Spectrum Controls Announces FieldPort™ Ethernet-Enabled Analog+HART I/O Modules

HART connectivity allows legacy PLC users to create a smart network and optimize asset management

October 25, 2006—Issaquah, Washington—

Spectrum Controls, Inc., a leading manufacturer of hardware and software for the industrial controls marketplace, is pleased to announce release of two new analog I/O modules with HART protocol. These new modules complement the existing Analog+HART modules for ControlLogix and CompactLogix PLCs, and are specifically designed for Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric Legacy PLCs. Availability of the modules is anticipated in October 2006.

The FieldPort™ FPIO-I8H-EIP and FPIO-O8H-EIP modules provide full analog capability and the added benefit of HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol in just one I/O module. Additionally, the modules feature and easy to use Ethernet-IP and ModbusTCP system interface. The analog I/O modules with HART protocol maximize I/O performance by combining real-time HART data acquisition in conjunction with standard analog acquisition and control—at a fraction of the cost.

Each module also acts as a HART master, allowing communication with HART field devices. Field devices may be connected directly to the module; eliminating the expense of additional external HART bridge devices or hand-held communicators. When used in conjunction with Spectrum Controls CONNECTS software and a device management software package, for example Emerson AMS or Endress & Hauser Fieldcare, the analog I/O modules with HART protocol provide configuration, calibration, ranging, diagnosis and troubleshooting of smart field devices from a desktop PC. This ability can increase product quality and minimize unplanned downtime, while improving the productivity and profitability of the process.

Spectrum Controls’ analog I/O modules with HART protocol reduce wiring and simplify maintenance. Setup is convenient and easy using your existing PLC programming software. The result is maximum data access with a low total cost-of-ownership.

Spectrum Controls’ expanding family of HART-enabled products now includes standalone I/O modules for legacy PLCs, in addition to in-rack modules for the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix®, CompactLogix™ and MicroLogix™ 1500  PLCs. Spectrum Controls’ Connects gateway software adds further functionality to HART I/O modules using the strength of Rockwell’s network communication technology to create a direct link from device management software to any HART enabled field instruments connected to the Analog+HART modules.

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About Spectrum Controls
Since 1983, Spectrum Controls has continued to be the premier provider of hardware and related software products for the industrial controls marketplace. Products fall into three major categories: I/O modules, human-machine interfaces and communications devices. Corporate headquarters is located in Bellevue, Washington. For more information, visit our Web site at www.spectrumcontrols.com, email spectrum@spectrumcontrols.com or telephone 425-746-9481.