Ethernet gateway enables wider connectivity

DeviceMaster UP enables communications between serial devices residing on the factory floor and PLCs supporting the EtherNet/IP, Profinet, or Modbus/TCP industrial protocols

Comtrol Corporation, a global provider of device connectivity for data communications and industrial automation technologies, today announced the successful adoption of its DeviceMaster UP Multi-Protocol industrial Ethernet gateway by Smart Papers Corporation, a leading commercial paper manufacturer.

DeviceMaster UP, the most flexible device server on the market, enables communications between serial devices residing on the factory floor and PLCs supporting the EtherNet/IP, Profinet, or Modbus/TCP industrial protocols.

Organizations employing sophisticated automation systems for manufacturing, distribution and warehousing have historically been hampered by technical and feasibility issues connecting devices, such as bar code scanners, RFID readers and other devices, to PLCs within the enterprise due to incompatibility with industrial automation control systems.

DeviceMaster UP is a network-attached device server that hosts an industrial Ethernet engine and translates device-to-PLC communications.

The DeviceMaster allows users to attach RFID equipment, bar code scanners, displays and in-line scales to their industrial Ethernet network.

The DeviceMaster UP family of products includes 1- and 4-port models for added flexibility.

"In our manufacturing facility, we needed a way to add multiple serial ports connecting bar code scanners and printers to help improve product quality assurance and gain more detailed manufacturing lot information," said Bill Granzin, E and I Process Engineer at Smart Papers.

"The DeviceMaster UP was the perfect solution to communicate with all of these added devices on our EtherNet/IP platform.

It allowed us to minimise long-term costs, and still leverage our current infrastructure investment".

DeviceMaster UP is ideal for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators interested in offering an embedded, universal method to connect factory floor serial devices and PLCs.

"With DeviceMaster UP, organizations don't need to be slaves to industrial automation protocols," said Bradford Beale, vice president of global sales for Comtrol.

"DeviceMaster UP enables plant floor devices and PLCs to speak the same network language, providing a fast and simple way to access raw data without a large capital investment".

DeviceMaster UP product highlights include.

* Capability to connect up to four devices to an industrial Ethernet network such as EtherNet/IP, Profinet or Modbus/TCP.

* PortVision, the Comtrol device management software, that gives network administrators a graphical and convenient way to remotely configure, monitor and manage devices.

* An integrated web server for browser-based configuration.

* PLC example programmes illustrating communications between DeviceMaster UP and many widely-used PLCs.

* Support for RS-232/422/485 communication modes.

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