HMS Networks has announced its new Intesis protocol translator that integrates between EtherNet/IP and BACnet IP/MSTP-based building management systems (BMS). According to the manufacturer, via its unique design, the new device makes it easy to bring data from a factory network to a BMS.
As observed by the company:
Many of the processes in a factory depend on proper monitoring and control of the building where the factory equipment is installed. For example, temperature, humidity, and air quality can be monitored and controlled to ensure beneficial manufacturing and working conditions. In the same way, lighting in the building can be aligned with working hours to reduce energy waste or to improve the management of emergency situations.
When trying to connect all these factory and building installations, system integrators often struggle, as not all systems communicate using the same protocol. BACnet is mostly used in building automation applications like HVAC, lighting controls and access control, while EtherNet/IP is used in PLCs and networks within industrial automation.
With the new Intesis protocol translator from HMS Networks, system integrators can easily integrate any Ethernet/IP-based PLCs, such as Rockwell Allen-Bradley PLCs models, with any BACnet BMS. The gateway offers bi-directional communication between EtherNet/IP PLCs and BACnet controllers.
With a capacity of up to 1200 data points, the gateway is a BACnet IP/MSTP server/slave on one side and an EtherNet/IP adapter on the other, featuring independent Ethernet ports. The gateway has been BTL-certified for BACnet and carries the UL mark in order to guarantee the highest communication and quality standards.
It is also ODVA pre-certified thanks to its inbuilt Anybus CompactCom module. In the gateway, Anybus CompactCom and Intesis communication technologies are used for industrial and building-oriented communication respectively, both proven and trusted by customers in millions of installations worldwide.
The free Intesis MAPS configuration tool for all Intesis protocol translators offers an intuitive configuration process for system integrators. MAPS helps integrators further their projects by providing valuable EDE files for the BACnet integration, as well as EDS files and configuration reports for usage in EtherNet/IP PLC configuration tools like Rockwell´s Studio 5000 software.
Learn more at www.intesis.com.