If you are struggling to communicate to multiple devices via the Ethernet port of the FX5 please click the link below for your technical tip.
Connecting two GT2000s to FX5 via Ethernet.pdf
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The digital performance of a network is subject to the active devices within the network, such as switches and controllers. However it is the passive devices such as cable and connectors which can ultimately determine a networks performance.
The frequency performance of a component dictates its performance. Let us take Cat 5 cable as an example. Cat 5 cable is specified for operating frequencies up to 100MHz. However the cable is suitable for 100MBIT applications using two pairs and gigabit applications (1,000MBIT) using a 4 pair cable in association with the correct connector.
It is easy to confuse MHz performance with the MEGABIT.
Class Frequency Data Rate Capability
Range 100Mbit 1GBIT
Cat 5/5e 100MHz 2 Pair 4 Pair
Cat 6 350MHz ✔ ✔
Cat 6A 500MHz ✔ ✔
Clearly cables of a higher category (Class) meet all the transmission characteristics of the lower classes, they therefore provide additional performance margin in a given application.
Conductor Size Stranded Ethernet cable does not have the same performance characteristics as solid conductor. This must be remembered when distance is a factor. Ethernet conductors are typically 26AWG and 24AWG, and it is always best to use the largest size when requiring high data rates over long distance. The Profinet standard saw 22AWG cables being introduced, with this wire size there is significant transmission performance advantage over 26AWG and 24AWG, full 100m segment length can be achieved with stranded or solid cable types. Three types have been defined within the Profinet standard (see table below). Care must be taken to select the correct RJ45 connector when using 22AWG cables as many are not compatible with the increased wire size and the larger o/d of Profinet cables.
Power Over Ethernet Spare conductors in an Ethernet cable can be used to provide power to Ethernet devices. Clearly, wire size is important in the calculation of voltage drop in POE applications, and is important to bear in mind in cable selection.
Cable Selection The industrial environment requires suitable cables which have far more robust constructions than those used in office environments. Materials such as PUR are often used to provide mineral oil resistance, high abrasion resistance and are halogen free.
Ethernet cables are available with solid conductors which are only suitable for static applications.
Stranded conductors typically 7 strand for flexible use. Highly stranded, typically 19 strands for continuous movement e.g drag chain applications.
For help with selecting the right Ethernet Cable for your machine environment, in conjunction with LUTZE UK, we have created an easy-to-follow selection guide. Please click here…
And for further detailed information about Ethernet Connectivity, please download Lutze’s Ethernet Connectivity guide
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Phoenix Contact’s industrial Bluetooth modules allow you to wirelessly transmit control data to mobile or 
difficult to access automation devices quickly and easily. Bluetooth communication is characterised by particularly robust transmission under difficult ambient conditions. This allows you to establish functionally safe communication via PROFIsafe or SafetyBridge technology.
Having quick and easy implementation, Phoenix Contact’s Bluetooth is the ideal solution for reliable wireless communication with automation components. Industrial wireless communication via Bluetooth offers easy and inexpensive Ethernet connection in automation.
Using Phoenix Contact’s Bluetooth, the advantages of this technology can benefit your application.
If you use a Bluetooth wireless connection as a wireless control cable. You can communicate reliably with rotating or moving modules, with minimal effort, eg cranes, robots, scraper bridges. When in parallel operation with other wireless systems, Bluetooth is most impressive.
Using Bluetooth as a multipoint connection, you can provide wireless Ethernet access for up to seven devices per wireless cell. Therefore you can communicate safely and reliably with I/O components, scanners or PCs in a machine.
For further information, click here. If you require any further information or a quotation, please get in touch.
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Introduced in November 2013 at the SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg, it replaces the present GOT1000 HMI range, but remains backwardly compatible, its panel sizes are identical and existing programmes can be imported.
These enhanced HMIs deliver genuine perspective on the automation process and provide a platform to solve the typical production problems that drive down OEE. With their enhanced functionality, these HMIs provide additional features that will help to reduce downtime, enable fast recovery from simple errors, increase availability and boost production efficiency.
Having inbuilt Ethernet communications means users can operate the GOT2000 remotely from a PC (VNC Server) or even from a tablet or portable terminal. An MES interface option enables the GOT2000 to transmit data collected from PLCs and other automation devices directly to higher level system databases, eliminating the need for gateway PCs or complex programming.
The GT27 series which are the successors to the GT16 range are characterised by an intuitive operating concept with multi-touch function and gesture control. The HMIs from the GT23 series offer a balanced price/performance ratio.
The GOT2000 series is designed to optimise operator control and monitoring of device and line status. The increased performance includes, advanced functions, seamless connectivity to other automation devices and intuitive programming and operation. The high quality graphics of GOT2000 series offer crisp well defined images whether enlarged or reduced in size, and it supports a library of outline fonts and multi-language formats. Selected models also feature tablet-like multi-touch gestures, and will also worked with gloved hands.
