Molex Incorporated released its next generation Brad applicomIO fieldbus NIC, an all-in-one PC-based control solution for customers with limited knowledge of fieldbus technology. The applicomIO package provides the NIC, configuration software, development libraries and OPC data server in one complete package for successful, cost-effective implementation of control applications. The cards are ideal for robotic manufacturers, complex machine builders and system integrators looking to switch from dedicated DCSs and PLCs to a PC-based system.
“Automation or process-control end-users are increasingly moving to PCs for control and visualization of their high-speed custom systems. Our turnkey, all-in-one solution facilitates this shift by offering user-friendly configuration engineering software that enables quick development of communication applications without having to know complex industrial protocols,” said Eric Gory, product manager, Molex.
The system meets a large range of connectivity needs for both legacy and more recent Ethernet fieldbus protocols including PROFIBUS DP, CANopen, DeviceNet, Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP and PROFINET.
Because the protocols have the ability to function in both master and slave modes, the cards can act as either a controller or a device on the network. The system supports up to eight cards plugged into a single PC and can run on various operating systems including the latest Windows versions (XP, 7, 8) as well as real-time OS (Linux, VxWorks, QNX and IntervalZero RTX).
It features a single development library, which allows for one user application across all fieldbus protocols. Additionally, the onboard Ethernet port enables remote configuration and diagnostics in non-Windows operating systems while the simulation mode simplifies user application testing.
