netXConnect
Industrial Networking News for the Americas

Motion Control and Real-Time Communications in One Chip

Hilscher announces new motion control capabilities for its netX 90 multiprotocol network chip. netMOTION is a firmware-configured communications solution with built-in motor control for applications in networked factory and process control systems, assembly, packaging, robotics and more. With netMOTION, developers get Real-Time Ethernet connectivity and general-purpose motor and motion control in a single-chip solution, which simplifies designs and reduces material costs. Running on Hilscher's netX 90 communications SoC, netMOTION acts as an interface between motion sensors and Real-Time Ethernet networks, providing a solution that can be adapted to suit a wide variety of needs. It works with either Halls, encoder, or resolver position feedback for 3-phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM) and Brushless DC Motors (BLDC). Motion Control applications are supported on-board, with generic applications available for development purposes. A Development Kit will be launched in Q1 2021.   READ MORE

Development Kit for netMOTION Prototyping

In Q1 2021, Hilscher will launch a Development Kit for its new netMOTION solution. The development kit, with hardware, software, and tool components, enables the design of a speed controlled closed-loop motor control application profile synchronized over a Real-Time Ethernet industrial communication protocol. The NXHX 90-MC software development board works out-of-the-box with Hilscher's netX Studio CDT, a free Eclipse-based IDE that includes everything needed to configure, develop, and debug embedded netMOTION applications, including code examples. It is intended for rapid prototyping and evaluation purposes. Hilscher offers a range of plug-in modules as add-on accessories, including adaptors for: digital Halls and quadrature encoders; BiSS/EnDat/SSI encoders; PROFIBUS-DP and CANopen network interfaces. Further information about the development environment can be found HERE. READ MORE

netFIELD 2.0 Adds Powerful Remote IIoT Features

Upgrades to Hilscher's netFIELD IIoT Solutions Portfolio have made deployment simpler, and even more powerful solutions are now possible. As well as local Edge processing in the Edge CONNECT Gateway, netFIELD 2.0 can now connect via Hilscher's IIoT subscription service to a remote cloud, using Hilscher's netFIELD Platform and Portal. Container-based applications simplify deployment, and multiple "Manufacturing as a Service" options are available to users. A customer's own cloud preferences can be used and the entire IIoT infrastructure can be managed from any location across the internet.  READ MORE

netX 90 – A Powerful Base for Next Generation Communications

netX 90 is a versatile and powerful interface for connecting network-side protocols such as EtherNet/IP and PROFINET and device-side protocols of almost any type, all in a single package that is entirely software configurable. It is TSN-ready and supports OPC UA and MQTT, so is ideal for enhanced control and IIoT-oriented applications. There are rich security options on-board, plus resources for embedding applications. At 10mm x 10mm, is netX 90 the smallest, most advanced multi-protocol System on a Chip (SoC) available today? Hilscher thinks so and is using it for its own Motion Control solution (See netMOTION article in this newsletter).  READ MORE

netX 90 – The Most Secure Communications Interface Ever

The netX 90 SoC is unique in having a dual-CPU ARM architecture, one serving the network-side real-time data communications, the other serving device-side application. This separation of functions reduces or eliminates the risk of external attacks reaching critical applications. This is reinforced by a central block of shared functions including secure boot and firewall protection, ensuring that in the world of industrial communications, netX 90 is the most secure interface component produced by Hilscher in its 30-year history. netX 90 can support Defense-in-Depth security solutions in accordance with IEC 62443 standards.   READ MORE

Expanding Range of PC Cards Has Infinite Connectivity Potential

As competitors shrink their PC card ranges, Hilscher expands theirs! Hilscher cifX PC Cards add real-time communications to PC-based controls, such IPCs, HMIs and robotics. The cifX family of network interfaces supports all popular Real Time Ethernet and Fieldbus systems. It encompasses all common PC card formats and is the easiest and quickest way to add network connectivity to products and systems. There's unified access and use so, for example, drivers for one card type will work with other card formats of a similar network type simply by loading alternative firmware.  READ MORE

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