Automation Applications

Applications

The latest generation of machine vision systems offer substantial improvements by providing Ethernet connectivity and tools to communicate directly with PLCs, robot controllers, PCs and human machine interfaces (HMIs). However, there is still serial-based equipment such as sensors, readers, cameras, and vision systems that are not easily networked. Also, production processes may need to network multiple machine vision systems together to distribute images throughout the production line. Building an industrial network infrastructure will increase flexibility, scalability, and reliability in harsh environments, commonly found on the production line, to allow mixed-model processing within machine vision systems.

Industrial device networking solution products with network redundancy features allow manufacturers to perform not only 24/7 operation, but also excellent remote management of machine vision equipment. In addition, user-friendly network communication and management software can support high image data processing pertinent to machine vision applications.

Challenges

• Harsh environments
• Mixed measurement devices and communication interfaces
• Bandwidth for high-level image data processing
• Automatic pass/fail inspection
• Cabling restrictions
• Remote access, control, and monitoring

Application Requirements

• Harsh environment industrial grade networking devices
• Capability to connect legacy serial devices to TCP/IP network
• Low power voltage input support
• Fiber optics to prevent EMI
• Rugged wireless communication
• Reliable data routing with built-in network management software
• Self-healing redundant network support
• High MTBF and wide temperature range support
• Ease of use and rapid deployment