NETsilicon's technology aids plant automation completely by Ethernet
Semiconductor Business News
(06/02/00, 12:40:32 PM EDT)
WALTHAM, Mass. - NETsilicon Inc. here announced that is has participated in launching a manufacturing plant controlled entirely by means of Ethernet connections.
Jetter AG, a German vendor of programmable controllers and operator-interface products, was the key automation supplier for St?rz Maschinenbau GmbH, a manufacturer of plastic windows. Jetter's innovative JetWeb product was used to successfully launch a pilot project to completely automate the manufacturer's plant with Ethernet.
Through its NET+Works embedded networking solution, NETsilicon provided with the network-enabled microprocessor and networking software to JetWeb.
As an open standard, Ethernet has the potential to be much more cost-effective thatn proprietary networks in the factory, but it has long been considered too slow as a communications medium for complex manufacturing processes. NETsilicon's embedded Ethernet controller used in the JetWeb system overcomes that deficiency, according to the company (see Nov. 19, 1999 story).
"Our collaboration with Jetter on this all-encompassing Ethernet solution underlines our commitment to bringing Ethernet and Internet connectivity deep into the world of industrial automation," said Pete Peterson, NETsilicon's president and chief executive officer. Jetter's JetWeb technology provides all of the Ethernet-controlled functions via a web browser interface.
In addition to facilitating classical automation functions by means of digital I/Os as well as servo and stepper motor axes, the St?rz factory utilizes the Ethernet network for user guidance,visualization and data management.
"Never before have the chances been as favorable for a truly open communication standard like Ethernet," said MartinJetter, president and CEO of Jetter AG. "To date, Ethernet has been used only at the production control level. The attractive price point of NETsilicon's integrated solution has helped us overcome one of the key barriers: cost per node. Our success with St?rz demonstrates that our connection technology can now reach even the most remote corners of any facility's operations."
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