Moxa Americas, Inc: Gateway Enables Bridging Between PROFIBUS Devices to Modbus TCP Hosts

Moxa, a provider of hardened networking and communication solutions for factory automation, has introduced the MGate 5101-PBM-MN gateway that cost-effectively creates a communication portal between PROFIBUS devices to Modbus TCP hosts.

"Our Ethernet gateway is designed to spare automation and controls engineers the headaches and performance issues that are typically encountered when connecting fieldbus devices to Ethernet," according to Paul Wacker, product marketing manager for Moxa Americas Inc.

By enabling bridging between PROFIBUS devices, at rates of up to 12 Mbps, and Modbus TCP-enabled SCADA systems and PLCs, the gateway allows the user to easily perform configuration via an innovative "one-click" AutoScan function and online MGate monitoring tool. This simplifies maintenance and eliminates the need to buy an extra PROFIBUS monitoring tool.

Moxa's AutoScan function automatically detects connected PROFIBUS slave devices and their available I/O modules to quickly complete gateway configuration, after which an easy to read data mapping table is created to assist in the configuration of Modbus TCP master settings. In addition, users can configure import/export maintenance functions, and use embedded monitoring tools to maintain Modbus communication packets logs, which can used for troubleshooting.

With features like an optional built-in optical isolation and an ultra-wide -40 to 75°C (-40° to 167°F) operational temperature range, the gateway's rugged metal design ensures reliable performance in the most demanding industrial applications such as oil/gas, power, process automation and factory automation.

The gateway also provides Web console and Telnet console for remote maintenance,plus HTTPS and SSH for secure remote access. Log functions are provided for event monitoring and diagnostics. A relay output alarm is provided for the power input status to give maintenance engineers an additional tool for troubleshooting and maintenance.

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