A Safe Way of Wireless Process Automation via the GSM Network

Related Vendors

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

TURCK GmbH

Lutz Pumpen GmbH

WAGO GmbH & Co. KG

Bluetooth for the last few meters

Frequently the last few meters are decisive, if, for example, there is no power supply available directly at the monitoring point or it is difficult to reach. Thus, using the Atex-certified Bluetooth module (Class 2, +3.5 dBm), the To-Pass Ex-box can incorporate up to seven external sensors wirelessly into the Wago-I/O-system. Within a range of 50 meters depending on the ambient conditions, it receives the signals and makes them available to the Ethernet controller programmable according to IEC 61131-3. So that the GPRS router may be used in hazardous environments, an Atex-certified GPRS limiter limits the transmission signal and monitors the Ethernet interface on the router. Specially-developed CoDeSys function modules in the controller prepare the signals so that they are transmitted by the GPRS router in the set time interval over the GPRS/Edge network to a freely-definable Web server. This server can be provided by Wago or selected freely from among other host suppliers. On the Internet, the data is buffered in a MySQL database so that it is available at any time for evaluations. The current process values are displayed as a table or diagram. Quick access to the data is thus guaranteed so that the data is read not from the controller, but directly from the database. Via the Web server on the Internet, the user has quick access to the data for making it available to a PCS (process control system), for example. Depending on availability, the data can be transmitted at 53.6 kbit/s (GPRS) or up to 200 kbit/s (EDGE). Since the Ex-box uses the GPRS service for this, a packet transmission service within the GSM mobile telephone network, only the data volume is calculated. The fees for the GPRS service depend on the M2M rates (machine-to-machine) of the provider on the market.

Good services even on-site

Optionally, the status and measurement signals can also be read out locally and their parameters set using a mobile Ex control unit. This takes place using an integrated IRDA interface (infrared interface) for which there is a round inspection glass in the Ex-box. The router also supports a SMS transmission for additional Web services, the distribution of error messages, for example.

In order to guarantee quick start-up, the IEC 61131-3-certified Ethernet controller offers the opportunity to create a visualization that is stored in the integrated web server of the controller. This way it is possible to put the box into operation without special knowledge.

Individual equipping

In addition to the standard Ex-box, Ori also offers the opportunity to create cus- tomer-specific systems. Since the concept is based on the modular Wago-I/O-system, in addition to various controllers, there are nearly 400 different I/O modules available. These include analog and digital Ex-i I/O modules, which may be arranged in the same system as I/O modules for standard signals. This way, the Ex-box records Ex-i signals and non-Ex-i signals with just one fieldbus node.

Conclusion

With the Atex-certified Ex-box in the To-Pass product line, Wago has put another complete solution on the market. With the help of the Wago-I/O-system and its various I/O modules as well as the expertise of Ori, it connects wireless technologies with wired transmission.

* The author is Market Manager Energy and Process Automation at Wago Kontakttechnik GmbH & Co. KG/Minden.

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