Weidmüller’s GPRS alarm modem IE-GPRS-I/O for Industrial Ethernet

Operating and monitoring highly automated factories is a job for qualified staff. They require the most modern technology to carry out their work, for example General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). This transmission technology allows devices to communicate with one another without the need for extensive cabling. Weidmüller’s GPRS alarm module ‘IE-GPRS-I/O’ monitors plant and installations, reporting deviations automatically or upon request. The alarm module does this by sending an SMS to a mobile phone, transmits a fax or sends an e-mail, if required it can send a voice mail. M2M tariffs promote cost-efficient solutions. Mechanical and systems engineers are able to access plant components from anywhere in the world. No matter if calling up data, remote switching or supervisory remote control – the GPRS module means you are not bound by location or time and nor are you reliant on the quality of local service personnel.

 

The housing of the GPRS alarm module IE-GPRS-I/O is made of aluminium and rated to protection class IP20. As a consequence, this robust metal housing offers protection against electromagnetic radiation. In addition, the concept of this high-quality module features a slim design with a width of just 45 mm (137 x 45 x 155 mm, L/W/H) and can be snapped onto TS 35 top-hat rails or optionally mounted on the wall to suit requirements. The GPRS module is equipped with an operating indicator (power active), 4-8 digital inputs and 2-4 digital outputs, 2-4 analogue inputs as well as an RS232 interface. Each alarm module is also equipped with a redundant power supply (input voltage 8 - 24 V AC / 10 - 36 V DC redundant).

 

Weidmüller has fitted out its half-duplex/full-duplex GPRS alarm modems with extensive features. For example, the GPRS module GPRS/GSM is equipped with a modem function, meaning an integrated microprocessor with GPRS/GSM transmission module capable of transmitting information to technicians anywhere in the world. The GPRS module is configurable. The modem function makes use of AT commands. Thanks to the integrated RS232 interface it is also possible to gain operative access to plant at any point across the globe. The GPRS alarm modem can be utilised across spatially far-flung distances if data is required from plant components that are not connected to a telephone system or a network. The GPRS module can be localised anywhere where reception of a GSM mobile transmission network is guaranteed.

 

The IE-GPRS-I/O allows users to create a dedicated line – to make use of one of the moderate M2M tariffs. To this end, the GPRS module has integrated web logger and web history functions. A central data logger with a secure Internet connection saves users from having to fall back on local data loggers. SMTP, POP3, FTP, DNS, IPTOP and UDP are supported.

 

The GPRS alarm modem (data transmission rate max. 53.6 Kb/s) monitors the data volume so that payments are due only for what is used. And added to that, less data is transmitted quickly thanks to GPRS routing. It also goes without saying that Weidmüller’s GPRS module is also equipped with a firewall. That increases safety and data integrity.