Bridging Profibus and Modbus-TCP
networks with an Anybus® X-gatewayTM

Simple to use intelligent Gateway connects Schneider Electric, ABB or  GE PLC´s with Siemens automation systems and networks .

The Anybus X-gateway from HMS Industrial Networks enables system integrators to easily transfer I/O data between two different PLC systems and networks. The X-gateway is a configurable stand-alone gateway that allows plant-floor devices on a  Profibus network to communicate with the devices on a Modbus-TCP network and vice versa. Typical applications are installations with mixed usage of Siemens and Schneider Electric, ABB or GE PLCs.  One example is automobile manufacturing plants where Profibus based segments shall be integrated into industrial Ethernet based control applications with the popular Modbus-TCP protocol.

X-gateway is a compact device for standard DIN rail mounting and 24 Volt industrial power supply.

The X-gateway is a compact device for standard DIN rail mounting and 24 Volt industrial power supply. It functions as a server (slave) on the Modbus-TCP network and as a master on the Profibus side. The Profibus master functionality is configured with HMS´ Anybus NetTool for Profibus, a powerful but easy to use Windows-based configuration tool which comes free with the X-gateway. After the initial configuration has been downloaded into the X-gateway, it passes up to 512 byte of input and 512 byte of output data transparently between  Modbus-TCP and Profibus. Up to 124 Profibus slaves can be connected to the gateway. In addition to its data transfer capabilities, the X-gateway incorporates a powerful embedded web server on the Modbus-TCP side which supports web based remote diagnostics and visualization. Even an OPC server is included in the scope of delivery of the X-gateway. The X-gateway contains Profibus and Modbus-TCP communication interfaces that have been certified for full compliance to the respective protocol standards.   

The Anybus X-gateway family is a product line consisting of over 200 proven, robust and ready-to-use gateways aimed to connect almost every possible combination of two industrial networks. The product family supports 17 different fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks such as Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen, CC-Link, EtherNet/IP, Profinet and many more. All versions work the same way and provide a flexible standard solution to connect two industrial networkss.

HMS Industrial Networks is the leading independent supplier of embedded network technology for automation devices. HMS develops and manufactures solutions for interfacing automation devices to industrial networks. Development and manufacturing takes place at the head office in Halmstad, Sweden. Local sales and support is provided by the HMS branch offices in Chicago, Beijing, Karlsruhe, Milan, Mulhouse and Tokyo. HMS employs over 150 people and reported sales of 33 million in 2008. HMS was formed in 1988 and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm in the category Small Cap, Information Technology with ISIN SE0002136242.

For further information, contact  Michela Nalin, e-mail: min@hms.se or view website: www.anybus.com   Refer to page 23

ML100 series photoelectric sensors

The ML100 series comprises a complete family of user friendly miniature photoelectric sensors which are ideally suited for applications where long ranges and a high level of reliability are required. Due to their miniature design, the ML100 series sensors are also suitable for use in extremely confined areas, where optimum performance has to be ensured in the tightest spaces.

These photoelectric sensors feature the highest optical performance and long-term stability, which makes them the best on the market. They also feature a powerful lens and PowerBeam LEDs. PowerBeam guarantees excellent visibility of the red light spot and enables trouble-free alignment with no central bond spot, even on the smallest reflectors. The high power density and quality of the light spot significantly improve the reliability of the sensors. Also, a longer service life and lack of degradation will make additional teach-in processes unnecessary.

Pictures: (Left) Due to their miniature design, dimensions of 20 mm x 11 mm x 34 mm, the robust sensors are suitable for use in extremely confined areas. (Top) The main features of these photoelectric sensors are a larger light spot that is consistently brighter over longer detection ranges and high signal strength. The light spot is also clearly visible at considerable distances and provides user-friendly alignment, especially on small reflectors. (Below) Models with smaller detection ranges, such as diffuse mode photoelectric sensors, produce small, bright, and sharp light spots, achieve a high degree of object detection accuracy, and ensure the reliable detection of dark black objects.

The size of the light spot from sensors with PowerBeam is carefully adapted to the particular application and operating principle. The ML 100-8-H diffuse mode photoelectric sensors with background suppression for short ranges provide a very bright, small and sharp light spot for simple setup, best switching accuracy, and reliable detection of dark black objects. The ML100-55 photoelectric sensors provide a highly visible and larger light spot for easy alignment, greater detection range, and stability control. Secure mounting is ensured by the threaded metal bushing. This means that the threading is more durable and enables maximum tightening torque.

