CAN/GSM modem for CANopen network

July 2000 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

In the case of mobile machines this service can only be provided via a radio link. Among the radio links the GSM network (global system for mobile communication) is at present one of the best in telecommunication. GSM has a wide range and can be used internationally. One important service of the GSM network is the short message service (SMS) which enables an exchange of text messages (maximum 160 characters) between the GSM devices. This service is also offered by Internet providers. In addition to text, data and e-mails can be sent at low cost. It is also possible to transfer bigger data blocks via a special network service.

The radio gateway CANcom from IFM Electronic is a GSM radio modem with integrated CAN gateway for direct connection to the controller. All data is transferred via the CAN bus with the CANopen protocol. The GSM test and safety mechanisms monitor the correctness of the transmitted data.

With its compact and robust design, CANcom can be directly used in the machine. A five-pole M12 round connector is used for the connection to CAN and the supply voltage. Special fixtures are available for mounting on the machine. Via special radio calls, CANcom can be controlled, and the data, which is to be received and transmitted, can be processed.

Typical applications include remote parameter setting of sensors and controllers in mobile machines and installations, remote diagnosis of system states such as short-circuit and wire break monitoring of the connected actuators, transfer of alarm messages as SMS, e-mail and fax, reading process data from the running machines, as well as writing data blocks to, and reading them from, the user memory via a land line modem.

IFM Electronic is represented locally by Shorrock Automation.

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