Use Standard PC Hardware to Control Field Devices

With the Softnet PN-IO Linux software controller, it is possible to control distributed field devices via Profinet with standard PC hardware, such as the Simatic Microbox PC. The computer functions as a PN I/O controller. Up to 64 I/O devices can be controlled at the same time and, for each device, 1,440 bytes are available in the input and output area. Additional communication hardware is not necessary. An inexpensive linkup to field units in industrial Ethernet networks is thus available to the user. Operation of the devices via wireless LAN is also possible. — Siemens Industry Solutions, Erlangen, Germany
www.industry.siemens.com