During operation, the ML 100 miniature sensors are characterized by extremely low power consumption, insensitivity to ambient lighting, and protection from cross-talk. Bright, clearly visible indicator LEDs provide detailed information on the operating and switching status. The status LEDs, which are highly visible from all sides, provide clear information regarding reliable operation. The green LED indicates Power On, while the yellow LED shows the sensor´s operating status.

The high degree of protection (IP67), resistance to reflection and vibrations, and a reliable operating temperature range of -30 to 60 °C open up a wide variety of applications in factory automation.

For further information, view website: www.pepperl-fuchs.com or e-mail: sales@gb.pepperl-fuchs.com  Refer to page 22

ProfiMessage - state of the art modular measurement technology

ProfiMessage is the new powerful system from Delphin for data acquisition, monitoring and automation of machinery, plant and test stands. ProfiMessage is a modular system that uses master and slave devices and a range of different I/O modules to adapt to any task. Areas of application range from the monitoring of industrial processes through to laboratory data acquisition and test stand automation.

ProfiMessage devices have universal connectivity and their flexible I/O modules provide a wide range of process interface options. Profibus-DP, Modbus or CAN-bus enable connections to PLC control systems for data exchange.

Analog and digital sensor signals can record data simultaneously to an independent 16 GB memory that enables subsequent data analysis and evaluation. The data memory can be read out using either USB or Ethernet interfaces.

Every input and output is differential, high-precision and galvanically isolated. Depending on the type of I/O module being used, each input can be configured separately to measure mV, mA, RTDs and thermocouples. ProfiMessage is also equipped with digital inputs, for functioning as status or frequency inputs, as well as digital/analog outputs.

Internal software channels enable functions such as limit value monitoring, integration or online computations, and are easy to configure. These enable the devices to de effectively deployed as monitoring and record-keeping systems.

For further information, e-mail: henrique.dasilva@adeptscience.co.uk or claudia.goebel@delphin.de

Morgan Technical Ceramics' "state-of-the-art" high
volume precision piezoelectric ceramic manufacturing

Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC), leading manufacturer of ceramic components, has invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and can produce precision piezoelectric components to extremely tight tolerances and in high volumes of more than three million parts per week.  Industry demand is for smaller parts with complex geometries and in higher volumes, and the company has the capability to manufacture high quality parts that offer exceptional performance for transducers, sensors actuators and bimorphs used in industrial applications. 

MTC can produce high volumes of complex and unique shapes with precise geometries that other technologies and processing techniques cannot achieve.  This is particularly relevant for markets such as computer memory storage, which requires that lead zirconate titanate (PZT) elements are made in high volumes of millions per week with dimensional tolerances of +/- 50 microns, electrical tolerances of ± 15% and frequency tolerances of +/- 5% on a part that is miniature in size.

The company has the latest manufacturing equipment available, enabling it to produce electrical patterns with via widths of 75 microns.  Its large volume, multi-chamber, high vacuum sputtering equipment can deposit nickel-chrome or aluminium seed layers with gold, silver or vanadium outer conduction layers.  In addition, the laser ablation or photo etching processes can produce custom, precision electrode patterning repeatedly.

High speed precision diamond dicing equipment is capable of producing intricate parts with lengths as small as 0.5mm.  This same equipment can be used to mechanically remove small amounts of PZT and electrode material to create array patterns or segmented PZT elements.  These precision production methods can be used to produce components made with all of MTC's PZT ceramic materials, including PZT402, PZT5A3, PZT5H2, PZT801, PZT701 and PZT702.

According to business unit manager Gary Caprio, "MTC's precision manufacturing processes and techniques have enabled many of our customers to create new products that could not have been produced using conventional shaping and electroding processes.  We are leading the way in precision piezoceramic manufacturing and high volume production."

MTC has over 70 years experience in manufacturing high quality and reliable piezoelectric components and its experts work closely with customers to create bespoke components and in high volumes. 

Morgan Technical Ceramics in profile
Morgan Technical Ceramics manufactures components and sub-assemblies using an extensive range of materials, including structural and piezoelectric ceramics, dielectrics, braze alloys, and specialist coatings. It works with manufacturers' design and R&D teams at local, national and international level on projects from concept and feasibility studies through prototype development to full production. The business employs some 2,500 people and has 23 manufacturing sites worldwide across Europe, the US, Mexico, China and Australia.

Morgan Technical Ceramics is a business within the Morgan Ceramics Division of The Morgan Crucible Company plc, one of the world's leading advanced materials companies. The company specialises in the design, manufacture and marketing of ceramic and carbon products which are used in a wide range of applications, from transport and telecommunications to fire protection and medical instruments. Morgan Crucible is listed on the London Stock Exchange in the engineering sector.

For further information on Morgan Technical Ceramics, view website: www.morgantechnicalceramics.com or e-mail: lorraine.henry@morganplc.com