Controller-to-Controller Module supports over 130 protocols.
Press Release Summary:
Available as module that installs in Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PAC or as standalone module for DIN rail mounting, cATM Universal Gateway Data Appliance connects over 50 brands of factory floor controllers and devices to Rockwell Automation controllers, eliminating need to program message instructions between controllers or other devices. Appliance features universal driver to connect to Ethernet and serial devices, and is suited for M2M communications.
Original Press Release:
New Module Simplifies Connecting Over 50 Brands of Factory Floor Controllers and Devices with Rockwell Automation PACs
Knoxville, TN -- Online Development Inc. introduces a new controller-to-controller module, the cATM Universal Gateway data appliance. This appliance makes connecting over 50 brands of factory floor controllers and devices to Rockwell Automation controllers fast and easy by eliminating the need to program message instructions between controllers or other devices. It is available as a module that installs in a Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PAC, or as a standalone module for DIN rail mounting. Either configuration delivers over 130 protocols for connectivity to thousands of plant floor devices. The new appliance features a universal driver to connect to Ethernet and serial devices, such as analyzers, bar code readers, weigh scales, RFID systems, serial printers, and label machines. Target applications for this appliance include M2M (machine-to-machine) communications. All drivers are supplied with the module at no additional charge.
The cATM Universal Gateway eliminates the need for custom programmed data bridges and is supplied with a setup utility that uses intuitive screens and drag-and-drop operation to configure data transactions between controllers. After the module is configured, it automatically and transparently exchanges data between controllers with no control program changes. Configurable data exchange enables machine-to-machine connectivity for horizontal integration and migration at the control level. The cATM Universal Gateway also features a backplane interface that enables direct access to data in the ControlLogix processor, or to other PLCs/PACs through Rockwell Automation bridge modules. Connections to other controllers or devices are made via the module's serial or Ethernet ports.
"Automation Appliances benefits include simplicity of installation, minimal programming with simple configuration tools, immunity to viruses or hackers disrupting their operation, and no maintenance upgrades, all of which result in substantially lower product lifecycle costs," according to Craig Resnick, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. "In the future, manufacturers can expect to see more of these appliances on the factory floor to bridge data between various dissimilar brand or type of devices, controllers and business systems."
A complete list of drivers for the cATM Universal Gateway is available on the company's web site, www.oldi.com.
ABOUT ONLINE DEVELOPMENT INC.
Online Development Inc. (OLDI) designs and manufactures factory automation products to help manufacturers simplify data transaction, control and communications tasks. Each product is feature-rich, robust to withstand the rigors of the factory floor, and includes user-friendly configuration to make them fast, easy and cost-effective to deploy. These products include Appliance Transaction Modules (ATM) for both Enterprise and Controller-level data exchange. Enterprise Appliance Transaction Modules (eATMs) simplify and manage the exchange of data between factory floor controllers with general-purpose computer systems at the plant and enterprise level. Controller Appliance Transaction Modules (cATMs) enable connectivity to many brands and types of PLCs/PACs and DCS.
OLDI also offers a line of open control products to enable the development of special applications in PLC/PAC systems as well as in standalone versions.
In addition to these products, Online Development designs and manufactures a variety of controller modules for leading factory automation companies such as Rockwell Automation and ProSoft Technology. It is a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner, an IBM Business Partner and a member of Control Systems Integrators Association.
Founded in 1989, Online Development is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee and also has offices in Barcelona, Spain. Online Development Inc. Headquarters Address: 7209 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Main Telephone: 800-625-8678, website: www.oldi.com.