Mitsubishi Electric is now offering its GOT 2000 IP67f without a USB connection on the white front panel for the first time in direct response to requirements from the food industry. GOT2000 includes connectivity with most popular automation equipment including Siemens and Allen Bradley.
Please contact us if you would like a brochure or quotation.
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The density of equipment at the network edge has increased as well as needs such as enhanced security and network resilience, hence the need for a new generation of industrial Ethernet switches.
RedFox is a high performance layer 3 industrial Ethernet switch designed for high network traffic applications. Seven new switch configurations are available that can be customised further with SFP transceivers. Two models, the RFI-207-F4G-T3G and RFI-211-F4G-T7G, offer gigabit connections on all ports. The RFI-219-F4G-T7G offers 19 ports altogether including 7 SFP fibre ports in a robust and compact DIN rail mount industrial housing.
The RedFox is designed for use in heavy duty industrial applications in it’s robust aluminium housing and has been tested both by Westermo and external test houses to meet many EMC, isolation, vibration and shock standards, all to the highest levels suitable for heavy industrial environments and rail track side application.
RedFox is powered by the Westermo WeOS network operating system which is now delivered in 70 different models in the Westermo range. WeOS has been developed by Westermo to allow us to offer cross platform and future proof solutions. WeOS can deliver unique IP security functionality for this class of product, for instance a Multiport DMZ can be constructed by utilising the firewall function available in every port. Remote secure access to a network can be provided using encrypted VPNs.
As a Layer 3 routing switch the RedFox is capable of delivering enterprise type routing functionality with OSPF, RIP and VRRP as well as process level ring recovery times of around 20ms even at speeds of 1 gbit/sec utilising Westermo’s FRNT protocol.
It has wide power range 19-60VDC on dual power inputs for resilience and requires 30% less power than the previous generation of products, a significant benefit for lifetime running costs. A wide operating temperature range –40 to +70°C (–40 to +158°F) can be achieved with no moving parts or cooling holes in the case.
Contact us if you require any further information.
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First you need to log into Google Play on a PC to check the compatibility of your Google registered device and if it is, you can use the new Marking System App on your android smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth connectivity.
The great thing about this app is no prior knowledge of marking material is required, the search assistant will filter the options for Phoenix Contact and their competitors DIN rail terminal markers. On top of this, the product scanner can conveniently and quickly call up all possible marking materials for your application. All you have to do is scan the barcode on the packaging of your Phoenix Contact product to be labelled. Also included within the App is wire, equipment and plant marking.
Having selected the appropriate template via the material editor, you can edit adding the required text or symbols. Once you have completed your template, you can save as a file and archive within a named folder.
You can then print your jobs easily sent via a wireless data exchange to either the THERMOMARK card or roll printer. This has to be upgraded with the addition of the MINI FD BLUETOOTH, Phoenix article number 0830986.
Contact us if you require any further information.
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With vastly increased performance, advanced functionality, seamless connectivity to other automation devices, highly intuitive nature, tablet-like operation and high quality graphics, the GOT2000 series provides a range of models and sizes to meet the needs of the broadest spread of applications.
With their enhanced functionality, these HMIs extend capabilities beyond monitoring and visualisation, providing additional features that will help to reduce downtime, enable fast recovery from simple errors, increase availability and boost production efficiency. In addition, a software HMI version, the GT SoftGOT2000, realises all of the GOT2000 features on a PC or panel computer.
The GOT2000 offers seamless connectivity to Mitsubishi Electric automation devices such as PLCs, variable speed drives, servo drives and robots, simplifying automation system set up. Built-in Ethernet communication means users can operate the GOT2000 remotely from a PC (VNC Server) or even from a tablet or portable terminal. An MES interface option enables the GOT2000 to transmit data collected from PLCs and other automation devices directly to higher level system databases, eliminating the need for gateway PCs or complex programming. Furthermore, the GOT2000 comes with the “FA transparent” function that enables users to link from a PC through the HMI to any supported connected automation products.
FEAUTURES AND BENEFITS
* Some functions such as Multi-touch/gesture are only available on certain models
For further information or to receive a quotation, please contact us.
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Sick Flexi Soft
Flexi Soft by SICK makes it all so simple by using the intuitive and ergonomic programming software. With the Flexi Soft Designer, the entire project is programmed from beginning to end. The planning is done via the PC, and hardware is selected and combined to offer optimal amounts of inputs and outputs. All tactile and optical safety sensors can be attached to these modules in order to complete the project. Up to 12 modules can be attached to the chosen CPU and thereby up to 144 inputs/outputs can be used. Due to the individual and compact 22.5mm wide modules, the control cabinet only needs to house enough safety controller to match the application.
