Harting offers MICA with a secondary Ethernet interface
To exchange and process data between two Ethernet networks, including wired-to-wireless gateway applications, Harting has added a secondary Ethernet interface to its MICA Edge computer.
In many Industry 4.0 applications, it is necessary to separate networks and send data back and forth between Ethernet protocols without permitting external applications direct access to a corporate network. A second interface for these applications and an additional USB interface which can be used to extend capabilities or for a USB storage device allow the MICA to differentiate itself from a router and carry out complex data transformations and aggregations.
The secondary Ethernet interface is provided via the functional circuit board and expands the modular system of the MICA platform. MICA Wireless with WLAN, Bluetooth Low Energy and LTE connectivity as well as an additional Ethernet interface makes the computer suitable for varied projects in industry and transportation.
Used as a wired-to-wireless gateway, it can collect maintenance data from PLCs and send relevant events to the machine manufacturer or maintenance services. MICA Wireless can also process nodes for RFID readers connected via WLAN. This configuration allows many RFID readers to send data that evaluates the tags and feeds them to the corporate network, via Ethernet.
It is also possible to monitor remote systems via Ethernet and transmit the data as needed in a compressed format worldwide via LTE or Bluetooth Low Energy to Ethernet gateways or railway embankment applications where Ethernet-capable PLCs and RFID readers are also increasingly being used, notes Harting.
The Harting Technology Group provides industrial connection technology for data, signal and power. It operates 14 production plants and 44 sales companies. The company also produces retail checkout systems, electromagnetic actuators for automotive and industrial series use, charging equipment for electric vehicles, as well as hardware and software for customers and applications in automation technology, mechanical and plant engineering, robotics and transportation engineering.
