“FieldGate” links fieldbuses to ethernet: Provides simple integration of up to three fieldbus systems into IE networks

Citation

(2003), "“FieldGate” links fieldbuses to ethernet: Provides simple integration of up to three fieldbus systems into IE networks", Assembly Automation, Vol. 23 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2003.03323bad.001

“FieldGate” links fieldbuses to ethernet: Provides simple integration of up to three fieldbus systems into IE networks

“FieldGate” links fieldbuses to ethernet: Provides simple integration of up to three fieldbus systems into IE networks

Keywords: Fieldbus, Ethernet

With the new FieldGate module, Softing offers a family of rail-mounted gateway solutions enabling fieldbus networks to link directly with industrial ethernet.

FieldGate makes it easy to connect enterprise-wide office and IT networks with automation systems at the plant floor level where fieldbuses are now common. Currently, FieldGate is available with connectivity for PROFIBUS, CAN, CANopen, DeviceNet and FOUNDATION fieldbus. Each FieldGate module has up to three ports for the selected fieldbus, providing ethernet connectivity for up to three independent networks. Compact design, low cost and self-configuration ensure that FieldGate can be added easily to existing communications structures to extend existing networks or integrate new ones (Plate 1).

Plate 1 A picture, called PROFIGATE, showing FieldGate against an industrial background, is available electronically from www.ggh.co.uk/clients.htm

As well as allowing direct data exchange between network hierarchies, FieldGate can provide a link from a higher level PC or central workstation to support tasks such as network configuration, device parameterization, diagnosis and production data acquisition. In effect FieldGate allows a high level computer to “see” a single network structure right down to I/O devices on the plant floor.

FieldGate supports ethernet transfer rates of 100 and 10 Mbits/s. Protection class IP20 is met. Because of its compact structure, FieldGate fits easily into narrow switch cabinets. Voltage supply is 24 V DC.

For convenient integration into PC networks, a range of suitable OPC servers is available. In addition, an integrated web server offers internet functionality for extra support during commissioning and service.