Modules can link any serial device to Ethernet

Digi International, a communications specialist which claims to have more than 60% of the world market for asynchronous communications ports, is broadening its activities to include devices for factory automation.

It has launched a family of single-port device servers that can connect almost any serial device to an Ethernet network without needing an intervening PC.

The DIN-rail-mounting Digi One IA modules connect new or existing measurement and control devices to an industrial Ethernet network, allowing them to be managed, accessed and controlled via the network.

There is a switch-selectable choice of RS 232, 422 or 485 inputs, which are linked at speeds of up to 115 kb/s to a network via a 10Base-T (wire) or 10Base-FL (fibre) connection.

The standard version is powered from a 9-24V DC supply, but Digi is also offering a model that takes its power from a network complying with the planned IEEE 802.3 Powered Ethernet standard. This eliminates the need for a separate power supply.

As well as the rail-mounting modules, Digi is offering board versions that OEMs can embed into their products to give them Ethernet connections. Following its recent acquisition of the semiconductor specialist NetSilicon, Digi expects to offer chip-based versions as well.