We previously discussed device rings as a possible communications networking solution for applications like:

• Networking devices within a control panel
• Networking between control panels
• Networking in an MCC and between MCC Sections
• Networking devices outside the cabinet
• Networking zone to zone

This month, we’ll review switch rings as a possible solution for these situations.

Switch rings, which are basically a ring of switches, include REP, MRP, Hirschman HiPER ring and Moxa Turbo ring. These require managed switches that can be configured for specific switch ring technology. Depending on the setup, convergence times can vary from 20ms to 300ms:

• REP: 20-80ms
• MRP, Hirschman HIPER ring: 80ms-300ms
• Moxa Turbo ring: <20ms

At approximately 51 miles long, the Panama Canal is considered one of the wonders of the modern world.

It’s also controlled using Phoenix Digital’s OCR communication modules.

Our modules play an integral role in the operation of the canal locks, both the original locks and the new locks opened in 2016. The OCR is part of the system that controls the level of water in the locks, filling and draining the massive receptacles as ships proceed up and down the canal.

As a result, they also help manage the level of Gatun Lake, which is at the center of the canal system.

The Locks and Facilities Engineering Division of the Panama Canal decided to go with Phoenix Digital communication modules when it began making the switch from data highway remote I/O to Ethernet.

We previously discussed various applications for fault-tolerant networks, such as:

• Networking devices within a control panel
• Networking between control panels
• Networking in an MCC and between MCC Sections
• Networking devices outside the cabinet
• Networking zone to zone

Let’s take a closer look at device rings as one potential solution for at least some of these applications.

The Phoenix Digital communication module offers an easily deployed, redundant, secure fiber ring network to its customers, which configures with a single DIP switch and no software.  Within the topic of security, as with many communication products, the Phoenix Digital modules have a multilayered approach that is baked into the module.  This requires almost no action by the customer as it is integral to every product.

Fault-tolerant, redundant, resilient industrial networking is critical in a wide range of applications.

Some of the more common uses for industrial networking include:

• Networking devices within a control panel
• Networking between control panels
• Networking in an MCC and between MCC Sections
• Networking devices outside the cabinet
• Networking zone to zone

The methods for creating fault-tolerant networking are nearly as numerous as the applications. Here’s a rundown of some of the most prevalent industrial networking solutions.

Device Level Rings

Device level rings, or DLR, connect Ethernet from one device to the next in a ring. Non-DLR devices must use an E-TAP (a two-port switch) or another switch with DLR embedded to connect. In a ring, communications are maintained when any one line or device fails, with a 3ms convergence time.

Phoenix Digital’s fiber optic communication modules provide advanced, interactive, system-level diagnostics. (Fiber modules must be ordered with the “-D” option for interactive diagnostics.) These diagnostics may be accessed thru the PLC user program (1746 and 1756 plug-in modules) or via discrete contact outputs (standalone, DIN-rail/panelmount fiber optic module) to validate network integrity and assist in troubleshooting network problems, such as:

• Detect and locate fault conditions throughout the network
• Verify fault management and overall network integrity
• Simulate network fault conditions
• Trap-and-hold intermittent failure conditions

We’re pleased to announce our move to the Knoxville, TN, location of Softing Inc. Softing AG is the parent company of both Softing Inc. and Phoenix Digital.

The integration of our offices puts Softing’s technical expertise literally at our fingertips. We will have easy access to 60 engineers and other technical resources to expand our capabilities to produce the high-quality products that our customers have come to rely on.

Our new address is 7209 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Our new phone number is 865-251-5252.

Several prospective clients have asked about DLR (device level rings) and how they compare to our communication modules. 

Some Background

The Phoenix Digital products are smart, purpose-built I/O switches, specifically designed to operate for the industrial automation I/O layer and can be used with any automation supplier.  DLR requires special gateways (called ETAPs) to support non-DLR devices.

DLR is resilient, not redundant. The Phoenix Digital communication system, on the other hand, is a resilient and fully redundant network, deploying two independent channels of communication running hot, synchronized and in opposing directions.

Motor control centers (MCCs) provide a great deal of convenience for modern plants and factories. A wide range of motors, including variable speed drives, overload relays and starters, can all be managed from a central location.

MCCs are generally available in two types:

• Standard, which is hard-wired
• Intelligent, which is Ethernet-enabled

It’s generally accepted that intelligent MCCs require the highest level of managed switch technology to properly operate. This creates serious challenges for the average maintenance staff, which doesn’t have the IT background necessary to maintain the switches.

Knoxville, TN, August, 2019 - Softing AG has acquired the assets of Phoenix Digital Corporation (PDC), a provider of secure industrial fiber optic communication products. The business will be operated by Online Development Inc.

As officials planned the 1,700 feet of tunnel, some challenges quickly became apparent.

For one thing, the project required a new communication network to tie together the tunnel’s traffic control system as well as the system that controlled the air ventilation fans in the tunnel.

At Phoenix Digital, we think things like network communications do not always need to be complicated. Sometimes enough is all you need.

With that in mind, what the group here at Phoenix Digital spends a great deal of time working on and talking about is how to make communications easy, reliable, secure, easy, fast, fault tolerant, and easy. Basically, we want to give the customer as much capability as possible, but we want to deploy that technology quickly and easily. This is what we do.