ifm efector’s Controller-E gateway has universal connectivity

Exton, PA - ifm efector inc. recently expanded its Controller-E series to include new gateways with DeviceNet and Ethernet interfaces. Controller-E gateway can connect two full AS-i systems, with up to 868 I/O points, as one node on a higher-level network. This allows information to be passed transparently from the AS-i systems to the higher-level network without needing more programming software. This gateway also supports all AS-i 2.1 specifications, and provides detailed diagnostics on its integrated, backlit LCD display.

Controller-E gateway with an Ethernet interface uses RJ-45 connectors and Modbus on TCP/IP protocol. Featuring full web server capabilities, the Ethernet gateway has 1 MB of on-board memory. The web server is programmed using standard HTML or Java Script, and can be accessed over a local area network (LAN) or remotely via modem. Communications, including text pages and e-mails, can be sent through the Ethernet gateway.
Meanwhile, Controller-E gateway with a DeviceNet interface allows users to connect 868 I/O points as one node on the DeviceNet system. The DeviceNet gateway can be easily configured via the LCD display or by using Allen Bradley’s RS Networx programming software. A complete set of diagnostics is available at both the AS-i and DeviceNet levels.

Controller-E gateways feature a highly visible, four-line LCD display that allows the controller’s operational status to be checked instantly. Pushbutton programming and a configurable user menu structure provide quick setup. The controller’s diagnostic information is clear and easy to read because no abbreviated codes are required. Users can setup, program, and troubleshoot easily via the screen interface. Diagnoses of any network problems are determined directly on the screen. By simply pressing a button, the integrated display can be changed from English to other languages, such as German or French.
Typical information that can be provided by Controller-E include controller configuration, control/status of digital I/Os, indication of analog values, fault messages, freely programmable texts and user-defined messages. In many applications, this eliminates the need and expense of a separate MMI unit.

To ensure maximum performance and compatibility, Controller-E supports all of AS-i 2.1’s extensions, including the extended addressing mode that allows up to 62 nodes to be connected to each master. The master also supports peripheral fault indication and easy connection of analog devices without function blocks.
Controller-E gateways are available in single and dual models. ifm efector also offers a Profibus interface, and a ControlNet interface was recently added as well.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com

The news and views published here are not those of the automation4me.com. The contents are reproduced from the sources (kind courtesy) mentioned. This is intended only to generate interest in the original works