Underpinning trends in automation technology and process control is a move towards open, transparent system solutions. These rely increasingly on PC control with either intranet or Internet access. The most important standards are TCP/IP communications protocols and Ethernet network structures. Many controllers, PLCs and distributed controller systems (DCS) already have an Ethernet interface. Organisations and companies are currently working on ways to make existing fieldbus protocols comply with TCP/IP protocols and to equip field devices directly with an Ethernet interface.
Although the Ethernet standard used in automation technology is the same as that used in offices, the requirements for network products are considerably different. In day-to-day industrial applications, networks are expected to work reliably under extreme conditions, such as electromagnetic interference, high operating temperatures and mechanical loads.
The IndustrialLine Ethernet Rail family was specifically designed for use in industrial automation applications taking all these requirements into consideration. In order to meet these challenges, Hirschmann introduced the redundant Ethernet Ring which ensures continual production operation even while the network is being reconfigured. The Ethernet Ring also allows networks to be maintained and expanded while still in operation.
Since the system is reconfigured in a matter of milliseconds, the Ethernet Ring is considerably faster than the "spanning tree" algorithm which only meets the needs of office systems. The Ethernet Ring and other concepts from Hirschmann ensure ultimate network and production system reliability. The highly integrated IndustrialLine Ethernet Rail products allow networks to be adapted to the specific geographical layout and security-related considerations at any time. This scalability also ensures the network will meet all future requirements.
General features of these products include:
* High temperature range, permitting new fields of application.
* Quick assembly (the rugged devices are mounted on a standard DIN Rail).
* Easy-access plug connections, together with extensive status displays help save time during installation.
With the IndustrialLine Ethernet Rail products, medium to large-sized Ethernet networks may be easily and cost-effectively configured. An important feature of the Rail Switches is the fast media redundancy. The failure of a transmission path will be recognised in less than 300 ms and data will be diverted to a redundant path. This innovation from Hirschmann guarantees ultimate network and system reliability. Media redundancy can also be used, for example, to expand existing networks while they are still in operation.
The 24 V operating voltage is supplied via a plug-in terminal block and can also be configured for redundancy - further extending network and system reliability. An additional contact in the terminal block allows the recording of status messages directly, as process data. Integrated LEDs display the device and network status for fast on-site installation.
The Rail Switches RS2-TX provided have eight twisted pair ports with standard RJ-45 connectors. Since an RS2-TX can be cascaded from any port over any number of switches, networks may easily be adapted to the geographical layout of the system in question, saving time and money when planning the network. Rail Switches are installed quickly and easily on a standard DIN Rail. Thanks to the autonegotiation function, each individual port is set automatically to either 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX and to either full or half-duplex connection. The plug-and-play technology also helps speed up installation. RS2-TX allows protection of the investment since the Ethernet/Fast Ethernet network may be adapted at any time to meet future requirements.
The Fast Ethernet Rail Switches RS2-xx permit the easy and cost-effective configuration of medium to large-sized deterministic Ethernet/Fast Ethernet networks. An important feature of the Rail Switches RS2 is the fast media redundancy. The failure of a transmission path will be recognised in less than 300 ms and the Rail Switch will divert data to a redundant path. This function may be activated via dipswitches on any Rail Switch. This process developed by Hirschmann ensures ultimate network and system reliability. This function can also be used to expand existing networks while they are still in operation, for example.
Rail Switches RS2 also contain an SNMP management agent and integrated web-based management. These features mean simple, easy-to-use configuration functions for fast installation and set-up. Extensive network and device information also contributes to ultimate system reliability.
A Rail Switch RS2 is a compact, heavy-duty device suitable for industrial applications that can be installed on a standard DIN Rail. It has five twisted pair ports (10/100 Mbps autosensing) and two ports (100 Mbps) available as twisted pair, multimode or single mode.
Power supply units are extremely important in automated systems because they guarantee power for the electric and electronic components. The impressive features of the IndustrialLine Rail Power Supply RPS 60 with an output of 24 V/2,5 A, are its robust, user-friendly electronics and mechanics. The power supply unit can be quickly and easily installed on a standard DIN Rail. The Quasi-Wide-Range input allows the power supply unit to be operated at low and moderate loads with either 115 V a.c. or 230 V a.c. In the upper load ranges, the input for each switch may be adapted to the correct voltage.
All EMI values meet the most stringent safety standards (EN 50081-1 for emitted interference, EN 50082-2 for immunity). These power supply units are therefore well suited for both industrial and domestic applications.
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