HMS Networks recently announced its second-generation Anybus Communicator – a line of high-performing gateways for connecting devices and machines to industrial networks.
The first version for EtherNet/IP is available and it will be followed by versions for Modbus TCP, PROFINET and PROFIBUS. The new Communicators are modern, high-performing gateways which incorporate all experience gained by HMS Networks in the interaction with customers about the original Anybus Communicator line over the last two decades. The two generations will co-exist according to a separate product life cycle plan.
All 2nd generation Communicators are powered by the award-winning Anybus NP40 industrial network processor used in all HMS’ embedded solutions, which ensures that the Communicators will match the demands in terms of performance, reliability, and security.
Depending on the use case, data cycle times are up to 10 times faster than with the 1st generation Communicators. Users can also benefit from significantly increased data exchange support as up to 1 448 bytes can be transferred from the connected PLC to the gateway and vice versa.
Furthermore, to meet current and future security challenges, all products are equipped with a security chip. Carrying all relevant industrial certifications such as CE- and UL-marking, a temperature range of -25 to +70 °C is supported to ensure Communicators stay operational in very demanding industrial conditions.
Initially, the 2nd Gen Communicator is primarily focusing on Modbus RTU communication to connected equipment. Up to 150 Modbus commands are supported which allows very complex configurations with multiple nodes. Final configurations can be stored and managed securely for future use. When done, the gateway is ready to be included as a node in the PLC-system on the other side of the gateway. The configuration port and its web interface also enable the user to monitor and diagnose network traffic. The user can immediately see the status of the industrial network connection, the serial connection, as well as individual serial node status. Communication logs are provided for further analysis by the user.
