Hilscher netHOST Fieldbus Master module provides connection to, and control of, traditional Fieldbus systems over Ethernet. NetHOST is a replacement for PC card-based controllers in those applications where an open PC slot is unavailable, or in slot-less systems, such as embedded systems, laptops, and industrial compact computers, panels and HMIs.
Typical personal computers had PCI or PCI Express slots for expansion cards, while recently slot-less systems are becoming more and more popular, providing a challenge on how to connect to Fieldbus networks. With the new netHOST family, the user gains reliable control of Fieldbus systems over the standard Ethernet port. The netHOST works in the existing infrastructure and can be direct-connected with a network cable, or can be connected via switches, over VPN connections, over the Internet with routers, and cable-less using wireless networking.
The TCP/IP-based open transport protocol provides fast and safe process data transmission of the underlying IO, as well as the acyclic services for Fieldbuses such as DeviceNet, PROFIBUS and CANopen. To enable integration into existing systems, netHOST includes Fieldbus Configuration Software, a Windows DLL for direct programming, a test program of all functions, and an API interface description. For embedded users, there is a C toolkit as well as disclosure of all Fieldbus services and the Transmission Protocol source code.
Additional benefits of netHOST include Master Sharing, wherein one netHOST can arbitrate Fieldbus access across multiple controllers, and Dual Redundancy with controlled switchover in milliseconds. netHOST can be integrated into any existing Ethernet network, wired or wireless, to connect and control popular Fieldbus systems without the use of slot-based PC cards.
