Next Generation SST DN4 DeviceNet Network Interface Cards from Molex

Simultaneous execution of Group 2 Client (Master) and Server (Slave) operations allows the OEM and end-user to implement control schemes where all capabilities may be required; a typical example would be in robotic control cells. Suitable for any DeviceNet control scheme, the DN4 supports poll, strobe, change-of-status (COS) and cyclic input/output messaging. The QuickConnect capability of the DN4 cards in Client (master) mode allows the devices to be accessed on power-up in less than 500 milliseconds.

About the new-generation of SST DN4 DevieNet NICs, Eric Gory, product marketing, Molex says: “The enhanced FPGA design lowers the overall component count, which results in higher reliability and extended product lifecycle.” The DN4 cards provide multiple network support for all standard DeviceNet baud rates (125, 250 and 500 Kbaud), as well as use in CAN (Control Area Network) networks (2A and 2B, up to 1Mb per second), reducing OEM inventory. For application flexibility, the DN4 cards from Molex are available in a variety of product formats with support for the standard PCI (3.3/5V) and PC/104 buses.

For system flexibility, the Molex DN4 cards are available in both single- and dual-channel formats. In addition, the Molex DN4 NICs support the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP*) Safety Server (Slave) reducing implementation time of the Molex CIP Safety Stack significantly. Multi-slave (Server) versions of the PCI bus card are available (1 channel only) to support control system simulation, reducing design and field-commissioning time.

The DN4 NICs are designed and conformance tested in accordance to ODVA standards (Volume 3, v. 1.8), and are form-fit-function replacements for the existing DN3 family of products providing a high performance upgrade path or connections to legacy systems.