Exclusively supports the DeviceNet protocol (compliant with ODVA DeviceNet Specification Version 2.0), operating in both Master and Slave modes:

DeviceNet Master Mode: Manages up to 63 DeviceNet slave devices, handling cyclic process data exchange (for real-time control) and acyclic configuration (e.g., parameter setting, device diagnostics). Supports Class 1 (real-time cyclic) and Class 3 (acyclic messaging) communication per ODVA standards.

DeviceNet Slave Mode: Responds to master polling, transmits/receives process data, and reports device status—enabling the host PC to act as a remote I/O node in existing DeviceNet networks.

Adheres to DeviceNet’s token-passing arbitration mechanism and supports baud rates of 125 kbps, 250 kbps, and 500 kbps, ensuring compatibility with all ODVA-certified DeviceNet devices.

Physical Form Factor: Standard PCI Express x1 lane form factor, with dimensions of approx. 120 mm × 68 mm × 18 mm—optimized for installation in industrial PC PCIe slots, even in space-constrained control cabinets. Ruggedized PCB design (FR4 material, 2.4 mm thickness) resists vibration and mechanical stress.

Power Requirements: Operates on +3.3 V DC (±5%) from the PCIe bus, with typical current consumption ≤ 750 mA (max. 800 mA under full load). No external power supply required, simplifying deployment.

Integrated Memory: Equipped with 8 MB SDRAM (for real-time data buffering) and 4 MB serial flash (for firmware storage and configuration). The SDRAM supports process data sizes up to 248 bytes (input) / 248 bytes (output) per slave, ensuring smooth data flow in high-density networks.

Connector Interface:

PC Connection: PCI Express x1 edge connector (gold-plated contacts, 30 µin thickness) for corrosion resistance and stable signal transmission in industrial environments.

DeviceNet Connection: 5-pin mini-universal connector (compliant with ODVA standards), supporting twisted-pair cabling (18 AWG, 2-conductor + shield). Features galvanic isolation (500 V DC, 1 minute) to protect against ground loops and electrical surges common in factory settings.

Certifications: UL 508 certified for industrial control equipment, CE marked for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per EN 61000-6-2 (industrial environment) and EN 61000-6-4 (generic immunity), and ODVA-compliant. Validates safe operation in harsh industrial conditions.

Real-Time Data Transfer: Powered by Hilscher’s NetX 100 communication controller (hardware-accelerated for DeviceNet), it offloads protocol processing from the host PC’s CPU—reducing CPU utilization by up to 85%. Achieves cyclic data exchange cycle times as low as 2 ms (for 63 slaves at 500 kbps baud rate), meeting the real-time demands of automated assembly lines and material handling systems.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

LED Status Indicators: 4 LEDs for intuitive monitoring: Power (green, active when powered), PCIe Bus (green, valid bus connection), DeviceNet Status (green: normal communication; red: bus fault/short circuit), and Data Activity (yellow: process data transmission/reception).

Advanced Diagnostics: Integrated with Hilscher’s CIFX Configurator software, providing real-time insights into network bus load (≤ 90% threshold alert), slave connection status, and error logs (e.g., baud rate mismatch, slave disconnection, frame errors). Supports remote diagnostics via SNMP for network-wide maintenance.