Drives take industrial Ethernet onboard

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 8, 2008

Option card enables the Danfoss Drives VLT AutomationDrive to connect directly to an EtherNet/IP network.

New from Danfoss Drives, the MCA 121 EtherNet/IP option card is a powerful networking tool that enables Danfoss VLT AutomationDrive users to deploy standard Ethernet technology in manufacturing applications.

"The MCA 121 option card delivers connectivity to EtherNet/IP based networks via the Common Industry Protocol (CIP) protocol".

"It is able to handle a single EIP Class 1 connection with an Actual Packet Interval (API) of just 1ms in both directions, positioning it as one of the highest performing EIP devices in the market".

"Users will also benefit from a built-in two-port switch with diagnostic functions that enables traditional line network topology, while eliminating the need for complex cabling and expensive industrial Ethernet switches", says Flemming Huusmann, Global Product Manager, Fieldbus.

Industrial operations are increasingly using open Ethernet networks to manage their processes.

The MCA 121 enables the Danfoss Drives VLT AutomationDrive to connect directly to an EtherNet/IP network, maximising speed and performance beyond what is possible using a gateway.

With the MCA 121 each drive simply acts as another node on the network, with full visibility and full speed connectivity.

Traditional line network topology can significantly simplify cabling requirements and reduce hardware costs.

The MCA 121 enables users to eliminate a number of Ethernet switches, at an approximate cost of US $200 per switch.

The MCA 121 EtherNet/IP option card also features a built-in web server and e-mail client to deliver service notification.

MCA 121 EtherNet/IP option cards can be ordered as a factory installed option on new VLT AutomationDrives, or can be ordered as a retrofit component for quick and easy installation in the field.