In automation technology, industrial PCs or IPCs are networked for the most diverse applications with a wide variety of field devices. Due to the abundance of challenging industrial networks and protocols, the Ixxat-INpact family of PC cards still offers an elegant solution.
The resolution of complicated tasks falls independently in the domain of IPCs in many fields of automation. For the most part, they work using standard operating systems (Linux or Windows), but are increasingly connected using standardized communications systems with higher-level drivers. This is the reason why there is a growing need for devices that support different OT protocols, such as the Profibus or Profinet production protocols. HMS Networks' Ixxat INpact Family PC Cards offer a flexible and cost-effective option by supporting many protocols. INpact's multi-network capability is based on the Anybus NP40 multi-network processor, also produced by HMS Networks. The network processor processes all communication between the IPC and the industrial network. It also facilitates a simple connection from embedded or PC-based “slave” applications to EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Powerlink, Modbus-TCP, Profinet IRT, Profinet IRT Fiber Optic and Profibus. In addition, the Ixxat INpact range enables different hardware solutions to be integrated in a simple and flexible way. It is as easy as connecting devices or subsystems as a slave to higher level networks and displaying process data on control stations or even logging large volumes of data on test systems. At the same time, the solution is so flexible that protocols can be changed very easily. The program interface remains the same. Regular firmware updates, which also include enhancements, help ensure compatibility with current network standards, respectively.
INpact, the flexible interpretation family
The cards come in three versions that support PCIe, Mini-PCIe and M.2 interfaces intended for most products. The card variant (card) is equipped with a pre-installed network protocol. As an alternative, for the CE version (Com mon Ethernet), the desired protocol respectively can be updated by the users themselves. This makes easy exchange between all available industrial Ethernet protocols possible. Currently, it is possible to work with EtherCAT, Ether-Net/IP, Modbus TCP, Profinet and Powerlink, as well as Profibus. At the same time, each of the functionalities is implemented as a "slave" for the respective protocols. CC link and DeviceNet add-ons are also in the works. All cards run on standard Windows and Linux operating systems and the INtime real-time operating system. The C programming interface allows the development of the devices, independent of the network protocol. If the device is used in an environment with a different bus protocol, the development effort is minimal. The application bandwidth for the new protocol adapter is large, ranging from technician panel manufacturers, complex test equipment, high quality analysis and management systems to test systems. Below are some examples.
Network Automation Devices
Complex calculations, such as those for complicated motion applications, are often performed on-site by powerful IPCs at the command of a PLC. Even measurement processes with complex analysis of input data carried out by the IPC are standard today. The IPC then reports the recorded results or measured values to the PLC. However, standard IPCs often lack the interface required for industrial networks. Depending on the hardware and fieldbus requirements, INpact cards allow the integration of such interfaces into the respective applications. The high-performance INpact family therefore supports higher data rates. Depending on the application, cyclic I/O data with very short cycle times must be managed, such as those from sensors with high read rates. Even data that is not cyclical, such as algorithms and inspection information, can be quickly sent this way.
operator panels
Today, Panel PCs are the tool of choice for machine operators in many areas of automation technology. As a rule, an IPC works for it. It is responsible for the operation and display of machine data. In many cases, it may be necessary for the Panel PC to directly access the sensor and actuator process data, which requires considerable development time and effort. In this case, INpact cards free the manufacturer from having to supply spatial network hardware and associated protocols. The necessary compatibility with the on-site network can be established using a plug-in card. This allows device manufacturers to offer a broad portfolio of products with low development time and cost.
Edge gateways
Edge Gateways function as powerful links in the Internet of Things (IoT) and assume the role of intermediary between the IT and OT worlds – in other words, the production sector with the field devices. They record information on the manufacturing process and the devices involved. After preparing and analyzing the data accordingly, the data is made available to the applications it addresses in the IT world. Edgeway Gateways act as the building blocks that provide the foundation for all larger operations, including complex preventative maintenance calculations. This is why the Edge Gateway itself has to be robust and reliable and be able to be remotely diagnosed and maintained – requirements that an IPC brings with it from home. What is missing is the option of flexible integration into current and future OT structures. INpact cards close these gaps because they also provide the option to transfer large volumes of data via different protocols with any PC hardware. Available API-enabled diagnostic information facilitates integration into corresponding maintenance solutions.
Anybus NP40
HMS Networks' Anybus NP40 multi-network processor is targeted at automation device manufacturers who place a high value on deep technology integration. The NP40 is particularly suitable for manufacturers with a medium to high volume of units. This network processor is a flexible and economic alternative when it comes to integrating automation devices in the most diverse industrial networks. Because it processes all network communication independently, it relieves the host processor of the automation device of having to perform that task. The Anybus NP40 has been designed to meet the high requirements of real-time Ethernet protocols and TCP/IP communication with higher data volumes. It offers high performance, wide flexibility and low power consumption. The Anybus NP40 is a flash-based, single-chip network processor that is comprised of a high-performance ARM Cortex-M3 and FPGA. This FPGA is used to implement the different physical Ethernet interfaces, including the integrated real-time switch, while the ARM core is used to reproduce the protocol and application stack. Since this processor is flash based, automation devices incorporating the NP40 can be reprogrammed for various industrial Ethernet networks. This means that a single hardware platform can support multiple networks after uploading a new firmware. For high-performance real-time networks, the processor architecture makes it possible to exchange data with little delay. The Anybus NP40 supports the following industrial Ethernet protocols: Profinet, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus-TCP, Powerlink, CC-Link IE Field and BACnet/IP, as well as Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen and CC-Link for buses field.
