Single Communications Card Provides Four Protocols, Includes Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP

February 22, 2012 Pittsburgh … Diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation is expanding communications options across its motor protection and soft starter solutions to better serve industrial and OEM customers. The new C441 Ethernet series of communications cards allow customers to select from Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP, HTTP web services and Modbus RTU communication protocols in a single card. The added communications provide electrical original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and industrial customers, as well as machinery OEMs and panel builders, with flexible communication options to configure, control and monitor their systems.

"The new connectivity options help electrical and machinery OEMs and industrial users address problems before they cause downtime or excessive energy waste," said Adam Krug, product manager at Eaton. "Integral web services allow for configuration, control, monitoring and diagnostics. Also, the flexibility in communications allows OEM customers to add value to their equipment with simple and desirable features, like supervision and control."

This latest offering is compatible with Eaton C440, XTOE and C441 electronic motor protection relays, S611 soft starters, and can be used as stand-alone input/output (IO). Now, the suite of protocols available for Eaton motor protection and soft starter solutions includes PROFIBUS, Modbus TCP and RTU, DeviceNet, and Ethernet IP.

Integral web services provide an easy-to-use web-based graphical user interface (GUI) to make it easier to recognize potential problems. Using a laptop or smart device, customers can drill down to a given load by simply entering an IP address into their web browser. With four levels of access, the cards ensure only those with credentials have access to critical or sensitive functions.

Problems can be addressed in real time with intelligent monitoring readouts from starters and onboard available four digital inputs (120 volts alternating current or 24 volts direct current) and two discrete relay outputs. With a dual port switch, the Ethernet card allows for easy daisy chaining and reliable ring configurations. Additionally, customers have the ability to use one network for control and another for monitoring – through the Modbus serial protocol used in parallel with the Ethernet network –allowing redundant communications and greater reliability with a single card.

Eaton's electrical business is a global leader in power distribution, power quality, control and automation, power monitoring, and energy management products and services. Eaton is positioned, through its Cutler-Hammer®, Moeller®, Powerware®, Holec®, MEM®, and Santak® global electrical product series, to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with more than 100 years of experience providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2011 sales of $16.0 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 73,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.