Communication Boards offer Ethernet upgrade for I/O systems.
Press Release Summary:
Models E1 and E2 offer both 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and RS-422/485 serial networking, and support multiple protocols simultaneously. In addition to Optomux protocol over serial, boards support OptoMMP(TM), Optomux protocol over Ethernet, OPC through OptoOPCServer(TM), and Modbus/TCP. Users upgrading to Ethernet via E1 or E2 boards can preserve existing hardware and Optomux-based software by utilizing RS-422/485 serial port to make serial connection to single Ethernet brain board.
Original Press Release:
Opto 22 Has Introduced the E1 and E2 Brain Boards
Opto 22, a developer and manufacturer of hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, enterprise data acquisition, and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, has introduced the E1 and E2 brain boards. These next-generation I/O and communication processors are Ethernet versions of Opto 22's Optomux family of brain boards, designed to migrate existing Optomux installations to faster networks, higher performance, and more communication options. The E1 is designed to upgrade the B1 brain board for digital I/O systems, while the E2 is designed for analog I/O systems as an upgrade for the B2 brain board.
Optomux was introduced in 1983 as a rugged, modular remote I/O system used with personal computers for applications in industrial control, remote monitoring, and data acquisition. Since that time, more than 22 million points of I/O have been connected to Optomux systems. Brain boards are the communication and logic processors at the heart of Optomux and most other Opto 22 I/O systems.
The new E1 and E2 brain boards offer both 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and RS-422/485 serial networking, and support multiple protocols simultaneously, offering users more communications options than ever before. In addition to the well-established, documented, and license-free Optomux protocol over serial, the E1 and E2 also support OptoMMP(tm) (memory-map protocol used with newer Opto 22 SNAP Ethernet systems), Optomux protocol over Ethernet, OPC through OptoOPCServer(tm), and Modbus/TCP.
For both existing and new users of Opto 22 hardware, the E1 and E2 serve as the foundation of a low-cost control or data acquisition system-one that offers the flexibility of single point I/O, a migration path from existing Optomux installations to Opto 22's latest software offerings, and a reliability record earned over decades of trusted service in the field.
"With the introduction of the E1 and E2 brain boards, we have Ethernet-enabled Optomux," states Mark Engman, Vice President of Engineering at Opto 22. "With a simple brain board swap-out, a 20-year-old I/O system can quickly, easily, and affordably be upgraded and made to communicate over an Ethernet network, while preserving the customer's investment in I/O modules, racks, sensors and actuators, wiring, and labor. The E1 and E2 demonstrate Opto 22's stated commitment for 2005 to offer customers a migration path to our latest-generation products."
Significantly, Optomux users upgrading to Ethernet via either the E1 or E2 brain board not only preserve their existing hardware, they can also continue to use their Optomux-based software by utilizing the RS-422/485 serial port to make a serial connection to a single Ethernet brain board, which can then serve as a bridge to other Ethernet brain boards on an Ethernet network. Also, E1 and E2 users can choose to implement the newer, more powerful ioProject(tm) software that includes a more sophisticated control and data acquisition environment capable of PID control, subroutines, HMI, and OPC connectivity. ioProject includes ioControl(tm), ioDisplay(tm), OptoOPCServer(tm), and ioManager. ioProject is available through Opto 22's normal sales channels and is priced at $499 USD.
Availability for the E1 and E2 brain boards is scheduled for late June, 2005. The E1 list price is $295 USD. The E2 list price is $315 USD.
About Opto 22
Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software products for applications in industrial automation, remote monitoring, and enterprise data acquisition. Using standard, commercially available Internet, networking, and computer technologies, Opto 22's input/output and control systems allow customers to monitor, control, and acquire data from all of the mechanical, electrical, and electronic assets that are key to their business operations. Opto 22's products
and services support automation end users, OEMs, and information technology and operations personnel. Founded in 1974 and with over 85 million Opto 22-connected devices deployed worldwide, the company has an established reputation for quality and reliability.Opto 22 products are sold through a worldwide network of distributors, partners, and system integrators. For more information, contact Opto 22 headquarters at 800-321-OPTO or visit our Web site at www.opto22.com.
David Crump
Opto 22
Marketing Communications
43044 Business Park Drive
Temecula, CA 92590
