studies show that the world of fieldbus is stagnating, and the number of Ethernet nodes is increasing, with high double-digit growth rates. These systems offer seamless data exchange on all levels of a production facility, from the highest control level to the manufacturing levels. The CC-Link IE controller network has been designed for the rapid exchange of large amounts of data in a factory or production plant, whereas the CC-Link IE field network has been optimized for connection of a wide range of devices and their connection to other existing networks such as the standard CC-Link. These increasing requirements for industrial Ethernet communication nodes call for a secure and longlasting connection between the components to meet the continuously growing amounts of data being transferred.
Secure remote maintenance
Steute: "Wireless Ex" is a technology which simplifies the assembly and operation of switchgear in explosive environments. Switching devices are no longer connected to the receivers in the control cabinet via Ex-compatible cables, but via a low-energy wireless protocol created especially for such applications. It is certified to ATEX and IECEx standards. Engineers constructing plants and machines for explosive environments can take Ex RF 96 electromechanical wireless position switches, for example, in their slim rectangular design to monitor the position of moving machine components or workpiece fixtures. Alternatively, positions can also be monitored without any contact – using Ex RF IS wireless inductive sensors in a cylindrical design (M 12, M 18 and M 30). In this case, the Ex RF 96 ST Ex wireless universal transmitter takes care of both wireless transmission and decentralised power supply to the sensors. These wireless sensors guarantee high transmission availability even in situations (e.g. coexistence with other wireless systems), as is often the case in an industrial environment.
Ethernet cables for e-chains
Igus: New chainflex CAT5e and CAT6 cables offer predictable and guaranteed service life, along with certification for the CC-Link IE protocol. Two highly flexible Ethernet cables have been designed for use in energy chains, and certified for use in North American markets.
B&R Industrial Automation: Machine builders can establish a continuous connection to plants and machinery in the field. With LogTunnel, data from machines all around the world can be archived in a central location. Any irregularities in performance can be detected early to help maintain maximum availability. LogTunnel is a feature of B&R's Secure Remote Maintenance solution. Secure Remote Maintenance lets users check in on plants and machinery anywhere in the world from the office or on the go. Users can take control if necessary. Through continuous data logging, LogTunnel provides an ability to detect faulty components early and optimize service intervals. Setup is a simple matter of drag-and-drop and requires no special IT know-how. The ongoing LogTunnel connection is not affected when a technician connects temporarily to perform remote maintenance; logging continues uninterrupted. Machine data can be stored on a central database server, in the cloud or at a data center, where it remains available for later analysis. Secure remote maintenance functions are
in d u s t r ial et h er ne t b o o k
7.2020
