Ethernet Board expands machine tool-to-plant communications.
Press Release Summary:
100BASE-TX Ethernet card provides high-speed communications between Series 15i, 16i, 18i, and 21i CNCs and manufacturing network. It offers TCP/IP and FTP Ethernet communications using FOCUS1/Ethernet interface. For compatibility with existing networks, board automatically selects 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX communications. Optional Data Server adds ATA Flash memory card to Ethernet board for most systems.
Original Press Release:
GE Fanuc Introduces 100BASE-TX Ethernet Board for Series i CNCs To Increase and Expand Machine Tool-to-Plant Communications
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - June 17, 2002 - The 100BASE-TX Ethernet card from GE Fanuc Automation provides high-speed communications between Series 15i, 16i, 18i and 21i CNCs and a manufacturing network. The new board offers TCP/IP and FTP Ethernet communications using GE Fanuc's FOCUS1/Ethernet interface. With the new board, data rates are approximately 10 times faster than the CNC 10BASE-T Ethernet board. Additionally, concurrent connections have increased from 10 to 20, and the data server option is three times faster than the previous Ethernet board. For compatibility with existing networks, the new board automatically selects 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX communications. GE Fanuc will feature high-speed Ethernet communications at the upcoming IMTS 2002 show, September 4-11, Chicago, Booth D-4202.
To simplify communications setup and maintenance, GE Fanuc has added a new "ping" function and a communications status screen to the CNCs. From the CNC, operators use the industry standard FTP protocol to transfer part programs, custom macros, tool offsets, work piece offsets, CNC parameters, pitch error and operational history to and from any networked computer.
An optional Data Server adds a rugged ATA Flash memory card to the Ethernet board for most systems. Part programs can be executed directly from the ATA Flash memory, or they can be transferred to the standard CNC memory. The Data Server also provides FTP server functions that allow a remote host to
send files to the CNC without operator intervention.
100BASE-TX boards are now available for all Series 16i, 18i and 21i controls. The latest Series i-B controls incorporate an embedded Ethernet port, and the dedicated communications processor in the add-on 100BASE-TX board offers increased performance for high-volume and HMI applications. Data Server
functions are only available for the add-on board.
GE Fanuc also provides a suite of software applications for Ethernet communications, including HMI, DNC, event monitoring, drip feed, servo tuning, ladder interface programming, cell control and remote diagnostic solutions.
About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation North America, Inc., is a leading global supplier of automation solutions and is a joint venture between GE and FANUC, Ltd. of Japan. GE Fanuc products and services include CIMPLICITY® collaborative production management software, nano to high-end PLCs, a wide range of CNCs, motion control, operator interfaces, industrial computers, lasers, and a wide range of integration and customer support services. Headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., GE Fanuc is part of GE Industrial Systems. For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com.
About GE Industrial Systems
GE Industrial Systems spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technological products used to distribute, protect and control electrical power and equipment, and provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility applications.
Headquartered in Plainville, Connecticut, USA, GE Industrial Systems (www.geindustrial.com) is one of the major businesses of the General Electric Company.
For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com or contact:
GE Fanuc Information Center Phone:
P.O. Box 8106
Charlottesville, VA 22906
Phone: (800) 648-2001
Fax: 434-978-5205
e-mail: gefanuc@gefanuc.com
