Gateway offers transparent Ethernet and DeviceNet interfaces.

Press Release Summary:



Controller-E connects 2 full AS-i systems, up to 868 I/O points, as one node on higher-level network. With Ethernet interface, it uses RJ-45 connector and Modbus on TCP/IP protocol, and has 1 MB of on-board memory. Full web-server capabilities can be programmed using HTML or Java Script. With DeviceNet interface, gateway allows users to connect I/O points as one node on DeviceNet system and can be configured via LCD display or with Allen Bradley's RS Networx programming software.



Original Press Release:



ifm efector's Controller-E Gateways Feature Transparent Interfaces to DeviceNet and Ethernet



EXTON. PA - March 1, 2003 - ifm efector inc. expands its Controller-E series to include new gateways with DeviceNet(TM) and Ethernet interfaces. The Controller-E gateway can connect two
full AS-i systems, up to 868 I/O points, as one node on a higher-level network. Information is passed transparently from the AS-i system to the higher-level network without the need for additional programming software. The gateways fully support all of the AS-i 2.1 specifications and provide detailed diagnostics on its easy-to-read, integrated backlit LCD display.

The Controller-E gateway with an Ethernet interface uses the industry standard RJ-45 connector and Modbus on TCP/IP protocol. Featuring full web server capabilities, the Ethernet gateway has 1 MB of on-board memory. The web server is programmed using standard HTML or Java Script and can be accessed over a Local Area Network (LAN) or remotely via Modem. Communication
including text pages and emails can be sent through the Ethernet gateway.

The Controller-E gateway with a DeviceNet interface provides users with the ability to connect 868 I/O points as one node on the DeviceNet system. The DeviceNet gateway can be easily
configured via the LCD display or by using Allen Bradley's "RS Networx" programming software. A complete set of diagnostics is available at both the AS-i and DeviceNet levels.

The Controller-E gateways feature a highly-visible 4-line LCD display that allows the operational status of the controller to be checked instantly. Pushbutton programming and a configurable user menu structure provide quick setup. The clarity of the diagnostic information is easy to read: no abbreviated codes are required. A user can setup, program and troubleshoot easily via the screen interface. Diagnoses of any network problems are determined directly on the screen. By simply pressing a button, the integrated display can be changed from English to another language such as German or French.

Typical information that can be provided with Controller-E include controller configuration, control/status of digital I/Os, indication of analog values, fault messages, freely programmable texts and user-defined messages. In many applications, this eliminates the need and expense of a
separate MMI unit.

To ensure maximum performance and compatibility, the Controller-E fully supports all of the AS-i 2.1 extensions, including the extended addressing mode that allows up to 62 nodes to be
connected to each master. The master also supports peripheral fault indication and easy connection of analog devices without function blocks.

Controller-E gateways are available in single and dual models with list prices starting at $715 (U.S.). ifm efector also offers a Profibus interface. and a ControlNet interface will be added to the Controller-E series in July, 2003.

A free catalog on CD is available featuring the Controller-E and other products for AS-i networking. To order, call ifm efector inc. at 800-441-8246 or visit ifm efector's website:
www. ifinefector.com/asi.

ifm efector is one of the world's largest manufacturers of sensors and control products for industrial control applications. Products include proximity switches, photoelectric sensors, fiber optics, speed monitors, pressure sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, level sensors, valve position sensors and a complete line of AS-i networking and control products.

For additional information on the Controller-E and other ifm efector products, contact ifm efector inc., 782 Springdale Drive, Exton, PA 19341. Tel: 800-441-8246, Fax: 800-329-0436,
e-mail: info@ifmefector.com, Website: www.ifmefector.com

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