Moxa has expanded its MGate Series of industrial Ethernet gateways with the new MGate 5105-MB-EIP and MGate 5102-PBM-PN to provide simplified, versatile and transparent connectivity solutions for upgrading or retrofitting existing networks.
The MGate 5105-MB-EIP is purpose-engineered for the management of Modbus field devices connected to an EtherNet/IP master device, such as PLCs or SCADA networks, while the MGate 5102-PBM-PN gateway provides a communication portal between PROFIBUS devices and the PROFINET host. Deployment of either gateway achieves a uniform interface and application experience regardless of which protocol the network device supports, giving engineers greater flexibility in device selection and ensuring robust interoperability.
"Increasingly, enterprise-level networks are being connected to automation equipment on the plant floor to achieve information-driven manufacturing," explained Paul Wacker, Product Marketing Manager for Device Connectivity. "Our newest MGate gateways not only provide needed connectivity and compatibility for PROFIBUS and Modbus devices and equipment, they also offer powerful web browser based diagnostic tools to simplify installation and maintenance."
According to Wacker, the new gateways' advantage for OEMs and Integrators is that it allows them to use "best of breed" products while providing a gateway to connect to a customer's network. For end-users, it means getting more value out of installed investments by giving them the ability to "speak" newer industrial protocols.
Both the MGate 5105-MB-EIP and the MGate 5102-PBM-PN come equipped with user-friendly diagnostic and I/O data monitoring tools to simplify troubleshooting, and are housed in DIN-mountable, rugged metallic casings that will withstand harsh industrial environments.
Shared features of the new gateways include:
- Automatic scan of devices, and easy configuration via web or Windows utility
- microSD card for configuration and system log backup
- Built-in Ethernet cascading for easy wiring
- Complete packet analysis and diagnosis information for maintenance
- Redundant dual DC power inputs and relay output supported
- -40 to 75°C wide operating temperature models available
- Supports Moxa's MXview industrial network management software via the MXview Plug-in
