Aparian has released the DeviceNet Router/B providing intelligent data routing between either EtherNet/IP or Modbus TCP/RTU and a DeviceNet network. This allows the user to integrate DeviceNet devices into a Rockwell Logix platform (e.g., ControlLogix or CompactLogix) or any Modbus Client or Server device with minimal effort. This module serves as a replacement for the existing DeviceNet Router series A.
The module can operate in one of two DeviceNet modes:
- DeviceNet Scanner - When the module operates as a DeviceNet Scanner, it can connect to a maximum of 63 DeviceNet Devices. The input and output data from each DeviceNet Device can be mapped to any of the operating interfaces (EtherNet/IP Target, Modbus Server, Modbus Client, or EtherNet/IP Originator).
- DeviceNet Device - When the module is configured to be a DeviceNet Device, it will allow the module to have input and output data sizes of up to 128 bytes.
The primary interface can be configured to operate in one of five modes:
- EtherNet/IP Originator - In this mode the module can either exchange data with an EtherNet/IP device using either Explicit messaging (Unconnected/Class 3) or a Class 1 cyclic connection.
- EtherNet/IP Target - The module will be owned by a EtherNet/IP originator using a Class 1 cyclic connection.
- Modbus Client - In this mode the module will communicate with Modbus Server devices using either TCP, RTU232, or RTU485.
- Modbus Server - In this mode various Modbus Clients can communicate with the module over TCP, RTU232, and RTU485 simultaneously.
- PCCC Client - The DeviceNet Router is able to asynchronously exchange data between a DeviceNet polling master (scanner) and an Ethernet PCCC device.