Device Connectivity Software includes Omron Ethernet driver.
Press Release Summary:
Powered by Kepware, TOP Server v5.15 offers OPC and native HMI device connectivity with more than 130 device drivers and plug-ins. Omron NJ Ethernet driver utilizes EtherNet/IP protocol for communications with Omron’s Sysmac NJ series of controllers. In addition, software expands object support for BACnet/IP Ethernet driver by providing access to BACnet schedule and calendar objects in BACnet devices. TOP Server targets users in manufacturing, building automation, and energy management sectors.
Original Press Release:
Software Toolbox Expands Connectivity Application for Manufacturing, Building Automation and Energy Management Sectors
TOP Server enhanced with Omron NJ Ethernet driver plus updated BACnet/IP driver object support
CHARLOTTE, N.C., – Software Toolbox® today announced the release of TOP Server Version 5.15 with new features that are especially relevant for users in the manufacturing, building automation, and energy management sectors.
Powered by Kepware, TOP Server is Software Toolbox’s OPC and native HMI device connectivity software application, offering more than 130 different device drivers and plug-ins. TOP Server Version 5.15 expands the Omron Suite with the new Omron NJ Ethernet driver. As the industry’s only native connectivity solution, the Omron NJ Ethernet driver utilizes the EtherNet/IP protocol for efficient, reliable communications with Omron’s new Sysmac NJ series of controllers. The driver includes powerful features such as automatic tag generation which reduces user deployment time and cost by removing the need to configure tags in multiple systems; and support for routing through PLCs as a gateway to other PLC networks, which allows users to segment their Omron PLC networks as needed but still be able to access their data effectively.
“Continuous improvement by supporting the latest controller technology is important to many of our customers who stay on the cutting edge by adopting the latest process improvements available,” said Kevin Rutherford, brand manager at Software Toolbox. “By supporting connectivity to the latest Omron controllers in this release, customers have the flexibility to implement innovative single architecture solutions like Omron’s NJ Series platform and take advantage of improved speed, performance, and efficiency for myriad complex control applications, including logic, motion, vision, safety, robotics, and sensing.”
In addition, TOP server Version 5.15 expands object support for the BACnet/IP Ethernet driver by providing access to the BACnet schedule and calendar objects in the BACnet devices. The settings on the calendar and scheduler objects are important for scheduling of building environmental control tasks in the building automation and energy management markets where BACnet is used extensively. As a central data source supporting multiple OPC standards, TOP Server supplies access to such BACnet information for applications other than typical building automation clients, including HMI, SCADA, historian, and enterprise solutions.
TOP Server Version 5.15 also brings updates to 28 other existing drivers and plug-ins, including SNMP driver AES encryption security enhancements, expanded addressing support to the Fisher ROC serial driver by adding support for Point Type 98, and performance enhancements for EFM Suite drivers.
Additional improvements in TOP Server Version 5.15 include:
Wonderware® SuiteLink Performance – The native client interface has been improved to provide more efficient exchanges between client and server.
Allen-Bradley Ethernet Enhancements – Support for blocking string types for improved performance when accessing string memory on PLCs or SLCs.
Media Level Redundancy Support Expanded – Media Level Redundancy is now supported by the OPC UA Client and Modbus Plus drivers.
Other Driver Updates – Drivers with expanded functionality and improvements include ControlLogix Ethernet, GE Focas Ethernet, and Mitsubishi FX. For full details of updates and enhancements in TOP Server Version 5.15, please see the release notes.
TOP Server Version 5.15 is available for download or as an upgrade for users with active support and maintenance contracts at http://www.toolboxopc.com.
ABOUT SOFTWARE TOOLBOX
Since 1996, Software Toolbox has been an industry source for industrial automation software, from project conception to completion. The company has served more than 10,000 clients in 110 countries helping them find, evaluate, purchase and support automation software solutions. These solutions include OPC servers, clients, development toolkits, HMI/SCADA add-ins/enhancements, and ActiveX and .NET development tools for Visual Studio C#/VB/C++. Software Toolbox works with its clients in all phases of projects to help them find and determine the right tools to use and to support overall project objectives and maximize their industrial software results. Visit http://www.softwaretoolbox.com
The Software Toolbox name is a registered trademark of Software Toolbox, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
The name Siemens® is a registered trademark of Siemens AG. Usage of Siemens® does not imply endorsement by Siemens AG. Wonderware and Suitelink are registered trademarks of Schneider Electric and their usage does not imply endorsement by Schneider Electric.
Media/Analyst Contacts:
Kevin Rutherford
Software Toolbox, Inc.
704-849-2773, ext. 1326
pr@softwaretoolbox.com
