Opto 22 Offers Free Software Integration Kits for Modbus Serial and TCP, and DF1 Devices
New Integration Kits for ioProject Enable Connection to Modbus/Serial, Modbus/TCP & Allen-Bradley DF1 and Data Highway
Temecula, CA - October 3, 2006 - Opto 22, a developer and manufacturer of hardware and software for industrial automation, remote monitoring, data acquisition, and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications, has developed the Modbus/Serial, Modbus/TCP, and DF1 Integration Kits for ioProject. These free software tools offer a way to connect Ethernet-based Opto 22 PACs (such as the new SNAP PAC programmable automation controllers) to Modbus/TCP, Modbus/Serial, or Allen-Bradley DF1 devices and communicate with them natively, without the use of third party software drivers or other development.
Previously, all Opto 22 Ethernet-based brains and controllers were only innately capable of serving as Modbus/TCP "slave" devices. To act as a Modbus "master" (to initiate reading and writing to I/O points, for example) third-party drivers or other integration tools were required. Opto 22's new Modbus Integrations Kits allow easy connection and communication with Modbus devices from Schneider Automation and other vendors, while the DF1 Integration Kit enables the same type of interface with the Allen-Bradley PLC5tm, SLC500s, and other hardware using the DF1 protocol. In both cases, this integration is accomplished without the lengthy and costly development time previously needed to achieve this.
The Modbus/Serial Integration Kit for ioProject allows Opto 22 controllers running ioControl (ioProject's control programming component) to create an RS-232 or RS-485 serial connection to any Modbus device and communicate to it using the Modbus RTU or ASCII protocol. (Communication can also be established via SNAP serial modules residing on a SNAP rack.) Similarly, the Modbus/TCP Integration Kit for ioProject allows Opto 22 controllers running ioControl to connect to any Ethernet-based Modbus/TCP device and communicate using the Modbus/TCP protocol. Each of these integration kits includes a set of ioControl master subroutines, a sample Modbus slave strategy, and ioDisplay master and slave projects to show communication between the sample strategies and a Modbus device.
The Allen-Bradley DF1 Integration Kit for ioProject supports serial communication to Allen-Bradley PLCs or Data Highway Plus® networks via the RS-232 or RS-485 serial ports on the SNAP Ethernet controller or a SNAP serial module. Once connected, the Opto 22 hardware (again, acting as either a "master" or a "slave" device) is able to share data with the DF1 device, creating a seamless integration between the Opto 22 and Allen-Bradley platforms within the control environment. Like the Modbus Integration Kits, the Allen-Bradley DF1 Integration Kit includes a set of ioControl subroutines, which can be called from any flowchart in the ioControl strategy running on the controller.
"In the automation and control industry, any company that's serious about serving its customers and addressing the real needs of the marketplace has to adopt a non-proprietary approach and take steps to enable their products to work with devices and components from other vendors," states Mark Engman, Opto 22 President and COO. "We've developed these free integration kits to make it easier and less costly for Opto 22 users to build their systems without having to worry about hardware communication or compatibility issues."
Opto 22's Modbus/Serial, Modbus/TCP, and DF1 Integration Kits for ioProject are available for download at www.opto22.com/site/downloads/index.aspx.
About Opto 22
Opto 22 develops and manufactures hardware and software products for applications in industrial automation, remote monitoring, and 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 innovation, 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 800-321-6786 or visit the website at www.opto22.com
