Interface converters, device servers, and gateways – From RS-232 to Ethernet

Device servers and gateways – from RS-232 to Ethernet

Use device servers to convert serial interfaces such as RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 to other standards, such as Ethernet (RJ45), with protocol transparency. Gateways and protocol converters convert various fieldbus and Ethernet protocols (e.g., PROFIBUS to PROFINET), thus enabling the easy integration of legacy serial devices and fieldbuses into modern Ethernet networks.

More information
Various versions of serial device servers as multi-port devices

Serial device servers: overview of versions

Serial device servers

Serial device servers enable the easy integration of legacy serial devices and buses into modern Ethernet networks.

Many applications involve multiple serial devices in close proximity, such as bar code scanners and printers. All the devices have to be connected to Ethernet. In this case, using a multi-port converter saves money and valuable space in the control cabinet.

Furthermore, the application can be customized to allow different users to access different serial interfaces via a single converter.

Your advantages

  • Embedded web server allows easy startup and configuration
  • Can be used in any industry with the wide operating temperature range (-40°C ... +70°C) and approval for hazardous areas
  • Minimal space required in the control cabinet due to the compact shape and size
  • The 256-bit AES encryption and authentication mechanisms prevent unauthorized access to the devices
  • The user can troubleshoot problems quickly and easily with the extended diagnostic functions of the serial ports
  • Seamless integration of virtual COM ports due to native Windows drivers ensures consistently high performance, especially for multi-port applications.

New products

Device for controlling tunnel luminaires via DALI ​

Luminaire control unit

Controlling tunnel luminaires via DALI

The intelligent Lumgate DALI luminaire control unit is used to couple the light management system to the tunnel luminaires. The luminaires are switched, dimmed, and monitored via DALI, analog interface, and load relays. Suitable for installation in driver boxes or directly in the luminaire.

Main features

  • Direct connection of up to eight LED drivers via DALI or analog interface
  • Load current measurement of the luminaires
  • Two load relays with protective function
  • 24-hour storage of lighting levels
  • Supply voltage from 110 to 277 V AC

Your benefits

  • Compatible for connection to TLA 5.0
  • Flexible connection of the LED drivers
  • Efficient maintenance with continuous energy measurement of each individual lighting point
  • Reduction of the system starting current through startup management
  • Long service life due to internal protection management
  • Luminaire operation maintained in the event of failure thanks to autonomous control of the luminaires

Protocol-transparent serial device servers

Virtual COM port application with PC and serial devices

Protocol-transparent serial device servers

The serial device servers of the GW DEVICE SERVER... series are used to connect standard serial devices (usually with RAW or ASCII file formats) to Ethernet networks. The devices can be used as a “virtual COM port” or as a native TCP or UDP Ethernet device.

Protocol converters and gateways: Modbus/RTU, RAW, and ASCII to Modbus/TCP and EtherNet/IP™

Integration of any ASCII protocol into Modbus or EtherNet/IP™

Protocol converters and gateways: Modbus/RTU, RAW, and ASCII to Modbus/TCP and EtherNet/IP™

Modules of the GW MODBUS TCP/RTU... series are used to convert Modbus/RTU (or ASCII, serial) to Modbus/TCP. You can configure these high-performance modules for any combination of Modbus client and server.

Modules of the GW MODBUS TCP/ASCII... series can be used to make serial RAW or ASCII strings from devices such as bar code scanners, scales, or RFID tags available via the Modbus protocol. You can convert these strings to EtherNet/IP™ using modules belonging to the GW MODBUS EIP/ASCII... series.

Protocol converters and gateways: Modbus to EtherNet/IP™

Integrate any Modbus devices into the EtherNet/IP™ protocol

Protocol converters and gateways: Modbus to EtherNet/IP™

You can integrate Modbus servers into the EtherNet/IP™ protocol using modules from the GW EIP/MODBUS… series. This allows you to integrate existing Modbus devices into the widely used Ethernet-based EtherNet/IP™ protocol.

Gateway: From HART to HART-IP, Modbus/TCP, and PROFINET

High-performance access to HART signals via Ethernet

Gateway: From HART to HART-IP, Modbus/TCP, and PROFINET

The modules of the GW PL… series consist of a front module and up to five extension modules. These modules allow the easy parameterization and monitoring of HART field devices via Ethernet networks.

Ethernet is connected via HART-IP, Modbus/TCP, or PROFINET. You can connect up to 40 devices with the modular HART Ethernet gateway.

NAMUR Open Architecture

NAMUR Open Architecture

Gateway: From HART to OPC UA for NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA)

The GW PL ETH/UNI head station communicates via OPC UA in accordance with the NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) concept. Here, the device acts as a data diode for forwarding diagnostic data and process data from HART field devices to any cloud system.

Process efficiency is monitored through analysis and processing of the data gathered. When necessary, the information is fed back to the ERP system, for example to automatically generate maintenance orders. This configuration does not affect or endanger the process-driving systems.

Gateways and proxy servers: From INTERBUS to PROFINET

Proxy for INTERBUS

Gateways and proxy servers: From INTERBUS to PROFINET

Do you want to integrate an INTERBUS application into a PROFINET network? Then the FL NP PND-4TX IB is the ideal solution. Simply parameterize the device using your go-to programming tool. You can use the integrated switch in the control cabinet as an uplink to the control system or in the field for series connection.

Gateways and proxy servers: PROFIsafe communication across network boundaries

Proxy for PROFIsafe

Gateways and proxy servers: PROFIsafe communication across network boundaries

One of a kind: consistent PROFIsafe communication across network boundaries.

The PROFIsafe gateway from Phoenix Contact allows secure communication between two PROFINET networks. This means that you can implement functional safety, such as emergency switch-off concepts, across systems and manufacturers.

Industrial time server for Ethernet networks

Industrial time server for Ethernet networks

Industrial time servers: Time and position localization for Ethernet networks with GPS, GALILEO, or GLONASS

The FL TIMESERVER NTP industrial time server makes time information available in the Ethernet network via NTP protocol. The time is received via GPS, GALILEO, or GLONASS independently of other NTP services and without an Internet connection. With the robust IP68 housing with integrated antenna and PoE supply, you can install the device outdoors without any problems.

PROFIBUS PA gateway

PROFIBUS PA gateway

PROFIBUS PA gateway

There are five head stations to choose from for various applications. The devices are provided with a PROFIBUS PA address by simply using a DIP switch – no programming is necessary.

Analog and digital I/Os and a digital NAMUR input module are available as extensions. Thumbwheels are then used to easily assign the inputs and outputs of the extension modules.

Serial HART gateway

Serial HART gateway

Serial HART gateway

Depending on the application, serial RS-485- or Ethernet-based access to all the digital data from HART devices is possible.

Conventional serial RS-485 gateways can be used for applications that are not time-critical. Each gateway allows the connection of up to 32 devices. Data exchange is on a serial basis, as communication takes place via just one HART master.

Ethernet HART gateway

Ethernet HART gateway

Ethernet HART gateway

Depending on the application, serial RS-485- or Ethernet-based access to all the digital data from HART devices is possible.

The Ethernet HART gateway provides PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP, and HART-IP access to 40 devices. Each device connection has its own HART master that allows it to forward HART data as fast as possible via Ethernet.

When using a Modbus TCP/IP network, it is also possible to provide four digital inputs and four digital outputs.