Product category:
PCs and Embedded Systems
News Release from: Sixnet | Subject: VersaTrak IPm
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 15 July 2002
Remote terminal takes Linux onboard
The VersaTrak IPm remote terminal unit is unique because it operates on an embedded Linux platform.
The VersaTrak IPm remote terminal unit (RTU) is unique because it operates on an embedded Linux platform This means that it can provide users with both the power and flexibility of Linux open-source software and the reliability of industrial grade hardware
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
CD covers entire communication range
The What's New page provides a quick overview on the latest advancements from Sixnet.
Upgrade path offered for development tools
Sixnet encourages existing users to keep their existing Workbench keys so they may convert existing applications on their own time frame and with no risk.
VersaTrak IPm is designed for datalogging, supervisory control and data acquisition (Scada), and control applications.
User programs may be created using industry standard ISaGraf IEC 6113-3 programming tools or a free Linux compiler.
A Linux web server runs web pages created using any standard HTML development tools.
Further reading
Ethernet switch autodetects links
The All-Gigabit SL-8MG allows users to start with a RJ45 connection and easily upgrade to a noise- immune fibre optic link by plugging in a fibre transceiver.
Ethernet switches offer four fibre optic ports
Both the SL-8MS and SL-8ES switches feature advanced intelligence and nonblocking wire speed switching that allow all ports to communicate at full-duplex speed at the same time.
A 10/100 auto-detecting Ethernet port and four serial ports provide abundant communications options.
Modbus and Sixnet protocols are included and numerous third party developers plan to make available Linux-based drivers for other protocols.
Telephone, radio communications, and RS485 party-line media are all supported.
A RISC coprocessor handles communications enabling all four serial ports to run at high speed with no loss of performance.
Included Linux firmware provides a suite of Ethernet and Internet protocols and capabilities.
The VersaTrak IPm runs on a 32bit PowerPC with 16Mbyte of fast dynamic memory.
Depending on the model chosen, between 4 and 136Mbyte of Flash memory are available.
With its embedded Linux operating kernel, this RTU has the power of a modern computer with the reliability of an embedded controller.
The VersaTrak IPm is designed to poll up to 50,000 I/O using a combination of SixTrak local I/O modules, EtherTrak (Ethernet I/O) and Modbus I/O.
I/O tag definitions can be shared with popular Windows applications using a shared resource database that saves time when configuring systems.
A suite of development and maintenance tools is supplied by Sixnet to assist in system-wide design, integration, and deployment.
VersaTrak IPm is certified for operation from -40 to +70C; is UL, CSA, CE, and DNV certified; and is rated for Zone 2 hazardous locations.
Speaking about the decision to adopt Linux, Steven Schoenberg, President of Sixnet, offered this statement: "Customers are always looking for high performance at the lowest installed cost.
Basing our new RTU on the PowerPC and Linux software was the obvious answer to meeting both criteria.
When millions of users share a common open technology, the price/performance curve shifts dramatically.
Embedded Linux solutions will now explode in the automation marketplace for the same reasons that industrial Ethernet has.
Linux is truly open, it is very reliable, and the cost effectiveness creates strong incentives to use it". Request a free brochure from Sixnet ...
• Sixnet: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Engineeringtalk email newsletter
• Engineeringtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
