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Automation Technologies 3/2014

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Automation Technologies 3/2014

previous page The switch

previous page The switch parameters that can be evaluated also include the status of the twisted pair and optical fiber ports or the temperature of the device and its power supply. In addition, the network topology – for example, an interruption in the ring structure – and the status of the fiber-optic lines can be monitored. So far, this could only be detected via complex measurements, such as optical reflectometry (OTDR). Now a light indicates whether the budget of the lines, i.e. the difference between transmission power and reception sensitivity, is in the green, yellow or red range. When yellow, the data communication is still working, however maintenance or repair measures should be taken immediately. Easy configuration and intuitive operation 03 The Industrial Ethernet Switch e-light 2MA has six twisted pair and two fiber optic ports and can also be managed via smartphone and tablet The software functions range from Quality of Service (QoS) to reliable ring redundancy mechanisms, such as MRP in accordance with IEC 62439 and – for more complex network structures – RSTP, including extensive fault finding options, which can be exactly adapted for specific requirements via about 50 freely definable escalation levels. Furthermore, they can be coupled with alarms displayed via SNMP, e-mail or relay. SNMP traps are also available, thanks to which, in the case of an error, a previously determined recipient is alerted. Evaluation of status, topology and voltage The software can be used in an extremely intuitive way and is easy to configure. Real-time validation allows to check whether the input of parameters is permitted. Invalid configurations are grayed out, therefore they cannot be activated. Changes that have not yet been saved are marked with a blue bar. In this way, the user has an easier overview, especially of complex menus. Moreover, port designations that have been stored in the basic settings are automatically taken over in all menus. This simplifies configuration and saves time when troubleshooting. Scaled for tablets and smartphones The Web interface view has been designed for mobile devices, therefore the display of the user interface is scaled specifically for tablets and smartphones. Since both are operated via touch screen, with which the process of activating menus, entering values and labeling text boxes is not as precise as when using a PC mouse, the touch panels are adjusted accordingly. Navigation occurs via touch gestures, such as tapping and dragging. In this case, only the contents are moved, while menu navigation remains unchanged. The screen is therefore divided into two parts, as in Windows Explorer. Mobile access to switches is practical, especially during maintenance operations, such as in the event of confined space or lack of storage options. In fact, it is not so easy to balance a notebook that weighs several kilograms on one hand and enter data with the other hand. Smartphones and tablets, instead, are easy to handle and allow to respond quickly, for example in case of an AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES 3/2014

Industrial Communication back to current issue error. They also allow photos to be taken, therefore the situation can be recorded on the spot. As adaptable as a chameleon The software consists of three modules, which are built up in layers. The lowest layer contains the drivers for the switches. The control module relies on this layer, with which the protocols are managed and the devices are configured, which includes the redundancy process setting and QoS functions. Thanks to these features, for example, priority criteria can be defined, with which data is transmitted by the switches. A total of eight IP priority classes and 64 TCP increments are available. This also includes rate control, namely, the control of the data flow rate. What is more, one can choose between unicast, multicast, or - if the data is to be sent to all network participants - broadcast. Access facilities are be docked here, including the Web interface, SNMP and the Command Line Interface. The configurations and protocols that should be available in each switch are determined on the top layer of the software. Since the software has a modular design, it can be adapted within a few weeks in order to meet individual requirements. This applies to the graphic implementation of corporate design and customized menus, such as those for I/O applications and for the range of functions. In this way, in accordance with the motto “Keep it short and simple”, software complexity can be reduced as desired. In other words: the staff that monitor the switches on the factory floor, which are generally not IT specialists, know what the main focus is. Moreover, various options for the read and write access can be defined so that, after setting up the switches via network administrators on site, for example in the control station, some of the options are hidden. Photographs: ornaments fotolia www.eks-engel.de About Company name: eks Engel GmbH & Co. KG Headquarters: Wenden, Germany Turnover: approx. €5 million (2013) Employees: 33 Products: development, project planning and services of fiber optic technology, devices and communication systems AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES 3/2014

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