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SmartLink HW-DP delivers controller-independent access to Profibus DP networks and PA and Hart field devices, plus OPC UA delivers connected functionality with access remotely or on site.
Many industrial network installations have grown and evolved over time. Not only have they done this within one facility or location, but it is highly likely that, as the organisation has grown, then so too has the number of locations. Expansion, mergers, relocations, streamlining and a multitude of other scenarios can result in a sprawling itinerary of disparate industrial networks.
This also represents a significant monetary investment which it simply would not be practical to replace. As manufacturing and other industrial processes struggle to simultaneously keep up with the pace of demand and change, while delivering vital information back to the corporate IT networks and beyond, the question is raised as to how this previous investment in networks and the associated equipment can be brought up-to-date, without major capital expenditure being required.
Getting the maximum value from your current networks
The smartLink HW-DP from Softing provides PLC-independent access to Profibus DP networks. It enables local or remote plant asset management for Profibus DP, PA and Hart field devices using industry standard tools such as EEDL or FDT (e.g. Fieldcare or Pactware) and allows access to Hart IP as a standardised format. SmartLink HW-DP is a compact tool that can be integrated without interfering with the operation of existing installations, and, perhaps most importantly, it enables process data to be extracted and shared to wherever it is needed, be that a database, MQTT or to OPC UA for new and existing Profibus DP networks.
Fast, simple installation
An added benefit is that there is also almost no rewiring required, so installation of the smartLink is fast and non-disruptive. In fact, the only time it will need a Profibus node address is for Class 2 master operations. However, even that can be automatically assigned, keeping installation fast and disruption minimal. The rugged design is also suitable for use in harsh industrial environments.
It is possible to achieve total transparency across Profibus and Hart networks with minimal investment, extending the life of your existing infrastructure. The smartLink is truly future-proofed as it supports only standardised interfaces and has been designed with future updates and improvements in mind. It also offers cyber security as it can be implemented in accordance with the IEC 62443 standard.
To find out more, please visit https://hitex.co.uk/industrial-automation/network-diagnostics-products/smartlink or contact Dave Tomlin on dtomlin@hitex.co.uk or 024 7669 2066.
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Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily represent the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.