Profibus DP/AS-interface gateway
March 2005
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
IFM Electronic has added the SmartLink DP, an AS-i/Profibus gateway to its AS-i master family. All LEDs indicating AS-i voltage/communication error, projection mode, configuration error/periphery fault and Profibus diagnosis are clearly fixed on the front panel. The serial PC interface or handheld configuration devices are not necessary as the configuration of all AS-i slaves is easily done via the large and clear display menu.
The SmartLink DP has a height of only 70 mm and features tool less DIN rail mounting. Four clearly visible LEDs indicate correct operation, operating modes and faults, while detailed messages are indicated in the backlit LCD display. SmartLink DP supports IFM's AS-i Safety at Work. Up to 62 A/B slaves with four DI/3 DO are supported, and up to 31 analog slaves with four channels each are included.
The transmission of data via Profibus DP is compatible with the Controller e. It can be set in 11 modules via the SmartLink specific GSD file. There are, for example, modules for the master flags, A-slaves, B-slaves, analog values and a free command channel. The free command channel allows uploading and configuration of AS-i slaves from any manufacturers PLC side. This serves to reduce the cycle time on the Profibus by transferring only the available AS-i slaves, and not always, the entire data. All SmartLink DP status and error messages can be transferred to the higher-level PLC via Profibus and evaluated via the user software.
The AS-i slaves are addressed online via the AS-i SmartLink without any additional devices.
By using the integrated display and the four operating pushbuttons the connected slaves can be addressed manually or automatically via the operating mode 'Easy Startup' in rising order. This excludes any disallowed dual addressing.
The AS-i SmartLink modules can be used in a wide range of applications. Their easy bus wiring makes them particularly suited for conveyors where flexibility is required, as well as process applications such as those found in brewery, mining or chemical installations.
AS-interface is a suitable system for wiring simple binary and analogue sensors and actuators.
For more information contact Andrew Kerr, Shorrock Automation, 012 345 4449, sales@shorrock.co.za, www.shorrock.co.za
Further reading:
Innovating control and display solutions
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Mimic Group, founded in 1971, started with electronic and mimic displays before expanding into control desks, software and display electronics.
Read more...
ABB technology for greater circularity in metals and mining industries
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has been selected by GreenIron, an innovative Swedish company working in the mining and metals industries with its patented materials reduction technology, to provide automation and control system solutions for a first commercial facility in Sandviken, Sweden.
Read more...
EtherCAT Box modules for confined spaces
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Users of EtherCAT and EtherCAT P Box modules from Beckhoff’s EP and EPP series benefit from 25 years of IP67 expertise in the I/O sector. The broad product range for decentralised distribution of the I/O level directly at the machine or system has been continuously expanded and further developed during this time.
Read more...
ABB updates distributed control system
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Leveraging 30 years of continuous innovation and reliability, ABB’s updated Freelance 2024 distributed control system (DCS) offers greater plant adaptability, faster and more reliable device communication, improved system security, and seamless data exchange.
Read more...
Four ways modern operations control can boost sustainability and efficiency
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With the growing importance of digital transformation, HMIs and scada have evolved from control panels to vast operational hubs. Next-gen HMI/scada can bring together data, personalisation, and advanced insights to successfully achieve organisational goals, it is important to think about HMI/scada holistically within the operations ecosystem.
Read more...
The convergence of intelligence: DCS, SCADA and TLC
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
In the early days of industrialisation, control systems were primarily mechanical, and relied on manual intervention and simple feedback loops to manage processes. Now, in the 21st century, industrial process automation systems are mind-blowingly intelligent, and provide almost unparalleled control and monitoring capabilities, making them integral to modern industrial systems.
Read more...
PC-based control for advanced hydrogen storage technology
Beckhoff Automation
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The proportion of renewable energies from solar, wind and water is rising continuously. However, sufficient storage options are of the essence to use these energies as efficiently as possible. GKN Hydrogen offers a particularly compact and safe option, low-pressure metal hydride hydrogen storage systems with PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...
ABB modernises key board mill
ABB South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has secured a landmark contract to modernise Smurfit Kappa’s Paper Machine 5 at its corrugated cardboard mill near Mexico City. ABB will provide Smurfit Kappa with DCS, accompanied by a comprehensive paper machine drives system, encompassing some of the market’s most advanced drives and motors meticulously designed to optimise PM5’s performance.
Read more...
The synapses of the distributed control system
Schneider Electric South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Industrial operations require a distributed control system (DCS) to coordinate and control their process subsystems in real time. Like the brain, a DCS is a multitasking maestro, controlling and coordinating complex processes in a myriad of industrial setting such as large manufacturing plants, providing valuable top-down control.
Read more...
Modular assembly platform for clean manufacturing
Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
JR Automation delivers custom automated solutions for numerous industries. It has done this through its scalable, modular automation platform, FlexChassis, which speeds up time to market while cutting costs. The company chose the XTS linear transport system from Beckhoff because of its speed, and modular design that allows for multiple configurations.
Read more...
printer friendly version