Basic Networking of Acrison's Controllers

Acrison can provide support for several different interfacing options that encompass both hard-wired and wireless configurations. The hardware requirements (specific components) for each option will vary depending on both the type of connection, and the performance needed from the configuration. Typical connection options include the following:

Typical Connection Options
	Serial Connections - A direct serial connection between individual SBC-2000 control modules and a host. Each control module is communicating with the "host" via one of the two independent serial channels. Requires a direct connection by the user using RS-422/485.
	•	For Ethernet applications, Acrison Controllers can be connected to any Ethernet network (10 MBaud Ethernet) using either the Modbus/TCP or Ethernet/IP software protocols.
	•	Another connection option supported is wireless Ethernet (802.11b). This method is identical to a standard Ethernet connection except for the addition of a wireless Access Point at the network, and a Wireless PC Card at the host laptop.
	Multi-Drop Connection - Multiple SBC-2000 Controller boards are wired by the user in a standard multi-drop configuration using RS-422/485. Each controller is assigned an address and communicates with the "host" via one of the two independent serial channels.
	Multi-Drop (Internal) Connection - Multiple SBC-2000 Controller boards are mounted in a multi-feeder rack and wired (by the user) into a multi-drop (RS-422) configuration. User connects host to multi-feeder rack using a RS-422/RS-232 converter module.
	Network Gateway Connection - Multiple controller boards are wired (by the user) in a multi-drop configuration (RS-422), and mounted in a multi-feeder rack. Multi-Drop is configured with the integral Network Gateway Module. The user provides connection from Network Gateway Module to the host. All controllers share a single network address.
	External Gateway Connection - Multiple controller boards are wired (by the user) in a multi-drop configuration (RS-422), and mounted in a multi-feeder rack. User connects host to External Gateway, which acts as a "protocol converter." All controllers share a single network address.
	•	Acrison Controllers can also be equipped for integration into any Profibus DP network using either an Acrison Network Gateway (multiple controllers sharing a single network address) or a ProfiLink Module (integrated into each controller).
	•	Acrison Controllers can easily be adapted for use with the Bluetooth wireless-networking standard. In this connection, optional multiple Acrison controllers (up to 32) are wired by the user in a multi-drop configuration using the RS-422/485 hardware protocol. Each controller will communicate with the host device using the appropriate serial protocol. The wireless portion of the interface is then completed by the standard Bluetooth adapter.

The above examples are a fraction of the many connection options and should not be considered the only possibilities. Users interested in configurations other than those described here should contact Acrison for further information.