Open comms plug-and-play integration

Paul Boughton

HMS Industrial Networks has launched a new generation of ready-made open communication interfaces that will allow users to integrate systems in a simple plug and play manner.

The new Anybus CompactCom concept provides device manufacturers with full solution flexibility for all major fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet applications, including high performance, real-time, synchronisation, and multiple form factors.
 
Anybus is a range of embedded communication solutions that provide devices with connectivity to any industrial network. The new CompactCom provides a choice for the level of level of integration: Chip, Brick or Module.[Page Break]

CompactCom Chip provides a full network connectivity solution on a single chip for integration into the user’s PCB design.

CompactCom Brick is aimed at users who have limited space or want to add their own choice of network connectors.

CompactCom Module is a complete and interchangeable communication module that gives the fastest time to market.

Regardless of form factor, users still have the industry-leading interchangeability of Anybus. For example, it is possible to embed a CompactCom module into an automation device and later re-use the same software implementation for a CompactCom Brick or Chip solution.  This means a minimum of development efforts for the user.[Page Break]

CompactCom provides a choice of performance level. The Anybus CompactCom 30-series (based on the NP30 network processor) is tailored for users needing a solution for general automation such as general purpose drives, weigh scales, valves, barcode scanners, sensors, HMIs etc. The new CompactCom 40-series, based on the new NP40 network processor, caters mainly for high-performance industrial communication for demanding applications.

CompactCom 40-series supports all major industrial networks and therefore is especially suitable for high-end industrial Ethernet and fieldbus applications and its speed of signal processing provides zero delay in communications between the device and the network, making it ideal for high-performance applications with fast network cycles and synchronisation demands such as servo drive systems.

Like all Anybus CompactCom solutions, the 40-series gives users access to all types of industrial networks such as traditional fieldbuses as well as industrial Ethernet through one single development project. The CompactCom 40-series extends the level of flexibility even further since it uses reprogrammable CompactCom hardware to support several networks. For example, it is possible to install the CompactCom 40-series Ethernet hardware into an industrial device and simply download ready-made firmware to connect to the desired network (for example EtherNet/IP, PROFINET IRT or Modbus-TCP).

For more information, visit www.anybus.com