Adapter connects drives to PROFINET IO/Modbus TCP network.

Press Release Summary:




By facilitating and accelerating connectivity of ABB drives to PROFINET IO or Modbus/TCP network, RETA-02 Ethernet Adapter makes it possible to send control commands as well as motor speed/torque reference to drive. It also enables sending of process actual value or process reference to drive's PID controller and lets users read status information and actual values from drive, change drive parameter values, and reset drive fault. Adapter snaps into drive in seconds.



Original Press Release:



End Users Now Can Connect Drives to PROFINET IO / Modbus TCP Network Easily via New ABB Ethernet Adapter



(ABB ensures universal connectivity to virtually any automation architecture; RETA-02 expands portfolio)

NEW BERLIN, Wis., MAY 21, 2008 . . . Via ABB fieldbus adapters, drives users are free to choose, and integrate, their power devices to virtually any automation architecture. The company's new RETA-02 PROFINET IO and Modbus/TCP adapter enables fast and simple connectivity of ABB drives to a PROFINET IO or Modbus/TCP network.

"Our technology platform is designed for total flexibility," notes Greg Semrow, product manager, ABB Low Voltage Drives. "With ABB, your PLC does not dictate the rest of your automation equipment. Instead, a wide array of fieldbus adapters makes it easy to integrate ABB drives and power devices to the architecture you have - or choose!"

The RETA-02 Ethernet Adapter module, like other fieldbus modules the company offers, is an optional device mounted under the cover of ABB drives; the RETA-02 PROFINET IO and Modbus/TCP Adapter modules, makes it possible to:

-- Send control commands to the drive (Start, Stop, Run enable, etc.);
-- Send motor speed or torque reference to the drive;
-- Send a process actual value or a process reference to the PID controller of the drive;
-- Read status information and actual values from the drive;
-- Change drive parameter values; and
-- Reset a drive fault.

Ethernet Link to Automation Architecture Easy

The fieldbus adapter snaps into a drive in seconds, and can be ordered installed on new drives, or the module can be retrofitted to ABB's existing drives, according to Semrow. Key features for easy connectivity of the adapter between drives and your automation architecture include the following:

- Compatible devices: Ethernet standard IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u devices
- Medium: 10base-TX or 100base-TX
- Termination: Internal
- Wiring: CAT 5 UTP, CAT 5 FTP* or CAT 5 STP* (*Recommended)
- Connector: RJ-45
- Maximum segment length: 100 m
- Topology: Bus, star
- Serial communication type: Half and full Duplex
- Transfer rate: 10/100 Mbps
- Carrier protocol: TCP/IP
- Application protocols: Modbus/TCP & PROFINET IO

The RETA-02 module already is available for ABB's line of ACS drives for industrial markets and application; in early June, it also will be available for ABB's drives for the HVAC/commercial market.

ABB, Automation Products, Low Voltage Drives, is the world's largest manufacturer of electric motors and drives. In the USA, an integrated channel of sales representatives, distributors, and system integrators allow ABB, New Berlin, Wisconsin, to supply a complete line of energy-efficient electric drives, motors and engineered drive systems to a wide range of industrial and commercial customers. Products manufactured include AC and DC variable speed drives for electric motors from 1/8th through 135,000 HP, and application-specific drive system solutions to meet diverse customer needs (http://www.abb.us/drives).

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 110,000 people.

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