Product Review
Industrial Ethernet Node Provides Sensor Data to Automation, Control Systems

This article is taken form the July/August 2020 GRAIN JOURNAL

In April 2020, 4B Components introduced its Industrial Ethernet Node (IE-Node), which is a remote monitoring interface designed to provide sensor data to PLCs or other automation and control systems.

According to Brian Knapp, vice president-electronics division, “The IE-NODE operates by reading its sensor inputs and sending processed data when requested by another system, such as the PLC. The units are equipped with an RJ45 ethernet socket and support PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP/IP protocols for easy integration with Siemens, Allen-Bradley Rockwell, Delta V, Modicon, and other PLCs or automation devices.”

Fast Scanning

“The IE-NODE is available in two versions, each with a total of 10 sensor inputs,” says Knapp. “Both versions scan sensor inputs multiple times per second to ensure that the automation system can detect an alarm immediately. This fast detection speed is crucial when monitoring potential ignition sources in a dust hazard environment.”