Universal gateway
Encyclopedia
A universal gateway is a device that transacts data between two or more data sources using communication protocols specific to each. Sometimes called a universal protocol gateway, this class of product is designed as a computer appliance, and is used to connect data from one automation system to another.
Communications between machines from different vendors, typically using different communication protocols. This is often a requirement to optimize the performance of a production line
, by effectively communicating machine states upstream and downstream of a piece of equipment. Machine idle times can trigger lower power operation. Inventory Levels can be more effectively managed on a per station basis, by knowing the upstream and downstream demands.
M2E Communications – Machine to Enterprise Communications is typically managed through database interactions. In this case, EATM technology is typically leveraged for data interoperability. However, many enterprise systems have real-time data interfaces. When real-time interfaces are involved, a Universal Gateway, with its ability to support many protocols simultaneously becomes the best choice.
In all cases, communications can fall over many different transports, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet
, etc. Universal Gateways have the ability to communicate between protocols and over different transports simultaneously.
Communications software – Software (Drivers) to support one or more Industrial Protocols. Communications is typically polled or change based. Great care is typically taken to leverage communication protocols for the most efficient transactions of data (Optimized message sizes, communications speeds, and data update rates). Typical protocols; Rockwell Automation CIP, Ethernet/IP, Siemens Industrial Ethernet, Modbus TCP. There are hundreds of automation device protocols and Universal Gateway solutions are typically targeting certain market segments and will be based on automation vendor relationships.
Bridging software – Linking software for connecting data from one device to data in another, one being the source of data and one being the destination. Typically data is transferred on data change, on a time basis, or based on process conditions – Run, Stop, etc.
s are typically designed with a single purpose, to convert protocol X to Y, and are not offering the level of configurability and flexibility of a universal gateway.
Typical applications include
M2M Communications – Machine to MachineMachine to Machine
Machine-to-Machine refers to technologies that allow both wireless and wired systems to communicate with other devices of the same ability...
Communications between machines from different vendors, typically using different communication protocols. This is often a requirement to optimize the performance of a production line
Production line
A production line is a set of sequential operations established in a factory whereby materials are put through a refining process to produce an end-product that is suitable for onward consumption; or components are assembled to make a finished article....
, by effectively communicating machine states upstream and downstream of a piece of equipment. Machine idle times can trigger lower power operation. Inventory Levels can be more effectively managed on a per station basis, by knowing the upstream and downstream demands.
M2E Communications – Machine to Enterprise Communications is typically managed through database interactions. In this case, EATM technology is typically leveraged for data interoperability. However, many enterprise systems have real-time data interfaces. When real-time interfaces are involved, a Universal Gateway, with its ability to support many protocols simultaneously becomes the best choice.
In all cases, communications can fall over many different transports, RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
, etc. Universal Gateways have the ability to communicate between protocols and over different transports simultaneously.
Design of a universal gateway
Hardware platform - Industrial Computer, Embedded Computer, Computer ApplianceCommunications software – Software (Drivers) to support one or more Industrial Protocols. Communications is typically polled or change based. Great care is typically taken to leverage communication protocols for the most efficient transactions of data (Optimized message sizes, communications speeds, and data update rates). Typical protocols; Rockwell Automation CIP, Ethernet/IP, Siemens Industrial Ethernet, Modbus TCP. There are hundreds of automation device protocols and Universal Gateway solutions are typically targeting certain market segments and will be based on automation vendor relationships.
Bridging software – Linking software for connecting data from one device to data in another, one being the source of data and one being the destination. Typically data is transferred on data change, on a time basis, or based on process conditions – Run, Stop, etc.
Universal gateways vs. protocol converters
A universal gateway will typically offer all protocols on a computer appliance, for the benefit of the process engineer, giving them the opportunity to pick and choose one or more protocols, and change them over time, as the application needs demand. Protocol converterProtocol converter
A Protocol Converter is a device used to convert standard or proprietary protocol of one device to the protocol suitable for the other device or tools to achieve the interoperability...
s are typically designed with a single purpose, to convert protocol X to Y, and are not offering the level of configurability and flexibility of a universal gateway.