Written by Tony Deane, CST Technical Manager
Since 1987, Interbus has been, and still is, a reliable and robust network that continues to provide solid fieldbus solutions throughout industry across the wide spectrum of the automation landscape from the food industry through to printing and automotive.
Many companies still rely on this enduring backbone to run their automation processes and shop floor infrastructure. However, with the move towards Industry 4.0 and The Internet of Things, it is accepted that Ethernet based networks are now the only way forward.
But what about the perfectly sound Interbus infrastructure in place already? Thousands of sites across the world cannot be expected to remove a perfectly functioning network just for the sake of it!
There are, of course, the obsolescence issues surrounding RHOS compliancy as well as the unavailability of old components that were used to make I/O modules in the past. This can be addressed by making structural adjustments by changing older I/O modules (ST and RT series) for the up to date and still being developed Inline series and then making adjustments to the configuration frame using CMD Software.
Another major obsolescence issue is that the Interbus Master cards used by PLC manufacturers to allow their PLC to function as an Interbus Master are now not available. This is an increasing problem that is causing engineering managers to look at their options as 365 days a year and 24/7 demands on manufacturing plants are becoming the norm.
For users of the Profinet network, Phoenix Contact have the solution for Interbus master obsolescence.
The latest generation of Interbus proxies seamlessly integrate a complete Interbus system, together with all its functions, into a higher-level control system with Profinet functionality. Using GSDML files, the parameterisation can be integrated perfectly into the higher-level engineering system.
The devices offer the following features:
- Data exchange, diagnostics, and parameterisation are via the Profinet protocol
- They can be integrated and parameterised in any controller using the Profinet functionality
- LLDP support for topology detection
- Profinet update rates ≥ 1 ms
Visit our website to see the devices in more detail:
Proxy – FL NP PND-4TX IB-LK – 2985929: Proxy for PROFINET-RT, G4 functionality, INTERBUS proxy for fibre optics with integrated 4-port switch
Proxy – FL NP PND-4TX IB – 2985974: Proxy for PROFINET-RT-IRT, G4 functionality, INTERBUS proxy with integrated 4-port switch
For more information, contact Tony on 07824 437393 or email: tdeane@phoenixcontact.com
