Modules enable Industrial Ethernet networks over existing copper wiring

PCN Technology Inc. (PCN) has announced the availability of its InterMax product line. According to the company, the new modules allow both discrete and process automation networks to use existing copper wiring of any type within control, fieldbus and sensor applications operating on two wire, twisted pair and coax media, including leveraging specialty or proprietary cabling as a virtual long-distance CAT 5 cable. The InterMax system facilitates high-bandwidth communication across a range of industrial topologies and architectures, enabling the deployment of TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP and Profinet protocols, among others.

The company contends that, for industrial applications, such as manufacturing facilities, oil and gas refineries, semiconductor wafer-fabs, etc., it can be both costly and complex to deploy Ethernet networks when having to effectively rip out and replace the legacy wiring infrastructure. To do so requires tremendous capital expense, planning, prolonged interruption to operations and the risky prospect of revenue impact. These factors all contribute to the likelihood of not having the needed budget, mounting concerns about dealing with unplanned surprises and ultimately pushing out the project’s implementation – ultimately losing business competitiveness by delaying the move from old technology to a new Industrial Internet enabled network.

PCN says tis newest line of InterMax products provide industrial network operators with the capability of repurposing their existing wiring to facilitate the accelerated deployment of Industrial Internet networks by simply reusing all of the existing cabling currently in operation. The PCN InterMax products allow existing cabling to be repurposed for Industrial Ethernet up to 2000 feet and even further when InterMax Repeaters are integrated into the topology. Further, PCN says its InterMax products provide a migration or upgrade path for industrial manufacturers, oil and gas facilities among other discrete and process manufacturers looking for robust, reliable and secure ways to deploy Industrial Ethernet technologies.