Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (www.vishaypg.com) has announced that its VPG Process Weighing division has upgraded the fieldbus protocols of BLH-Nobel Weighing Systems G4 family of multi-channel weight or force indicators to include the EtherNet/IP open communications protocol.

This allows the instruments to communicate with other kinds of industrial control systems and their components like I/O systems or programmable automation and logic controllers.

G4 instruments from VPG provide high performance and high speed for industrial applications, including force measurement, process weighing and control, Web tension control and measurement, high dynamic force measurement, force vector calculations, automation and high-speed batching/blending systems. These units are certified to connect to a variety of communication interfaces, such as Profibus, Modbus/RTU, DeviceNet, RS232, RS485, USB, Modbus/TCP and EtherNet/IP.

The G4 family is available with four base mounting options: panel (PM), desktop (DT), harsh environment (HE) and DIN rail (RM). The IP65-rated G4-PM, HE and DT are integrated with 5.7” color graphic display and touchscreen for simple parameter changes and easy operation. The screen simultaneously displays up to four weight/force channels to allow user full control of multiple process vessels. Rated IP20, the G4-RM is designed for blind applications and needs a PLC/DCS interface.

The units can be configured for 24 VDC or 115/230 VAC operation. Software upgrades are downloadable from the company’s website and transferable to the instruments through a standard USB port connection. Custom software designed according to customer requirements for special applications can be made available when requested and is easily accommodated by the Microsoft Windows CE software platform. Remote access through a standard Web browser permits for monitoring, simple set-up and diagnostic tests.