Programmable automation controller (PAC) with GPRS modem*
- Efficient RISC ARM9 processor
- Integrated GSM/GPRS/EDGE modem*
- Linux 2.6.x operating system
- Ethernet f0/100 BaseT
- RTC and SRAM with power supply support
- 2 x RS232, 1 x RS485
- 8 digital inputs
- Digital outputs, transmitter outputs*
- Analog inputs: 0..10V DC, 0..70V AC
- Switch, user LEDs
- 1GB NAND Flash, servicing of SD cards
- 1-Wire interface*, USB (optional)
- Installation on DIN bus
- Modification on order
Basic information
- Ready-to-use autonomous platform,
tried and tested in installations in many countries of the world - Designed for the needs of automation,
telecommunications, remote supervision, and monitoring - Full range of communications
interfaces, including built-in GPRS communication* - Service of standard protocols (e.g.
MODBUS, SNMP), possibility of installation of dedicated user protocols
- Exceptional capabilities of data
logging thanks to the built-in 1GB FLASH memory and servicing of SD cards
- Capabilities of presentation of web
pages (Scada web) directly from the device for the purpose of visualization
of current and archived data as well as remote control - Ready software for creation of PLC
ladder algorithms
Hardware properties
- Adapted for constant operation under
industrial conditions - Efficient, energy-saving processor using
RISC technology - Large RAM memory for start-up of many
independent services - Rich set of I/O interfaces: including
digital and analog inputs and outputs, RS232/RS485 serial ports, transmitter
outputs - Built-in Ethernet (LAN) and GPRS (WAN)*
communication - Servicing of the economic 1-Wire bus
typically used for reading of temperature sensors* - Possible hardware versions on special
order (e.g. USB port), also with a log specified by the orderer (OEM
versions)
Software properties
- New firmware based on Linux Kernel 2.6.28
ensuring stability and security of device operation - Possibility of operation with expansion
modules for the purpose of increasing the amount of available interfaces
(see accessories section) - Ready tools and pre-compiled packs,
service of VPN, SSH, SQL, PHP, JAVA, C/C++ - Developer tools and support of their use,
instructions, informational materials - Remote software updates
- Possible upgrade to the innovative iMod
platform and NX Dynamics web modules - Full technical support through a
dedicated portal, super-standard design cooperation thanks to TechBase
Solution Partner
Applications
Typical method of use (3-function use: C-L-V)
- protocol converter functionality (Convert)
- downloading of data from input interfaces, Ethernet, and its subsequent
conversion and transmission to output interfaces or GPRS to external modules - data logger functionality (Log)
- archiving of downloaded data with the option of its sharing in the form of
a file, database, or data transmission to external systems (e.g. SCADA) - function of access through web pages (Visualize)
- creation of a visualization by means of an internet browser for the
purpose of inspection and reading of processed data and alarm states
The device can be configured to fulfill the roles of typical devices such
as:
- PLC controllers
- Serial port servers
- Protocol converters
- Programmable controllers
- GPRS/EDGE modems
- MODBUS Gateways
- SNMP Agents
- WWW servers with servicing of PHP and
databases (WAMP) - Test messaging gateways
- GPRS router, NAT
- E-mail, FTP, SSH, VPN servers and servers
of other Linux system services
Properties of adaptation to industrial conditions:
- Low energy consumption
- Battery-powered Real Time Clock (RTC)
- The WatchDog function ensures control of
the operation of selected services at the hardware level - Effective file systems used for FLASH
memory, ensuring long, failure-free operation - A compact, durable housing made from ABS
plastic adapted to installation on a DIN bus - Easy method of installation thanks to the
use of disconnectable screw terminals - No moving elements (ventilators, platter
disks) - Versions with extended operating
temperature ranges
Integrated GPRS/EDGE modem*
The modem enables transmission in the GPRS standard as well as sending and
receiving of text messages. NPE possesses specially designed hardware-software
properties ensuring the functionality and economy of a connection:
- In the case of problems with the
stability of a connection, the modem module has a hard modem reset function.
This ensures independence from problems that can arise in the modem
firmware, resulting in e.g. „freezing” of the modem.
- The pre-installed software ensures
constant verification of the correctness of the GPRS connection and
initializes it in the case of its disconnection (GPRS reconnect service)
- The multiplexing server of the modem
connection ensures 3 independent channels of communication with the modem.
Thanks to this, it is possible to, among other things, send and receive text
messages during GPRS transmission.
- The capability of utilization of economic SIM cards with variable IP
addresses thanks to the use of the DYNDNS service and further reduction of
costs related to the GSM operator through the use of non-public IP
Software
Preinstalled software (firmware)
- Linux Kernel version 2.6.28 with typical packs and tools
- libNPE Library for servicing of device hardware interfaces and a
tool for remote software updates (softmgr) - GPRS pack facilitating management
of the GPRS connection and containing the functionality of monitoring
connection status, multiplexing service*, DYNDNS service, and text-message
service tools - 1-Wire Pack enabling scanning and
reading of sensors located on the same bus*
Dedicated ready-to-use device software
- iMod – an innovative software
platform allowing for fast start-up and full exploitation of device
capabilities without the need for writing programs. A fully configurable
system reflecting typical C-L-V use (see clarification above). In order to
learn more about the iMod platform, visit the page www.techbase.eu/imod - NX Dynamics – a platform for fast and easy (drag and drop system)
creation of WWW visualizations and a web panel for NPE management through an
internet browser. In order to learn more about the NX Dynamics platform,
visit the page www.techbase.eu/nxdynamics - PLC – software for creation of
algorithms in the ladder system with the capability of operation on NPE,
services the MODBUS protocol
Expanded developer’s platform, additional software packs
- An open and free programming platform
based on the experience of thousands of programmers, a rich set of tools,
and support of Linux system users - Specially prepared SDK (toolchain,
exemplary applications, ready packs) - A rich set of programming tools,
among others, servicing of the C, C++, Java languages - Tools for servicing ofdata bases
such as SqlLite, MySQL, PostGreSQL - Servicing of SSH, SSL and VPN
- Other tools and servers for communication
NPE device search
The SearchNPE Application helps to search for and configure NPE devices
in the web. The application operates under the Windows and Linux systems
