In response to customer demand for a reliable communication system, which could limit the number of cables needed to communicate between multiple valve banks/field sensors and a PLC, a wireless communication module was the only logical answer. SMC has developed such a system, the EX600-W, which has addressed all the necessary safety and interference concerns.
The module has been registered with ICASA for use on the 2,4 GHz frequency band. This falls well out of the range of any frequency disturbances generated in an industrial environment, thus negating all possible interference from welding machinery, motor drivers or electro-magnetic heating systems. Furthermore, the base and remote modules use a unique frequency hopping algorithm to provide stable communication and prevent disruptions from other electronic devices. The system is designed to work within a 10 m radius using an encrypted protocol to prevent unauthorised network access.
The EX600-W base unit makes use of Ethernet/IP or Profinet protocols and is capable of pairing with up to 127 remote modules. The base unit can handle up to a combined total of 1280 inputs and 1280 outputs. These can be distributed throughout the wireless network as required, giving complete control of the system layout.
Success stories
Numerous automotive industry customers have tested the EX600-W on their tool changers and spot welders. In over two years of test operation zero failures were reported.
SMC’s Wade Holland.
In another application, a leading developer of solutions for automotive, aerospace and the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, designed a compact three-station pick and place robot cell. Due to the elimination of field-based wiring, simple block diagrams replaced complex wiring plans. The elimination of communication wiring enabled the controls engineer to significantly reduce the setup and integration times, reducing the delivery time of the cell from six months to four weeks.
In a third case, SMC UK and ATG partnered with MAKE UK to design and build a state-of-the-art training facility for engineering apprentices. The 10 m radius of the EX600-W offered the perfect range for wirelessly integrating all training stations in the cell, with one base unit connected to the PLC via Ethernet/IP. This has significantly reduced the cabling costs and installation time of the various stations. Furthermore, thanks to the built-in web function of the EX600-W, all stations can be remotely monitored away from the physical infrastructure.
Industrial dual WiFi access point
Industrial Wireless
AirBox is the ultimate Industry 4.0 WiFi solution, offering dual-band (2.4/5GHz) connectivity for IIoT, PLCs and M2M communication.
Read more...Actuator with integral controller SMC Corporation South Africa
Motion Control & Drives
The new EQ series of slide-type and rod-type electric actuators from SMC feature a fully integrated controller, providing a simpler to set up, easier to use, space-saving solution that simultaneously helps users to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Read more...Ensuring metrology compliance in oil and gas Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
To aid compliance verification in oil and gas, remote monitoring specialist Omniflex has partnered with calibration experts Kalibra OGC Services to provide the Maxiflex flow computer systems, including pulse integrity modules used for calibrating master metering systems.
Read more...The importance of efficient wastewater treatment
Industrial Wireless
In today’s industrial landscape, sustainability is a key driver for businesses looking to minimise their environmental footprint and enhance operational efficiency. Among various sustainability initiatives, efficient wastewater treatment plays a vital role.
Read more...Preventing nuclear events with remote monitoring Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Industrial Wireless
Monitoring temperature is crucial in the nuclear industry. Gary Bradshaw, director at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex highlights the important role remote monitoring technology plays in the nuclear sector.
Read more...Remote monitoring cathodic protection systems in mining
Industrial Wireless
Cathodic protection systems are widely used in mining operations, protecting anything from conveyor systems to settling tanks against corrosion. However, because of the dangerous nature of the environment in which they are based, managing these systems is not without its challenges. Omniflex explains how these can be addressed by implementing industry-certified remote monitoring systems.
Read more...New toolset for Turck Automation Suite Turck Banner Southern Africa
Industrial Wireless
Turck is expanding its Turck Automation Suite IIoT and service software platform with the TAS Cloud industrial cloud service for remote maintenance and condition monitoring.
printer friendly version