New Anybus CompactCom module for connecting automation devices to BACnet/IP

HMS Industrial Networks presents Anybus® CompactComTM for BACnet/IP, an embedded network communication module that enables communication with the BACnet/IP network of air-conditioning systems, ventilation devices, pumps, etc.

With this new member of the Anybus CompactCom family, HMS offers turnkey BACnet/IP connectivity - a bottom-up and top-down network intended for the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) building automation sector.

By choosing Anybus CompactCom BACnet/IP, manufacturers of automation devices can save up to 70% in development costs compared with developing a BACnet/IP interface in-house.

?As in many industries, the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) building automation sector is now considering a move to Industrial Ethernet technology, and the BACnet/IP protocol could very well become the next big thing in this sector,? explains Leif Malmberg, Product Line Director Embedded Solutions at HMS.

By implementing Anybus CompactCom, manufacturers of automation devices can establish instant connectivity to 19 other industrial networks, simply by connecting the Anybus module.

This opens up new business opportunities for manufacturers of automation devices and considerably broadens their market.?

2-port switch to simplify device networking

The Anybus CompactCom BACnet/IP features an embedded dual-port switch that allows the device to be connected to the network in the manner of a conventional fieldbus (serial connection), rather than going through an external switch for all the devices. This is a request currently made by many end users.

Technical highlights
The Anybus CompactCom module acts as a server (B-ASC) on the BACnet/IP network. About the size of a CompactFlash card, it is available with or without a housing.

Thanks to the integrated web functions (such as dynamic web pages, e-mail and FTP), statistics, e-mail alerts and other information relating to the device in which the Anybus module is integrated can be obtained online.

For example, you can automatically receive an e-mail alert whenever maintenance is required.

The embedded dual-port switch provides two full-duplex Ethernet interfaces of 100 Mbit/s with RJ45 connectors.

HMS Industrial Networks is a leader in network technologies for automation systems.

This independent company, based in Halmstad, Sweden, develops and manufactures solutions for interfacing automation devices with industrial networks. Sales and service are provided by HMS subsidiaries in Chicago, Beijing, Karlsruhe, Milan, Mulhouse and Tokyo.

HMS employs more than 150 people and reports revenue of 33 million euros in 2008. HMS was founded in 1988.

The company is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm in the ?Small Cap, Information Technology? category under ISIN SE0002136242.