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SPS IPC Drives 2013 exclusive show report
Published:  06 January, 2014

Another Sick debut at SPS was a range of 36mm-diameter programmable absolute encoders, including single- and multi-turn versions. The programmability reduces the number of variants needed and opens up various configuration and diagnostic options, such as configuring electronic cam switches. The AHS/AHM36 encoders offer a choice of mechanical interfaces as well as SSI or CANopen communications.

COMMUNICATIONS

Balluff says that its new IO-Link Master modules for DeviceNet and EtherCat can cut hardware and cabling costs by more than 50%. The IP67 devices with M12 connectors can be used outside of cabinets. Up to 72 digital I/Os can be connected via IO-Link to the DeviceNet module, and up to 136 I/Os to the EtherCat module (shown below). The DeviceNet module has four IO-Link ports and the EtherCat version, eight. The latter also has a built-in Web server and a diagnostic display.

Baumüller is incorporating support for Profinet IRT (isochronous real-time) into its b maXX 3000 and 5000 controllers and inverters. This will allow the start of bus cycles in motion applications to have a maximum jitter of just 1µs.

The new EK9300 Profinet IO bus coupler from Beckhoff acts as a gateway that links different control networks in real time. It allows a Profinet controller to exchange data with one or more EtherCat, Profinet, Profibus or Ethernet/IP systems. The coupler (below) converts Profinet IO “telegrams” into EtherCat E-Bus signals and can use EtherCat to bridge distances of up to 100m.

Belden announced several new developments at SPS IPC Drives, including: an industrial security router (called the Hirschmann Eagle One) with a “unique” firewall learning mode that minimises process interruptions during device installation and helps to cut costs and prevent configuration errors; a Power-over-Ethernet injector (called Spider Giga 2TX PoE EEC) for powering devices such as WLAN access points and IP cameras via Ethernet; a new operating system (HiOS 3.0) that provides extensive redundancy and security functions for high network availability and data security; and a smartphone and tablet app (HiMobile) that allows users to access status information about switches remotely.

The Swedish Bluetooth specialist ConnectBlue used the SPS IPC Drives show to launch a ready-to-embed multi-radio module for Internet of Things applications. The OWL355 module (below) operates across classic and low-energy Bluetooth as well as WLANs with support for the 2.4 and 5GHz bands.

ConnectBlue also announced a rugged Bluetooth serial port adapter that acts as a plug-and-play replacement for conventional serial cables over distances of up to 300m. The RBS421s adapter supports both classic and low-energy Bluetooth and can be used as a Bluetooth smart-ready client for any host.

Eaton is offering a gateway that links its SmartWire-DT communication and connection technology to Ethernet Powerlink networks. The EU5C-SWD-Powerlink gateway can exchange 1,000 bytes of I/O data from up to 99 stations with a controller in cyclical operation. It also supports acyclical communication. As well as a 100Mbit Powerlink hub, it includes a USB port for diagnostics.

Harting has introduced a range of managed Ethernet switches for harsh environments that allow synchronisation in the microsecond range. The Ha-VIS mCon 3000 switches have integrated Profinet I/O device stacks for easy integration into Profinet applications.

HMS Industrial Networks has launched a new generation of its Netbiter gateways, used to monitor and control industrial equipment remotely. The Netbiter EC350 supports communications via 3G networks, increasing its coverage. Users can open up secure connections to remote equipment, such as a PLC, and configure or