TECH TIPS

TITLE:   How can I connect my bar code scanners, printers, RFID readers, vision systems, servo drives and other devices to my EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP or TCP/IP Network?

PRODUCT:   Comtrol's DeviceMaster UP

More now than ever before, System Integrators and Plant Engineers are asking how they can connect serial devices to their PLC network. While the development efforts of several major PLC manufacturers to introduce an open Industrial Ethernet standard has its merits, it can limit an integrator to a handful of hardware options. For instance, if you wanted  to connect a RFID reader (or other serial devices) to an Allen Bradley PLC, typically an Allen Bradley interface module is used. While this certainly accomplishes the task, what if your customer wanted to interface their existing Siemens RFID reader to the same Allen Bradley PLC? Simply use the DeviceMaster UP as the gateway between these two major companies' equipment, now a Siemens  RFID reader can communicate via EtherNet/IP to a Allen Bradley PLC and vice-versa.

Don't allow your hardware choices to be limited due to protocol incompatibility. Install the DeviceMaster UP and remove those artificial limitations. The DeviceMaster UP boasts interoperability between major manufacturer brands and networks...DeviceMaster UP is a "universal protocol" device server that can be easily integrated into a system leaving existing components and infrastructure intact. Alternately, device OEMs could choose to embed a similar model inside their own design for vastly reduced time to market on their new products.

The DeviceMaster UP offers freedom from protocol with one part number, including the option of EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, or TCP/IP on the Ethernet side, and RS-232/422/485 connectivity on the serial side. Complete the setup and configuration process effortlessly using Comtrol's PortVision software, which is included with every DeviceMaster product and free for download from the corporate website. This utility makes monitoring, managing and configuring your networked devicesa snap! For more information please visit www.comtrol.com.