Description

DESCRIPTION

The EtherPoll is a SCADA communications serial server that allows multi-drop devices to use ethernet LANs. The EtherPoll connects any async serial device through a LAN and between LANs via routers. The EtherPoll is designed specifically to support asynchronous polling protocols, such as Poll Select, Modbus, DNP, IEC-60870, etc. These protocols are often error corrected, and the EtherPoll allows these protocols to work through routed LANs and over IP protocol networks. The EtherPoll uses IP protocol, allowing the necessary data connection over a local LAN and across routed networks. The EtherPoll functions independently of the device protocol, allowing most 8 bit asynchronous protocols to be used with no configuration changes.

The EtherPoll supports serial interface speeds up to 230 Kbps. Since it uses the UPD/IP protocol, overhead is much lower than it would be if TCP/IP were used since there is no “session setup” or “session breakdown” with each connection. Up to 32 remote Etherpolls may be used with each host EtherPoll.

The EtherPoll serial interface may be configured to use either RS-232, 4-wire RS-232/485, or 2-wire RS-485. The ethernet interface is auto-sensing or configurable for 10BaseT or 100BaseT.

The EtherPoll can be managed directly through the server’s physical port as well as remotely from other network locations. Remote configuration is supported using TCP/IP (telnet) or any web browser.

Security features embedded in the EtherPoll include fine-grained configuration and management controls as well as the ability to turn off remote management functions.

Instead of replacing your existing RTUs and SCADA system to go ethernet, add the EtherPoll for a fraction of the cost. Or, use the EtherPoll as a step when deploying enterprise-wide ethernet based replacement devices. Install the network at your own pace while the EtherPoll allows connectivity for older serial devices.

A unique RTS/CTS toggle function allows the EtherPoll to control a serially attached multi-drop modem or radio.

For other applications (point-to-point direct RS-232 links or Point-to-multiple point dialed links ) see the EtherPath® single port serial server. The EtherPath uses TCP/IP. An applications note comparing the two products, ““EtherPath vs. the EtherPoll, Selecting the best product for your application” is available here.

A companion product, the EtherGate is appropriate for applications using DNP-3 or Modbus and other protocols in bandwidth limited networks. The EtherGate is protocol aware, and “looks inside” the protocol blocks for addressing information. This allows it to target each remote RTU individually instead of broadcasting polls to all remotes. The EtherGate uses UDP/IP. Its data sheet is here.

OEM manufacturers can design the EtherPoll into their products or use it as an add-on method to gain ethernet connectivity. DCB supplies the EtherPoll to many other companies and can provide custom firmware for specific applications.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

• Configuration Methods
  • Any web browser
  • Telnet Menu Interface
  • Direct Connection Menu Interface
• SNMP agent functionality included
• Serial port may be configured as RS-232 or RS-485 (2-wire), or RS-485/422 (4-wire)
• DE-9 RS-232 male serial DTE (terminal interface) port
• Serial speeds from 300 bps to 230,000 bps
• RJ45 10 BaseT and 100BaseT ethernet, autoselected or fixed
• Transport protocol is routable UDP/IP
• Set up via web browser, telnet command line interface, or the serial port
• RoHS, FCC, CE Mark Approved

Indicators 3/a>

Mode, LAN, Activity LEDs

Controls

Press button for local configuration mode

Data Port

Interface: RS-422/485 or RS-232, V.24, speeds up to 230,000 bps
Connector: DE-9P RS-232 (commonly known as a DB-9 PC connector)

LAN Connection

Interface: 10BaseT or 100BaseT, autoswitching or configurable

Physical/Electrical

• 3 1/2″ x 4 3/4″ x 1 1/4″
• 1 lb
• Industrial Temp range: -40 to + 70 C
• Relative Humidity < 95%
• 5mm x 78mm x 28 mm (W x H x D) 2.5 in x 3.25 in x 1.25 in (approximate)
• 5-30 volt DC (external power supplies available for 110 VAC, 220 VAC, 48VDC, 125VDC and others)
• 350ma @ 5 VDC, 200ma @ 12 VDC

Application

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

• Connecting a host computer to remote terminals that are polled using asynchronous polling protocols
• Connecting ANY multi-drop asynchronous devices via ethernet
• Connecting SCADA host computers to RTUs
• Connecting Poll Select host computers to terminals using Poll Select protocol
• Broadcasting data from a single host port to multiple remote locations, such as multiple signs displaying identical data