User-friendly networking for automation applications
The project has developed an 'integrated information system' for automation systems in manufacturing or energy plants. The system uses the Ethernet/IP (EIP) standard for communication between standard PCs and control or sensor devices. Furthermore, the system is based on the CANopen standard for the physical networking on the controller area network (CAN), which provides for increased transmission speed. Simply by connecting this to the standard Ethernet port of a PC, users can display diagnostic information from the sensors and a user-friendly graphical interface for control functions. The software is both more accurate and capable of taking on more hardware functions than was previously available. It is also a 'self-learning' system that can monitor, classify and react to events detected via the network. The system can then send alerts via e-mail, SMS or telephone. Safety is also catered for by the electrical separation of the control equipment from high-voltages present in the plant.
