Embedded wireless server module
October 2007
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The Airborne wireless device server module includes a radio (which may be purchased separately), a base-band processor, an application processor and software for a ‘drop-in’ web-enabled WiFi solution. Since there is no need to develop the software, or to develop the RF and communications expertise in-house, OEMs can realise reduced product development costs and a quick time-to-market. Airborne modules provide instant LAN and Internet connectivity, and connect through standard serial interfaces (other Airborne modules offer an Ethernet interface) to a wide variety of applications.
Highly interoperable with advanced security, the small footprint design makes Airborne easy to embed into new or existing designs. The module is interoperable with industry standard 802.11 access points and advanced security standards such as WEP, WPA and LEAP, that provide a low cost infrastructure for connection to a LAN and to the Internet.
The built-in TCP/IP stack and application software provide embedded devices with instant LAN and Internet connectivity without special programming of the module – only simple configuration is required using DPAC’s HL interface. An integrated web server makes it easy to remotely monitor and control any device using a standard browser. OEMs can create custom web pages that deliver content from their application. The Airborne modules have been designed to provide wireless LAN and Internet connectivity in industries such as: transportation, medical, warehouse and logistics, point-of-sale (POS), industrial automation, military, scientific research, etc.
Equipment with an embedded Airborne module can be monitored and controlled by a handheld device, by a PC in a central location or over the Internet. The evaluation and design kit provides software and utilities that allow a developer to quickly and easily operate and evaluate the wireless device server module.
Further reading:
How DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Schneider Electric argues that virtualising DCS environments breaks the cycle of hardware obsolescence, giving plant operators a smarter path to lifecycle modernisation without production disruption.
Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-6
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The Loop Signature series turns to frequency plot theory, explaining Bode open-loop plots and how dynamic gain, phase lag and crossover frequency can be extracted from test data to inform more accurate control loop tuning.
Read more...
PC-based control in surgery
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Researchers at the University of Basel are using Beckhoff PC-based control technology to develop a miniature laser robot for minimally invasive bone surgery.
Read more...
IIoT controller for the field and control cabinet
ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.
Read more...
How the DCS can step off the hardware obsolescence treadmill
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Ageing servers and unsupported operating systems are quietly eroding the stability of process plants that rely on distributed control systems. Kobus Vermeulen of Schneider Electric explains how virtualising the DCS environment can break the hardware obsolescence cycle without disrupting operations.
Read more...
Centralised control rooms where growth is elastic, not physical
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Modernised control rooms feature distributed control system architecture consolidated into centralised compute environments. replacing traditional PCs with thin clients.
Read more...
Advanced DCSs preserve what must not change while enabling
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Next-generation DCSs, such as Schneider Electric’s Foxboro, are preserving the best of the old while introducing the new in a less disruptive manner.
Read more...
Siemens launches new generation of logic controller
Siemens South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Siemens has launched the latest generation of its proven intelligent logic controller, LOGO! 9. This enables simple implementation of small automation projects.
Read more...
DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.
Read more...
Future-proof automation
Vepac Electronics
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The highly adaptable SALZ control system consists of open hardware, modular engineering software based on a virtualisation concept and an integrated app store.
Read more...