HMS Industrial Networks Anybus X-gateways

HMS Industrial Networks has released a series of Anybus X-gateways that enable communication between several industrial networks and Profinet IRT. The X-gateways can connect Profibus and CANopen to Profinet IRT with fibre-optics, and ControlNet, EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet to Profinet IRT with copper cabling. They help plant owners and machine builders to migrate to Profinet without making changes to their existing machinery.

The X-gateways copy I/O data between any industrial network and Profinet IRT. Gateway settings regarding, for example, I/O sizes are configured in a Windows-based terminal interface which means no programming is necessary.

The Profinet interface of the X-gateway works as an I/O device on the Profinet IRT network and supports up to 220 B of I/O for both input and output data. The gateway’s baud rate is 100 Mbps (full duplex) and uses two RJ45 connectors (copper) or two SC-RJ connectors (fibre) allowing installations in line or ring topology. The integrated 2-port IRT switch eliminates the need for expensive external switches.