Flexi Soft is a programmable, modular expandable safety controller by SICK.
The main CPU module FX3-CPU is the CPU of the entire system where all input signals are monitored and processed via safety logic programs stored inside the CPU’s memory.
These signals are used to switch outputs on the system through the FLEX BUS+ interface which interacts all units to one another.
The FX3-CPU has an RS-232C interface allowing connection to the easy-to-use Flexi Soft Designer in order to upload/download projects and change system settings.
The RS-232 port can also be used as a permanent port to a PLC or HMI if required.
The main module FX3-CPU1 has 2 EFI-connections on it.
An input/output extension module FX3-XTIO has 8 safety inputs and 4 safety outputs.
The input expansion module FX3-XTDI has 8 safety inputs.
Flexi Soft Modular Safety Controller
Main Modules
In-/ Output expansion modules
Relay expansion modules
Gateways
To connect the Flexi Soft to an existing PLC, you can do this by integrating up to two Gateways.
The following modules are available:
In-System added value
Usage of enhanced sensor functions through the EFI-interface.
The EFI-interface (Enhanced Function Interface) is a two wire communication between safety sensor and controller.
All EFI sensors connected to Flexi Soft can be accessed and programmed via the Flexi Soft’s RS-232 connection.
The software incorporates a high quality diagnostic function delivering fast and accurate actions, allowing the user to make program changes or fix errors productively.
So if you are after simplicity with a high-level of safety, from the integration of an Emergency stop, to the integration of optical safety sensors. Or even the combination of entry/exit stations with entry protection, with the option of networking to complex machinery with minimal effort, then the SICK Modular Safety Controller is the solution for you!
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This guide is an additional Sales Tool to help you with your selection of Mitsubishi Hardware for each of your Automation applications.
Within this guide you’ll find listed an abundance of Product Ranges in a pictorial format along with a brief description encompassing additional information along with the current UK List Prices for each product shown. We hope that this guide itself can offer you instant access to part numbers and cost whilst you are planning for new projects, upgrades or straight forward like-for-like replacements.
A typical extract from the Brochure below shows a brief description, dimensions, specifications and additional modules for each product:
L-series spread
Whether it be for peace of mind or a technical brain to pick, it’s good to know our Engineers are available to assist with your factory automation or control project. We believe that if our customers are knowledgeable they are more likely to get the best from our products. This means that our technical support Engineers will take the time to explain their advice and not baffle you with science. Therefore as a Sales Guide we hope this latest edition continues to assist with your hardware selection, and to further strengthen our customer commitment we offer in partnership the following services.
Our Engineering service supports you during planning, conception and completion of your project. We offer support, consultancy and service in various forms, may it be online, over the phone or on-site. We can help you with everything from equipment specification, system implementation and commissioning to on-going support and training tailored to your needs.
Find us online where we offer a customer download area containing a comprehensive range of old to new manuals, application notes, data sheets and free software.
Drop us a call on 01162361861, where one of our Technical Support Engineers will be on hand during the day to advise and support you with any queries regarding selection, functionality, configuration, wiring and programming of our products and systems. Alternatively, you could always send us an e-mail to: support@cdluk.com
Our on-site support team can be booked to assist in design, commissioning or programming of PLCs HMIs and Servo systems. Integration with industrial networks, third party or legacy systems is their specialist area and they are prepared for the unique challenges that each visit can bring.
Whether simple programming or complex system integration on either a software or hardware technology, our training team can provide a range of of standard or bespoke training courses tailored to your exact requirements. Our training courses carry the appropriate accreditation and certification and can lead to the achievement of a Mitsubishi Certified Engineer status.
To request a FREE copy of one of our Brochure’s, fill out the contact form below.
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Industrial Ethernet
The advantages for using these products include improved real-time for your application with PROFINET IRT switches, reliable and fast networks with highspeed WLAN access points and finally, secure machine networks thanks to the new generation of security routers.
High speed WLAN access point
Highspeed WLAN access point
The WLAN 5100 access point combines robust industrial technology and high performance and it is contained in a compact metal housing. You can design more reliable and faster networks. The configuration and maintenance of WLAN networks is easier with cluster management and replaceable memory cards enables simple replacement of devices.
IP67 PROFINET realtime switch
IP67 PROFINET Realtime Switch
Increase the realtime capability of PROFINET applications using the new PROFINET realtime switch. With push/pull connection technology on the IP67 housing enables easy installation and with no cabinet. Ensure optimal realtime properties with the hardware based PROFINET prioritisation.
Security Routers
MGUARD security routers from Phoenix Contact reliably protect your network against unauthorised access and tampering. A rugged metal housing and extended temperature range give you the bonus of greater reliability. The SD card slot enables fast device replacement.
Contact us if you require any further information.
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