February 2020

41 www.drivesncontrols.com February 2020 SPS REPORT n versions, a secure cloud server, and an easy-to- use IoT platform. Called NubisNet, it can be used to analyse and visualise machine data. The platform includes application modules – such as condition monitoring, alarms and energy management – which users can combine to create dashboards using drag- and-drop techniques. Eaton was also previewing an EtherCat gateway which supports the use of its XN300 I/O system in automation systems based on EtherCat networks. The gateway can also be used with Eaton’s EtherCat- capable XC300 controllers and XV300 touch panels. HMS Networks revealed a new security platform for its Anybus CompactCom family, adding certificate management and TLS (Transport Layer Security) encryption – initially for the IIoT-enabled versions of the CompactCom Ethernet/IP and Profinet products. HMS also announced a new version of its M2Web service which allows users of its Ewon Cosy and Flexy products to monitor KPIs from remote machines. Enhancements include a new graphical interface, and a map view of all connected machines. The networking specialist Moxa announced a TSN framework that integrates devices and protocols such as CC-Link IE TSN and OPC UA over TSN. Moxa has cooperated with the backers of those protocols to perform compatibility tests and to bridge devices into an open, interoperable TSN- based environment that facilitates OT/IT convergence, plug-and-produce manufacturing and edge intelligence. Moxa was also highlighting a series of IIoT edge gateways that it claims are the first Arm-based IoT edge computers certified for use with Microsoft ’s Azure cloud platform. Moxa has also formed a joint venture with the cybersecurity firm Trend Micro (called TXOne Networks) that has resulted in three products so far: an industrial intrusion prevention/detection appliance that alleviates the risk of unpatched devices; a firewall with virtual patch capabilities; and a security management software package that enhances the visibility of critical assets. Panasonic has developed a gateway for Industry 4.0 applications that supports OPC- UA and MQTT and has a built-in Web server and FTP client. The FP-I4C gateway can transmit data from controllers to higher- level systems and provide remote access even for small systems. Following its acquisition last year of the US-based IO-Link specialist Comtrol Corporation, Pepperl+Fuchs says it is the first company to offer IO-Link masters with OPC UA interfaces. By combining these technologies, P+F adds that it has opened up new possibilities for transparent end-to- end communications from the field level to the cloud. Phoenix Contact ’s PoE (Power-over- Ethernet) injectors now have Atex approval, allowing them to be installed in Ex Zone 2 areas. The injectors can supply 15.4W or 30W in accordance with IEEE 802.3, as well as offering the PoE++ option for supplies up to 80W. Phoenix’s 2400/2500 family of managed Profinet switches now includes metal- housed versions with downward-facing ports for use in flat control cabinets. At SPS, Softing presented new Ethernet/IP-to-Profibus gateways (epGate DP, PA and PB) completing its smartGate family, which also supports Profinet and Modbus/TCP. Softing also released version 1.20 of its mbGateDP, PA and PB Modbus/TCP-to-Profibus gateways, adding a “high availability” option that allows the operation of redundant systems with two Modbus/TCP controllers and two gateways, ensuring system availability even if a connection fails. Weidmüller launched a series of unmanaged, plug-and-play Ethernet switches aimed at smaller networks. The Eco Line switches, with 5–24 ports, promise reliable communications between Ethernet- based systems and higher-level networks. They have combinable copper or fibre- optic interfaces. The five-port version is said to be one of the smallest available. Wieland Electric is offering a range of IIoT starter kits consisting of an IIoT gateway with a built-in IoT PLC and VPN service, a year of cloud access, and a quick-start guide. The gateways have a mobile radio modem, so do not depend on the user’s IT infrastructure. They support Modbus TCP and RTU (via RS-232/485) and have an OPC UA function for transferring data to the cloud. An OPC UA client is planned. Yaskawa has released an interface that can be used to integrate up to 64 I/O modules from its SLIO system with its Mechatrolink III network. The SLIO 053ML Mechatrolink III interface is said to allow significantly faster signal transmission than Ethernet or Modbus TCP couplings. SOFTWARE ABB was demonstrating a new version of its Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) software suite with extended capabilities including: an enhanced user experience based on a new HTML 5 Web client; a smart interactive dashboard application that provides greater visibility and collaboration; a new SPC (statistical process control) application, to determine if each process is under control; and a new Batch Compare application for advanced batch analyses. Bosch Rexroth has developed new Transparent: Pepperl+Fuchs IO-Link masters with OPC UA interfaces Cloud first: Moxa’s IIoT edge gateways Unmanaged: Weidmüller’s plug-and-play Ethernet switches All-in-one: Wieland’s IIoT starter kit