With their FINS-TCP driver for connection to OMRON's Sysmac PLCs, R. STAHL has expanded the area of application for their compact Eagle series operator interfaces. These systems, which offer their own visualization software, are sophisticated HMI solutions for industrial Ethernet environments. The operator interfaces are available in standard industrial design (ProVicom) and as explosion-proof models (Exicom) in three different versions each. This line-up of performance-graded models allows users to select the one that suits their application best.
The FINS driver supports the entire functionality of the devices, which can be connected as clients to a Sysmac CS or CJ or, on request, also to the Sysmac CV version. The connection is fully transparent, which means that the PLCs need no handling block for the Ethernet communication with the operator interfaces. In addition to the OMRON-specific FINS-TCP, R. STAHL also offers other drivers for common Ethernet varieties. These include Profinet for Siemens systems, the protocol versions EtherNet/IP for Rockwell PLCs and MMS for ABB PLCs, and Modbus TCP, which is suitable for Beckhoff bus terminals as well as Schneider or Yokogawa control systems, and also provides generic support for other, Windows-based automation solutions.