November 4, 2014 - HMS adds expansion board to IXXAT Econ 100 PC. The expansion card also provides 24 inputs and outputs e.g. for direct connection to sensors and actuators. Thanks to an digital output current of up to 2 A and a 12-bit resolution for the analog channels, the Econ 100 is ideal for a wide variety of applications, and the RS232/RS485 interface makes the Econ 100 a perfect link between real-time Industrial Ethernet or CAN-based networks and proven serial applications.
The CompactCom modules are available for all popular fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet networks and can be easily interfaced from the Econ 100 application software by means of the common Anybus programming interface. Together with the EtherCAT and CANopen master solutions that are already available with Econ 100, this multi-protocol approach makes the Econ 100 an ideal and future-proof platform for customer-specific control solutions with communication included. With the NVRAM available on the expansion card, the Econ 100 covers data security for the user. Using this feature, it is suitable for critical applications such as automated handling technology, where the last operating state with all process variables must be retained in case of power failures.
Simplified programming with Soft-PLC
In addition to supporting programming in C/C++, HMS offers an intuitively operated Soft-PLC programming environment in collaboration with Copalp, which is consistent with IEC 61131-3 for simple programming and configuration of control applications. The software package supports all important protocols, including CANopen, EtherCAT, Powerlink, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP. In order to support a rapid and efficient implementation of complex applications, HMS offers various well-documented application development kits, ADKs, for the Econ 100. The ADKs include an extensive board support package incorporating all necessary interface drivers, sample applications, the respective protocol software package pre-installed on an SD card, and the Linux operating system.
In addition to the standard version, the Econ 100 is also available as a board-level product which can be integrated in existing customer applications while taking up very little space. OEM versions with specific hardware adaptations and adapted application variants can be developed by HMS on request. The IXXAT Econ 100 with an integrated Anybus CompactCom – in this example offering connectivity to PROFINET.
HMS Industrial Networks
HMS Industrial Networks a market-leading independent supplier of products for industrial communication including remote management. HMS develops and manufactures solutions for connecting automation devices and systems to industrial networks under the Anybus, IXXAT and Netbiter brands. Development and manufacturing take place at the headquarters in Halmstad, Sweden and in Weingarten, Germany. Local sales and support are handled by branch offices in China, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, UK, and USA. HMS employs more than 350 people and reported sales of 57 million EUR in 2013.
HMS is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm.
