Hub monitors and controls distributed networks.

Press Release Summary:



Reflective Memory Hub is a 2 Gbyte/s configurable managed device that can be controlled via Ethernet for LAN and WAN access or via RS-232 port for local access and control. It automatically bypasses port when it detects loss of signal or loss of valid synchronization patterns. Hub provides up to 8 Reflective Memory ports using SFP transceivers. Gang Select switch allows ports to be configured as single loop of 8 ports or 2 separate loops of 4 ports each.



Original Press Release:



GE Fanuc Introduces 2 Gb/s Reflective Memory Managed Hub



Advancing customer capability to monitor and control distributed networks

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (July 16, 2003). GE Fanuc Automation Americas, Inc., an affiliate of GE Industrial Systems, has introduced a Reflective Memory Hub. This hub is a key component to high-performance control architectures that utilize GE Fanuc's 2Gb/s real-time networking Reflective Memory products. Advanced customer applications are enhanced with greater flexibility in their distributed solutions through more efficient data sharing and increased overall system availability.

The Reflective Memory Hub is a configurable managed device that can be controlled via Ethernet for LAN and WAN access or via the RS-232 port for local access and control. The hub has the ability to automatically bypass ports when it detects a loss of signal or the loss of valid synchronization patterns, allowing the other nodes in the network to remain operational. The hub is a 1U standard rack-mountable or table top unit with a universal power supply permitting operation with all major international power standards.

The hub provides up to eight Reflective Memory ports using small form factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers. These transceivers can be a mix of multi-mode (short distance) or single-mode (long distance) resulting in system optimization and cost savings for small networks. The Gang Select switch allows ports to be configured as a single loop of eight ports or two separate loops of four ports each. For larger networks, several Reflective Memory Hub assemblies can be cascaded, permitting a managed hub array with up to 256 nodes. Each port regenerates the serial optical signal, thereby reducing jitter and eliminating problems with insertion losses and cable attenuation.

The Reflective Memory Hub extends the capabilities of GE Fanuc's 2Gb/s Reflective Memory products which allow computers, workstations, PLCs, and other embedded controllers with different types of operating systems or no operating system, to share data in real-time between up to 256 independent nodes with a maximum rate of 174 Mbyte/s. Fast local Read access to stored data is enabled by 64 Mbyte or 128 Mbyte of on-board SDRAM. Writes are stored in on-board SDRAM and broadcast over a high-speed fiber-optic data path to other Reflective Memory nodes. The transfer of data between nodes is software transparent therefore eliminating I/O overhead. Transmit and Receive FIFOs buffer data during peak data rates to optimize processor and bus performance and maintain high data throughput over the network.

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About GE Fanuc Automation
GE Fanuc Automation Americas, 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 collaborative production management, HMI/SCADA and plant intelligence software; nano to high-end controllers; embedded systems; a wide range of CNCs; motion control; operator interfaces; industrial computers; lasers; and 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, a division of the General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), spans the globe as an industry leader in integrated industrial, electrical and security equipment, systems and services. The business brings to customers the latest technologies that are used to distribute, protect and control energy and equipment, and to provide premise management. GE provides innovative product and service solutions for commercial, industrial, residential and utility customers. For more information visit the website at: www.geindustrial.com.

For more information, visit www.gefanuc.com/embedded or contact: GE Fanuc Automation, Embedded Systems, 12090 S. Memorial Pkwy, Huntsville, AL 35803, Phone: (800) 322-3616, Fax: (256) 882-0859, e-mail: embedded@gefanuc.com.

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