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Fieldbus Technology
Fieldbus
solutions offer powerful advan-
tages: They are robust, com-
pact, and space saving, as well
as future-proof thanks to digital
data transfer. The new PROFINET
gateway enables direct com-
munication between the PROFI-
BUS PA and the Ethernet-based
PROFINET, and complements the
completely revised series of Field-
Connex
®
Compact Power Hubs.
Rather humble on the outside, FieldConnex
®
Compact Power Hubs
line up side by side in the typical Pepperl+Fuchs green. However,
what you cannot see at first glance is their technical features: The
extremely low heat dissipation (1.6 watts per channel in comparison
to the usual 3 watts to 7 watts) and the housing design at just 12.5 mm
wide represent real savings. “Due to the high packing density, not as
many switch cabinets need to be installed for the same number of
power hubs – thus, less enclosed space is required,” says Andreas
Hennecke, Product Marketing Manager for fieldbus technology. With
the PROFINET gateway and the models for four segments, the entire
FieldConnex
®
Power Hub series now features a new, compact design.
The series consist of various motherboard designs as well as plug-in
modules for communication, diagnostics functionality, and power
supply.
The new Power Hubs are available for four or eight segments, and
with optional redundancy for each of the two modules coupled per
segment. The Power Hubs can be used for the popular PROFIBUS PA
and FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 bus systems.
Future-Proof Connections
The PROFINET gateway raises the bar: For the first time, PROFIBUS
PA can be integrated directly into high-speed, Ethernet-based PROFINET.
“This setup allows users to protect the installed base and be well
prepared to meet the demands of a networked future,” says Hennecke.
The configuration and integration tools offer an elegant solution for
automating control system integration and are easy to use from the
planning stage to operation. For maximum availability, the PROFINET
Power Hubs support control system redundancy “S2” and installation
with ring redundancy.
Users who choose the PROFIBUS gateway can count on a variety of
advantages: backward compatibility, the integration of existing
PROFIBUS technology into existing structures or when constructing
new plants, as well as the easy procurement of spare parts. Like the
power supply, the gateway is available with complete redundancy. To
convert to PROFINET, simply replace the gateway module.
Whether you choose PROFIBUS or PROFINET, fieldbus investments
are protected in the event of future changes to the process control
system or migration to Ethernet technology – users can respond in a
flexible manner, and costly modifications to the field devices or
infrastructure are avoided.
n
www.pepperl-fuchs.com/news-fieldconnexBackward Compatible
and Future-oriented
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