Hilscher North America, Inc : Network Interface Modules For Connection of Fieldbus and Ethernet Protocols

Thirteen different protocols are supported, including fieldbuses, such as DeviceNet and Profibus, and Industrial Ethernet protocols, such as EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP and Profinet, in both master and slave versions. Configuring an automaton product to use a particular protocol is just a matter of inserting the appropriate netJack module from Hilscher (www.hilscher.com/usa).

“We see increasing demand from vendors, OEMs and end users for versatile networking,” says Hilscher Product Manager Christof Hunger. “No one wants to build special designs for every protocol. They want to be able to add the different protocols easily and quickly to a product to meet any need, and change protocols fast—in the field if necessary.”

The IP 40-rated netJack module uses a simple connection interface to the host that reduces parts costs by eliminating components such as mounting rails. For vendors and OEMs, netJack reduces integration and stocking costs because only one product design is needed to meet a wide range of protocol choices. Three interface options will be offered. Available now are PCI Express versions for the device vendor and OEM markets, and Dual Port Memory (DPM) versions for embedded systems. A fast Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) version is expected in the fourth quarter of 2012.

The netJack is based on Hilscher's family of netX chips, which supports all popular industrial networking protocols. In addition to communications, netX has enough processing power to include value-added functions such as control.

"It is this added-value factor combined with fewer parts that puts netJack ahead of the competition. We expect softPLC applications to be available by year end," adds Hunger.

Hilscher can help engineer netJack integration for vendors and OEMs. The netX chip carries a 10 year-availability guarantee.