New DeviceNet PCI Card From Rockwell Automation Offers Improved Compatibility

Mayfield Heights, OH - A new DeviceNet, series B, universal PCI card from Rockwell Automation can detect and quickly adapt to varying voltage amounts, allowing users to more easily connect industrial and personal computers (PCs) over an open, device-level network. The 1784-PCIDS universal card also offers users easy plug-and-play configuration and highly efficient data transfer capabilities.

"Through improved compatibility with lower-voltage PC-based architectures, PCI card users can leverage the highly efficient data transfer capabilities of DeviceNet to further optimize their operations," said Scott J. Johnson, NetLinx product marketing specialist, Rockwell Automation.

DeviceNet is an open network built on a media-independent platform – the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) – which is also used for EtherNet/IP and ControlNet. Sharing a common protocol enables seamless flow of information, from the smallest device up through the enterprise business system. The acceptable voltage range of the 1784-PCIDS series B card is based on the standard PCI bus commonly found in both industrial and personal computers. This card is compatible with Rockwell Automation RSLinx server software and includes scanner functionality so users can control I/O with SoftLogix PC-based control software. Drivers are also available for Windows 2000/XP operating systems.

The 1784-PCIDS universal card is currently available.

SOURCE: Rockwell Automation