Anybus Gateways Enhanced for EtherCAT Connectivity

Anybus X-gateways, a family of over 180 different network to network industrial gateways, has now been expanded with 19 new EtherCAT versions. The fieldbus and Ethernet networks that can be linked include Profibus, Profinet, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, CANopen, Modbus-RTU, Modbus-TCP etc.

The gateways provide a transparent path for I/O data between any two networks and thus can interconnect PLCs from all leading PLC manufacturers; among them Siemens, Rockwell, Schneider, Mitsubishi, Phoenix Contact, Bosch, Moeller and many more.

The Anybus X-gateways have been designed for use in harsh industrial environments featuring standard DIN rail mounting, IP20 rating and 24 Volt DC power supply and hazardous location classifiactions such as ATEX and UL1604. The X-gateways are intelligent stand alone devices supporting fanless operation and industrial operating temperature range..

The design of the X-gateways is based upon two embedded Anybus communication modules and one additional Gateway processor. There is also no programming involved. The gateway version that supports the two networks to bridge can be chosen from each of all possible network combinations.