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.

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

IFS PROFIsafe gateway on the DIN rail
MQTT edge gateway

IFS PROFIsafe gateway

Safe network for your motor starters

The IFS PROFIsafe gateway enables the easy network integration of up to 15 motor starters. Switch the enable inputs of your motor starters safely: Save valuable I/Os in the control level and use the cost-effective solution for the interface level.

Main features

  • Integration of IFS devices in PROFIsafe
  • Safe digital inputs and outputs
  • Additional digital inputs and outputs
  • Functional safety for individual and group shutdown in three-phase motors
  • Cost-effective solution
  • Overall width of just 45 mm

Your Advantages

  • Safe shutdown of motor starters with safe outputs
  • Space savings in the control cabinet due to the compact design that is just 45 mm wide
  • Easy extension options with additional I/Os
  • Fast configuration, status monitoring, and diagnostics via automation software or clipx ENGINEER Device Parameterization Tool
  • Save network addresses with the Interface system (IFS) bus connection

MQTT edge gateway

Connecting Modbus devices to MQTT brokers just became easy

Bridge the gap between IoT and industrial controllers with the GW MQTT/MODBUS… gateway. The gateway provides a simple interface to connect Modbus clients and servers to the local or cloud broker of your choice.

Main features

  • Web-based management
  • Integrated Modbus client
  • MQTT Sparkplug enabled
  • Class I, Div. 2, ATEX, IECEx
  • Temperature range: -40 °C ... +70 °C

Your Advantages

  • The simple interface makes configuration quick and easy, with no programming required.
  • The integrated Modbus client directly connects to Modbus servers without disturbing the control environment.
  • Sparkplug provides a common namespace and payload framework simplifying integration.

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.

MQTT Edge Gateway functionality

Integrate any Modbus device into IIoT applications using MQTT

Protocol converters and gateways: Modbus to MQTT

Bridge the gap between IOT and industrial control systems with the GW MQTT/MODBUS... series. Connect Modbus clients and servers to the local or the cloud broker of your choice. Web-based management makes configuration simple with no programming required. Support for default MQTT and Sparkplug B provides flexibility for integration into IOT applications.

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.

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.