Posted to News on 25th Jul 2010, 17:33
Ethernet expansion card adds second port to HMIs
Red Lion Controls is adding more functionality and flexibility to its popular G3 Series Operator Interfaces, which are now available with the new G3ENET Ethernet expansion card. G3 Series HMIs already provide one Ethernet port and now users can add a second Ethernet port to increase bandwidth and separate networks. In addition to supporting ten simultaneous Ethernet protocols, the G3 Series HMIs with the G3ENET card provide communication with devices on two distinct Ethernet networks simultaneously "" without the need for an industrial router "" to save both cost and configuration time. The expansion card can be easily fitted to any G3 series HMI with only a single Ethernet port.
The G3ENET card is easily installed by using the supplied screws and a single cable, resulting in an additional 10 Base T/100 Base-Tx Ethernet port. This second Ethernet port gives users the option to isolate machine-level networks from the enterprise network, which benefits both automation process engineers and IT managers. It enables engineers to assign a fixed IP address for the port connected to PLCs and drives, while allowing IT managers to either select their own IP address or use DHCP to configure the enterprise port "" offering easy functionality for all operators.
Jesse Benefiel, the Red Lion Product Manager, comments: "The addition of a second Ethernet port for communication on different networks is a first for dedicated HMI platforms. Providing expanded flexibility, the G3ENET enhances the current robust platform and allows automation engineers to experience the latest advances in communication and standards with increased efficiency."
Multi-function automation devices
Red Lion's G3 Series HMIs provide complete data logging, remote monitoring, serial communications and protocol conversion, providing a comprehensive data management system. With sophisticated features and, according to Red Lion Controls, the most on-board communication ports in the industry, the G3 Series HMI models now allow segregation of machine-network traffic from the plantwide network with the G3ENET, delivering exceptional versatility and advanced data management technology.
G3 Series HMIs and the G3ENET card are easily configured with Red Lion's free Crimson software. Crimson's drag-and-drop interface is an efficient, user-friendly technology that enables operators to set up control application devices, collect and log performance data, display data or trigger PLC functions.
Follow the link for more information about the G3 operator interfaces.
