M2M Device Networking:
Enabling New Possibilities for
Preventive Maintenance (cont.)
By Marty Huff
(Got to beginning page of Device Networking Technology Article)
The Intelligent Device: Where The Data Originates
Intelligent devices include PLCs, I/O modules, and sensors -
essentially any device, machine or appliance containing a microprocessor. These
devices are programmed to read, and sometimes react, to actions and conditions
such as motion, voltage, pressure, flow, or temperature. Any device that has the
capability to act or react to a command, communicate with other devices, control
or be controlled, can broadcast data in an M2M application.
In many facilities, it is common for devices to be linked together and easily
accessible via machine networks such as Data Highway Plus (DH+), DeviceNet,
ModBus, etc. In many cases it is necessary to add an Ethernet card or
wireless gateway to just one machine on the network to gain access to the
majority of your facilities equipment.
It is also important not to overlook equipment that is less likely to be
connected to the existing device network. Commonly overlooked equipment
which is critical to the operation of a facility includes: plant air
compressors, boilers, and high voltage stations, just to name a few.
M2M Components
There are basically four components in an M2M system: 1) the intelligent
device (machine or appliance) where the data originates, 2) the gateway that
extracts and translates data, 3) the network which serves the data and 4) the
remote client which ultimately receives the data. M2M software applications are
optional but can facilitate communications, enable Web access and provide the
user interface.
Please See the following pages to continue with this Preventive
Maintenance Technology Article...
The Intelligent Device: Where The Data Originates
The Gateway: Translates and Passes The Data To The Network
The Network: The Connectivity That Serves Data To The Remote Client
The Remote Client: The Destination Of The Information
| Marty Huff - MSI
Tec, Inc.
About the Author: Marty Huff is an IT professional with MSI
Tec and can be reached directly at 720-875-9835 or by email at
mailto:martyh@msitec.com. MSI Tec is a provider of intelligent machine
control components and systems, and the value adding engineering
resources for the successful identification and implementation of
their use.
Marty is responsible for M2M systems design, programming and
installation and is available for dedicated training programs and
seminars on the subject of M2M.
Don Fitchett, Business
Industrial Network, contributor to this article. |
See Also 
DeviceNet
Tutorial Software
| 
PLC Training Options
