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Module plugs drives into the Ethernet
Published:  01 February, 2005

Module plugs drives into the Ethernet

Following a customer survey which revealed that 75% of automation users are either already using Ethernet, or are investigating its use, Control Techniques has launched a plug-in Ethernet module for its Unidrive SP and Commander SK AC drives.

The SM-Ethernet module will fit inside the drive to provide 10Base-T or 100Base-T Ethernet communications, allowing users to monitor and configure their drives remotely. Easy-to-use Web pages embedded in the module will help them to set up the module and its host drive.

Users will also be able to embed their own Web pages in the module to provide unique graphical operator interfaces for their applications. They will be able to view these pages via a PC or the Web, without needing special software.

The module also supports SMTP mail, and can send emails automatically at end of a batch, or when maintenance is needed, for example.

Several devices, such as operator panels, PCs and PLCs, can read and write data simultaneously, to and from the modules.

The modules support Modbus TCP/IP, and can optionally link into Control Techniques` own drive-to-drive network, CTNet. This will allow a single Ethernet connection to be used to configure and monitor a complete drive-based automation system.

Finally, the modules support DHCP (the dynamic host configuration protocol) for managing the assignment of IP addresses to devices on an Ethernet network. This will help to locate and manage devices on the network and will allow the modules to be integrated easily into most IT networks.

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