New Module Simplifies Connecting Over 50 Brands Of Factory Floor Controllers And Devices With Rockwell Automation PACs
A new appliance transaction module from Online Development Inc. makes connecting dissimilar factory floor controllers and devices to Rockwell Automation controllers fast and easy. The cATM Universal Gateway is a self-contained module for Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PACs that includes hardware, software and over 100 drivers for various controllers, devices and protocols. It eliminates the need for custom programmed data bridges by incorporating a setup utility that uses intuitive screens and drag-and-drop operation to configure data transactions between controller and devices.
After the module is configured, it automatically and transparently executes the exchange of data between controllers with no control program changes. Data can be transferred bi-directionally between controllers at configured rates to enable machine-to-machine connectivity for horizontal integration and migration at the control level. It also features a backplane interface that enables direct access to data in the PAC's processor, or through communication bridges. Connections to other controllers or devices such as analyzers, bar code readers, weigh scales, RFID systems, serial printers, etc. can be made via the module's serial or Ethernet ports.
A complete list of drivers is available on the company's web site, www.oldi.com.
About Online Development
Online Development is a fast track developer of factory automation data appliances. Since its founding in 1989, the company has led the industry in developing the technologies needed to enable various leading brands of PLCs/PACs to communicate with field devices or other controllers on the factory floor. The technologies developed by the company provide very simple, yet highly effective, connectivity between various proprietary factory automation devices including barcode scanners, modems, printers, robots, HMIs, sensors, RFIDs, and popular factory/warehouse network systems.
SOURCE: Online Development