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Serial Device Servers And Gateways Support RAW, ASCII, HART, Modbus/RTU, TCP/IP, Modbus/TCP, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP™
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Phoenix Contact introduced their line of serial device servers and gateways that gives automation engineers a way to connect control systems and field devices.
Performing routine maintenance, upgrades, or expansion of control systems can lead to a communications gap between legacy devices and emerging technologies. Many companies have traditionally depended on serial system connectivity and are now trying to integrate controls that communicate via Ethernet. This family of serial device servers and gateways support most common industrial protocols, with various combinations of HART, HART IP, Profinet, Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, Raw/ASCII, and EtherNet/IP.
A serial device server connects serial-only devices (those with only an RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 serial interface) to a local area network (LAN). This brings the serial devices into the world of Ethernet, without disrupting the communication method. A gateway converts the protocol of one device to the protocol suitable for interoperability with another device or tool. It is sometimes referred to as a protocol converter.
Variants are available with one, two, or four D-SUB 9 serial ports and one or two RJ45 Ethernet ports. Startup and configuration is simple using an embedded web server. To ensure secure communication, the devices include 256-bit AES encryption and optional authentication. The servers and gateways can operate between -40 to +70 C and have hazardous location approvals.
PC COM ports, USB virtual COM ports, and ports in embedded systems are all addressed in this updated guide to programming, interfacing, and using serial ports.
Topics include using .NET’s SerialPort class for COM-port communications on PCs; upgrading existing RS-232 designs to USB or wireless networks; and creating serial networks of embedded systems and PCs.
Example circuits and code provide a quick start to projects.
Installation and maintenance staff will also find tips for ensuring reliable operation and problem tracking.