Omron Electronics LLC introduced an affordable open fieldbus specifically designed for equipment requiring ultra-fast I/O update rates for sensors and actuators, based on the CompoNet™ Specification from the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA). The master/slave network allows seamless, high-speed messaging to simplify configuration, diagnostics and maintenance, and complements networks that share the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP™) Network Library, such as Ethernet/IP™, DeviceNet™, ControlNet™ and CIP Safety™.

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Offering industry's fastest response, Omron's CompoNet products update 1024 I/O points in 1 ms. Each network can control up to 384 nodes, the largest of any sensor and actuator fieldbus available. Network transmission distance is up to 1,500 meters, and offers four baud rates, from 93.75 Kbps to 4 Mbps to match applications in high-speed packaging and bottling. Both discrete and analog I/O are supported in the network.

"CompoNet allows the user to transmit bit and byte size data efficiently and rapidly to and from simple sensors and actuators," says Omron's Jeff Jurs, a member of ODVA's Technical Review Board. "Together with other CIP Networks which configure and collect data on the plant floor, it sends that data throughout the enterprise." Omron's CompoNet products feature easy-to-use configuration tools, extremely efficient construction, simple set-up and high availability optimized for production efficiency.

The primary focus of CompoNet is on high-speed communication between a master controller and its connected slaves. Output data for multiple nodes is transmitted from the master in a single data packet. A single master (typically a PLC) controls the network, to which are connected combinations of bit slaves (I/O that transmit simple On/Off data) and word slaves (I/O that transmit 16-bit On/Off and analog information). The network can support a maximum of 256 bit slave I/O (128 input and 128 output nodes) and 128 word slave I/O (64 input and 64 output nodes).

CompoNet's flexible network architecture offers a range of baud rates (4, 3, 1.5 Mbps and 93.75 kbps) and trunk-line distances of up to 1,500 meters (using 93.75 kbps with repeaters and round cable). Repeaters can also be used to extend the cabling with almost no degradation of transmission speed. Up to 64 repeaters can be connected to extend or to branch communication cables and increase the number of connection nodes. An option allows both power (24V DC, 5A) and signal to use the same cable, with the ability to remove and replace nodes under power.

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CompoNet is installed in three media choices: cost-effective flat network cable with pressure-clamping IDC connectors offered in either IP20 or IP54 rating, or round cable that allows flexible cabling, including daisy-chain and trunk-line configurations. Repeaters can connect dissimilar cables (flat or round) to allow whichever fits the environment.

Omron offers CompoNet master units for its CS1 and CJ1 series PLCs. A wide range of slave units for inputs, outputs, analog I/O are available.

ODVA, founded in 1995, is an international association comprised of members from the world's leading automation companies. Collectively, ODVA and its members support network technologies based on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), manage the development of these open technologies, and assist manufacturers and users of CIP Networks through tools, training, and promotional activities. ODVA also offers conformance testing that helps ensure that products built to its specifications operate in multi-vendor systems. For more information, visit the ODVA web site at www.odva.org.

Omron Electronics LLC is a leading manufacturer and provider of industrial automation products and solutions. Offering complete automation connectivity, extensive product groups include machine vision systems, programmable controllers, sensors, operator interfaces, RFID systems, timers, counters, temperature controllers, and software. Omron also provides data collection, inspection systems, motion systems and automation systems services and products. Omron Electronics LLC is the Americas subsidiary of Omron Corporation, a $6.3 billion global leading supplier of reliable, advanced electronics and control system components and services.

For further information, contact: Omron Electronics LLC, 1 Commerce Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Tel.: 866-88-OMRON. Fax: 847-843-8081. Internet: www.omron247.com.