DeviceNet is one of the most popular Industrial Networking protocols for one reason – The Market (Your Customers) Loves to use Rockwell Automation Controllers and DeviceNet I/O. No where is DeviceNet more popular than in the automotive industry. DeviceNet is now a requirement for Robots, Welders and many other automation devices used in the automotive industry.
ASCII Data Is Here To Stay
Even though DeviceNet is a popular standard there is still an awful lot of ASCII data out there. There is a ton of perfectly good scales, barcode readers, RF ID stuff and lots of other things that generate an ASCII string. This is equipment that you’ve used for a long time. You know how to set it up, how to make it work and that it’s reliable for you. Plus, you can probably get it a really good price since it doesn’t have all the fancy features of the new models.
Most ASCII To PLC Data Transfers Are Overly Cumbersome
The problem is that you still have to get this stuff into your PLC. Most PLCs only have a single serial port and it is generally awfully cumbersome to use. So, you’ve probably tried those serial tunneling devices. They work fine to a point. You still have to receive the serial data and move it into PLC registers. That means writing and testing PLC logic. Not hard – just another task to do and more code to support. But there is a better way, a much better way.
The 325ADN Is A Simple, Straightforward Gateway
The RTA, Inc. 325ADN is a unique kind of gateway. It quickly and easily moves Barcode data, Weigh Scale data and other ASCII devices to ControlLogix PLCs using DeviceNet. Using DeviceNet server technology the 325ADN DeviceNet gateway moves your ASCII data to a ControlLogix PLC with little or no fuss. Simply configure the serial baud rate, serial parity, number of data bits, message header and trailer from a standard DeviceNet tool and your done! No standalone or custom software. No complex operating instructions. It’s that simple! |
