Industrial
Ethernet, which is rapidly becoming the automation network standard has,
dramatically reduced the amount of cabling required for industrial applications.
Wireless technologies are already taking the next step by all but eliminating
cables altogether, promising a boon to environments that regularly destroy
cabling through excessive heat, airborne particulates or high levels of
electromagnetic interference.

The
ET 200Pro IWLAN machine mount I/O system from Siemens Energy & Automation is
one of the latest offerings to deliver the advantages of wireless networking to
industrial environments.

“Simatic
machine-mount I/O already offered a broad range of options, and the new ET
200pro IWLAN interface module extends that, adding a new level of capability
with its wireless connectivity,” says Andreas Czech, Siemens discrete
automation product manager. “By eliminating the physical connection to a
communications cable, automation designers can be more creative and cost conscious
when implementing distributed I/O. Additionally, they can further enhance their
modular manufacturing practices by using wireless I/O to reduce start-up times
after changeovers, eliminating the need for maintaining communication cable
connections.”

The new IWLAN interface module
wirelessly integrates the distributed I/O system into the automation network.
It is designed to function reliably in harsh industrial environments and its
IP67-rated design is rugged enough to be mounted directly on the machine rather
than in the electrical cabinet as was the case with previous modules.

“There
are numerous applications where this is advantageous for material handling
systems OEMs and systems integrators,” says Czech, who points to overhead
monorail conveyors, automatic guided vehicles, and warehouse logistics as
examples. “It also means that customers that wanted to roll out this kind of
I/O system in their facilities but found they couldn’t because a wired solution
was either impossible or would be prohibitively expensive can now take
advantage of it.”

Based
on IEEE 802.11 WLAN standards, the module supports deterministic iPCF
(Industrial Point Coordination Function) for critical industrial Ethernet
communications using standard PROFINET protocol. This reliable, wireless I/O
connectivity allows plants to access machines and process systems as well as
mobile equipment that previously could not be reached using a cabled network.

Out
of the box, the ET 200pro IWLAN includes a complete wireless network interface
with removable antenna interface unit, standard ET 200pro connection unit for
adding modular I/O devices, diagnostic LEDs and a built-in Ethernet port for
local programming or network trouble shooting. Each ET 200pro station can be
vertically or horizontally installed without restrictions. A variety of optional
antennas are available, including omni-directional antennas, for direct or
remote mounting and higher gain signal transmission over longer distances or
through obstructions.

Finally,
says Czech, the ET 200pro IWLAN has been designed for ease of use and includes
a simple, built-in web server with pre-programmed HTML pages for editing
configurations, setting security access and viewing important diagnostic
information. “You don’t need separate configuration software, which means you
have easy access to each ET 200pro IWLAN through a secure Ethernet connection.”

For more information on this product, please click here.

::Design World::

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Filed Under: Factory automation, Wireless, Networks • connectivity • fieldbuses

 

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