Red Lion Dual Ethernet Expansion Card Simplifies Machine-to-Enterprise Integration

The XCENET Ethernet expansion card allows operators to easily isolate machine level network traffic from the enterprise level network, benefiting both automation process engineers and IT managers. The engineer can simply assign a fixed IP address for the port connected to PLCs and drives, while the IT manager can either select their own IP address or use DHCP to configure the enterprise port. This allows for communication on separate networks, increasing platform functionality and flexibility. Already supporting 10 simultaneous Ethernet protocols, as well as three serial protocols, the Data Station Plus and Modular Controller series provide unprecedented protocol conversion and device integration. Providing a second Ethernet port for communication, the XCENET card increases bandwidth and allows communication on two distinct Ethernet networks simultaneously without the addition of an industrial router—reducing cost and configuration time. "The addition of a second Ethernet port for communication on different networks increases bandwidth, providing significantly greater throughput in comparison to the traditional serial gateway approach," said Jesse Benefiel, Red Lion Product Manager. "The XCENET provides a high-speed, parallel architecture, enhancing the current innovative platform without sacrificing performance."The XCENET card can be fitted to any Data Station Plus, as well as the LE, SX or GT versions of the Modular Controller series Master. Users simply install the card by removing the blank expansion port cover of the Modular Controller or Data Station Plus, and plugging the card into the expansion port—adding an additional 10 Base T/100 Base-Tx Ethernet port. The Data Station Plus, Modular Controller and the XCENET card are easily configured with Red Lion's free Crimson® software. Crimson's drag-and-drop interface is an efficient, user-friendly technology that allows operators to set up control application devices, collect and log performance data, display data or trigger PLC functions.Red Lion's Data Station Plus is an innovative industrial data collection and management tool—providing multiple protocol conversion, data logging and remote machine access. With the ability to support numerous protocols simultaneously, the Data Station Plus Ethernet connection allows communication to an unlimited number of devices. Featuring a built-in Ethernet gateway and an integrated web server, the Data Station Plus allows remote monitoring and operation for continuous communication.The Modular Controller series offers a cost-effective solution to integrating multi-zone PID control, data acquisition and I/O into a PC, DCS or PLC control system. Providing point-and-click data mapping, users can quickly drag and drop controller data to PLC registers—eliminating the need to write tedious PLC code. Red Lion's Modular Controller reduces programming costs and additional add-ons, including I/O and analog cards. Red Lion Controls, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of industrial control solutions worldwide. Products include protocol converters, operator interface panels, process controllers, digital/analog panel meters, sensors, and signal conditioning. For more information, or to find the Red Lion distributor nearest you, go to www.redlion.net or contact: Red Lion Controls, Inc., 20 Willow Springs Circle, York, PA 17406; (717) 767-6511.