System Solution:
PCEX with Remote Process Interface (RPI)
The combination of Panel-PC PCEX and remote I/O systems of type RPI is the ideal solution for collecting measurement data from the process to view it with SCADA application software and make it available via Ethernet to higher level processes such as the Process Control System.
System Solution: PCEX and RPI
Responding to customer requests from the areas of medicine and safety technology, Pepperl+Fuchs EXTEC has successfully combined test layouts from components of the two product families, RPI and VISUEX/PCEX.
Two Strong Partners
Each of these two product families combines a high level of performance with flexibility. Those elements together with easy planning and commissioning lead to significant reductions in investment cost and increased availability.
Benefits of the Remote I/O-System
- Replaceability of modules
- System diagnostics performed directly on the Gateway Module of the Remote-I/O System
- Increased system accuracy
- Simplified wiring overhead in the field
- Customised configuration through modular design
- Available modules: Various analogue and binary input/output modules
- Large selection of Gateway Modules for connection to Fieldbus (Modbus, Modbus Plus, Profibus-DP, ControlNet)
- Installation in the safe area (switch room) or in hazardous areas (Zone 2, junction box protection class IP54)
Benefits of the Panel-PC
- Certified for use in hazardous areas (categories 2G and 2D)
- Open PC hardware platform
- 400/733 MHz processor, no fan, with 256/512 MB RAM and 20 GB hard drive
- High-contrast 10.4 “ (800x600) or 12 “ (1024x768) display
- Operating systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, LINUX Ethernet/network interface (Ex e)
- RS485/TTY interface (Ex e)
- USB interface (Ex e)
- Scanner interface for SCANEX product family (Ex i)
- Keyboard/mouse interface for TASTEX product family (Ex i)
- Integrated software package for data backup and restore, hardware diagnostics, key management, etc.
More than the Sum of their Parts
Combining these product families offers an affordable system solution that is open for later additions. It allows you to read measurement data from safe and hazardous areas (Zones 0 to 2) and display the data on a Panel PC (PCEX 410 or PCEX 412) installed in the hazardous area in your SCADA application.
Data transmission between Remote-I/O and VISUEX/PCEX is based on the Modbus protocol via the RS485 interface, where the Panel PC acts as Modbus Master and the Remote-I/O System as Modbus slave.
Data Collection, Visualisation and Processing on Site
This configuration is a compelling choice wherever data visualisation or logging without significant technical control processing or without a direct on-site link is required, since there is no need for a separate PLC. A standard commercial SCADA system installed on the Panel-PC PCEX is completely sufficient for these tasks.
The Remote-I/O System can also be configured and customised directly on site if the PACTware configuration tool is installed on the Panel PC.
The integrated Ethernet interface allows this local system solution to be integrated into your company network, thus making data from Remote-I/O stations available in other processes and applications as well.
Even more extensive solutions are also possible: With an installed Soft PLC on the Panel PC you will be able to implement control solutions directly on site. This may require additional software packages for visualisation and control. Their interoperability must be tested in each individual case.
Your Solution
The combination of PCEX and Remote-I/O facilitates a wide range of system solutions offering unique flexibility and efficiency. Pepperl+Fuchs EXTEC offers high-quality system solutions which can be implemented according to your timetable.
