Posted to News on 21st May 2015, 13:37
Belden and Weidmüller present modular infrastructure box
Belden Inc. has been working with Weidmller to jointly develop a modular infrastructure box for the connection of production modules. This standardised interface, which was presented for the first time in a pilot production line for the SmartFactoryKL technology initiative at this year's Hanover trade fair, represents an essential prerequisite for the cross-location collection of production information in the Internet of Things, according to the Industry 4.0 requirement profile.
Flexibly integrated, the plug-and-play infrastructure box is compatible with any manufacturer's production module within SmartFactoryKL, and provides transparency, functional reliability and data security, as well as optimal protection of personnel and machinery. It facilitates fast data communication, used to transmit control commands and status information as well as other types of data, and a reliable power supply for efficient production processes with the smallest of batch sizes - all without necessitating additional work or increased throughput times.
Dr John Herold, vice president of Industrial Marketing at Belden, explains: "The infrastructure box creates a sort of lifeline, through which each production module is supplied with everything it requires in terms of infrastructure. The requirements for corresponding solutions include fast data transmission, reliable energy supply, and flexible yet secure integration."
The product from Belden and Weidmller, which is available with protection ratings ranging from IP54 to IP69K, and even in a version suitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, meets all these requirements. It comprises the Connected Security module from Belden brand Hirschmann, which ensures high-availability data communication between process and control systems and actuator/sensor systems, and components for integrated energy measurement from Weidmller:
- Hirschmann RSP switches facilitate powerful, future-proof networking
- State-of-the-art safety functions can be implemented thanks to multiport firewalls from Hirschmann's EAGLE product range
- Robust cables and connectors complete the network system
- Status information and measurement data are provided by the infrastructure box via OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) without additional interfaces and middleware
- The Power Monitor measurement device and high-performance PROmax switched-mode power supply from Weidmller provide integrated energy measurement
- High-quality Klippon housing technology, lightning and overvoltage protection from the VARITECTOR range, and the FrontCom Vario service interface from Weidmller form the frame of the infrastructure box and contribute to its compact, durable design
This infrastructure box, developed by both partners, is an innovative approach that facilitates standardised cabling for production module data communication and power supply, and therefore supports the safety and security of these production systems.
The infrastructure box can be used in ring, bus, and star topologies and in standalone operation, as necessitated by efficiency, availability, and safety requirements. It also allows for a centralised power supply through decentralised sources. The modular design of the infrastructure box provides optimal flexibility. For example, the number of inputs and outputs can be customised and even changed at a later instance if desired.
To learn more about the modular infrastructure box, please visit www.belden.com.
