HMS Industrial Networks Inc (www.hms.se) has unveiled Anybus CompactCom’s latest two-port version for Modbus TCP. Offering a fast and easy way to achieve connectivity to Modbus TCP, the new Anybus CompactCom model also provides a way to minimize the demand for expensive external switches.

The new module comes with a built-in switch that allows it to create networks in traditional fieldbus style, which is in daisy chain, rather than having an external switch connect all the devices. Aside from reducing wiring and the need for costly switches, it also makes network maintenance a lot simpler.

“There is great need for communication solutions with integrated switches on the Industrial Ethernet market today,” said Leif Malmberg, HMS Product Line Manager, Embedded Solutions.

“The market is definitely moving in this direction and we are certain that this technology will provide great value to device manufacturers and system integrators working with Modbus TCP.”

Acting as a slave on the Modbus TCP network, the Anybus CompactCom module, which is almost as small as a compact flash card, is offered with and without housing. Its core consists of HMS’s NP30 microprocessor fitted with an integrated Ethernet controller and with Flash memories and RAM for the device software stack of the Modbus TCP.

With its integrated web functions that include FTP, dynamic web pages and email, getting notification emails, online statistics and other information relevant to the performance of the device is now possible.

Its onboard two-port switch offers two 100 Mbit/s full duplex Ethernet interfaces that feature RJ45 connectors.