PROFINET IRT connectivity added to RapID platform

PROFINET IRT Network Interface supports PROFINET v2.3 and includes Innovasic’s PriorityChannel Technology - a key feature for Industrial Ethernet field devices that eliminates the detrimental effects of network traffic and loading. The RapID Platform release also incorporates Innovasic’s revolutionary fido5000 REM Switch to provide a complete PROFINET v2.3 IRT solution.

The PROFINET IRT Network Interface is delivered as a module or embedded design containing everything needed to participate in a PROFINET IRT and RT network. A host processor connects to the Network Interface via a UART or 16-bit Parallel Interface. At the software layer, the host connects to Innovasic’s Unified Interface API so other protocols can be used without changing host processor software. Since the Unified Interface is exactly the same across all versions of the RapID Platform, customers developing a PROFINET IRT or RT product can easily convert to any other supported Industrial Ethernet protocol.

A dynamic Web Server is also included with the RapID platform that allows users to dynamically change field device parameters through the use of a standard Web Browser. Commissioning a field device has never been more simple, secure, and straightforward.

Volker Goller, European Manager, Real-Time Ethernet Solutions, Innovasic, commented: “This new version of the RapID Platform combines the robustness of PriorityChannel Technology with the real-time performance of IRT, giving users the most flexible, reliable and cost effective PROFINET solution on the market today.”

The RapID Platform - PROFINET IRT Network Interface module and embedded design are available in April 2014.