Steeplechase announces Ethernet Modbus/TCP I/O driver
The development of this Modbus/TCP interface brings together Ethernet and TCP/IP connectivity with I/O devices and controllers from a wide range of vendors, such as SIXNET, ORMEC, Koyo, Modicon, Grayhill, Square D, GE-Fanuc, and Opto 22.
"Steeplechase has implemented the Modbus/TCP protocol so that users of our software can also use widely available, standardized Ethernet hardware, and lower the cost of deploying PC-based control," says Dave Gee, VP of Technical Marketing for Steeplechase. "Modbus/TCP is an attractive protocol because it is currently supported by a broad range of manufacturing automation vendors."
Originally developed as a fieldbus, Modbus is an application layer that can be used with many communication methods. Modbus/TCP has mapped the Modbus protocol to use TCP/IP (transmission control protocol/internet protocol) and standard Ethernet hardware.
"Steeplechase has created the perfect Ethernet Modbus capability that simultaneously provides an open interface to all brands of Ethernet I/O and also provides a unique real-time enhancement when used with SIXNET EtherTRAK I/O," says Steve Schoenberg, president of SIXNET (Clifton Park, NY).
As open I/O systems continue to gain momentum on the factory floor, de facto protocols such as Modbus/TCP over Ethernet provide interoperability among a variety of devices. Modbus is a request/response language used to communicate with a wide range of devices, from simple I/O through more complex devices such as multi-axis motion controllers.
"ORMEC has supported Steeplechase in the development of this driver to assure interoperability with our multi-axis motion controllers," says Mick Oakley, principal applications engineer from ORMEC (Rochester, NY). "Modbus/TCP is widely used, commonly understood, and will enable our users to achieve significant savings in the overall cost of their motion systems."
Edited by Jim Lardear
Managing Editor, PlantAutomation.com