The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT or Industrial IoT) is all about machine-to-machine communication. Connecting billions of devices across manufacturing operations is driving better outcomes. The interconnection of sensors, instruments, industrial applications, and centralized management platforms in a full range of industrial settings is bringing new levels of productivity and efficiency. PLANET’s IIoT Automation Solution supports this thriving heartbeat of interconnectivity in manufacturing. Our Serial Device, Industrial Modbus Network Integration, and EtherCAT technologies support the capture of data to keep costs down, make efficiency improvements, and inform analysts on how to grow business.
Facilitation of Industrial Automation and Integration
Industrial automation with machine-to-machine (M2M) networking unlocks greater potential because different aspects of the same plant can be spread over broad areas geographically. Ethernet has become central to the manufacturing or production environment, allowing flexibility and lower cost innovation.
“What started as a network to connect computers and operator interfaces to PLCs has become the network of choice for control, safety, and SCADA,” Automation World, Good Industrial Networking Health. “Networks are at the core of managing quality, supply chain, logistics, and finances due to the timely retrieval of information from this now ubiquitous Ethernet network.”
Also known as industry 4.0, optimizing your automated Industrial IoT network yields benefits.
- Speeds awareness of workflows.
- Reduces costs.
- Increases output and boosts productivity
- Keeps production lines running
Power Over Ethernet Is Making Factories Smarter
Industrial automation and Industrial IoT use data to construct digital twins or cyber-physical systems so decision-makers can run simulations that help steer operations. Problem-solving without impacting production runs or other daily operations makes things more efficient. Industrial automation applications are realized through the use of state of the art IT networking technologies.
- Serial Device Servers
- Modbus Gateways
- EtherCAT Slave
Each device has a role in the larger picture. Let’s look a little more closely as to how these pieces function.
Serial Device Servers
Serial Device Servers transfer data between local Ethernet networks and the serial port of a digital device to connect it to the network and access it locally or remotely, including a central management platform. Serial device servers automatically access data pulled from things like air quality sensors or access control devices to save time and reduce the need for manual control.
PLANET’s portfolio of industrial-grade serial-device servers [ICS-110 / ICS-115A / ICS-2100T / ICS-2105AT / ICS-2200T / ICS-2400T] offer 1-to-1-port and 2-to-2-port media converter and media converter/device server options that operate in temperature extremes of anywhere from -40 to 75℃, depending on the model. Some models offer 6000 VDC Ethernet ESD protection and they are IP=based Web interface and telnet console management compatible. They support asynchronous serial data rates of up to 921600bps.
The capture and transmission of data and its interpretation make automation a critical part of innovating a lean manufacturing operation. PLANET’s Serial Device Servers are simple to implement and durable. They function at peak even in the harshest environments.
Modbus Gateways
Modbus is a serial communications protocol standard for communication connecting industrial electronic devices. A Modbus Gateway is a converter that can convert the data of Modbus RTU to the data of Modbus TCP. A Modbus gateway is a network hub communication protocol conversion device of the industrial automation system.
The device requesting the information is the Modbus Master; devices supplying the information are the Modbus Slaves.
PLANET’S Industrial [IMG-110T / IMG-120T / IMG-2100T / IMG-2105AT / IMG-2200T / IMG-2400T] Modbus Gateways provide economical solutions for integrating TCP/RTU/ASCII networks. They work in Master Mode for 32 Slave TCP Connections and in Slave Mode for 16 TCP Master Connections. They are Industrial 4.0 compliant with higher flexibility and cost-effectiveness and come in a wall-mount IP40 metal case. They operate in temperature extremes of anywhere between -40 to 75℃. They offer 6000 VDC Ethernet ESD protection and they are IP=based Web interface and telnet console management compatible. They support asynchronous serial data rates of up to 921600bps.
EtherCAT Slave
EtherCAT devices are the fastest, highly synchronized automated device technologies available. They are also cost-effective, easy to implement, and flexible, meaning they evolve with your production line as your business does. PLANET’s EtherCAT slave devices [MG-110 / MG-115A / IECS-1116-DI / IECS-1116-DO] provide all the safety and standard compliance to Ethernet protocols your operation requires and may be speedily implemented.
EtherCAT technologies overcome Ethernet’s limitations, which require the interpretation and copy of data packets at every device. EtherCAT Slave devices read data that is addressed to them, while the Master passes the frame or telegram through the node to the next device. Industrial Ethernet is exceptional for use in-camera installations, sensors, and security access points, the speed of EtherCAT is what’s required for Slave implementations.
PLANET’S EtherCAT Slave I/O Module has built-in and isolated 16 digital inputs/outputs with a 2x RJ45 bus interface. These models have LED status indicators with 9~45V DC power inputs and removable terminal block connectors. They are EtherCAT conformance test-tool verified and offer a low-power mode setting that allows the Module to enter sleep mode until addressed by the Master, making them green friendly. They also provide cable diagnostic support and operate in temperature extremes of anywhere between -40 to 75℃. They are enclosed in an ingress protected housing rated IP-30, which indicates protection against the force of a solid object like tools.
Connecting Industrial Operations
With the recent shutdowns due to the pandemic. Everything about the supply chain shifted due to stark changes in consumer needs, buying trends, and delivery systems. The public has witnessed outstanding flexibility from the manufacturing sectors as companies stopped their operations, reconfigured, and began to produce medical equipment like respirators, facemasks, and other personal protective gear, and of course, the ever-present demand for toilet paper.
The shutdown has taught some hard lessons, including the fact that the large, centralized production plant may well be a thing of the past. The smart factory of today is going to need to be small, flexible, and closer to resources and customers.
To be cost-effective, automated factories and processes must be highly configurable and flexible. Having access to fully integrated solutions like these from PLANET makes installation and implementation seamless.
To find out more about PLANET Technology’s suite of Industrial IoT and industrial networking devices or to get help with making a purchase.
The post Industrial Automation: Realizing Connectivity to the IIoT appeared first on Planet Technology USA.
