In system designs it can be a complex task of finding the right equipment to suit a fieldbus system where all the components interact appropriately and supply information back to a central location. On every installation, there is at least one remote device out in the field that needs communication back to this central point. This could be any distance, a solution is needed to provide that information, and also offer the user significant assurance that the result is accurate and reliable - even from kilometres away.
Integrate & Autom8 has been providing these solutions to the industry for a number of years, with its qualified staff that can assist in the transfer of data from point-to-point and point-to-multipoint via different equipment variants.
Satel - UHF and VHF modems that can support data transfer speeds of up to 19 200 bps, which is the fastest in the field. Supporting RS232/422 and RS485 including Profibus, the modems can transfer data from one point to another or from one to multiple points with its high receiver sensitivity, which boost performance. Transfer distances range from a couple of hundred metres to 80 km, but this can also be extended as one unit acts as a receiver/transmitter and repeater with mere adjustments on software provided by the supplier. Accessories are also available for providing an extension or adoption to suit individual systems. I/O plug-ins with analog and digital inputs and outputs helps the user have flexibility of long distance analog and digital communication, which is as easy as a plug-and-play. Monitoring software is available to keep the user aware of communication status.
Artem - IEEE 802.11 b and g communication is provided with Artem wireless 2,4 GHz units. As the transfer speed is raised, the distance of communication becomes shorter. Ranging from tens of metres to 20 km, long distance is achievable, but only at lower transfer speeds. Input communication is either via Ethernet or serial communication with the user being able to choose, having two communication ports available. There are three industrial types, the user can choose from IP20 DIN rail mount or IP40 surface mount or the IP65 sealed enclosure mounted devices, for whichever suits the application.
As all these units have a voltage tolerant DC power input, it is often convenient to take the already existing power supply from the fieldbus system to support this, but where remote areas are an issue, support/power can be provided either via battery or both battery and solar powered energy. A selected range of industrial solar panels was chosen from Solarc of Germany to help provide the user with both a fixed and mobile solution for the field.
For more information contact Mark, Integrate & Autom8, 0861 AUTOM8, [email protected]
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