Description

DESCRIPTION

The EtherGate is a SCADA communications serial server that allows multi-drop devices to use ethernet LANs. The EtherGate connects async serial devices through a LAN and between LANs using routers. The EtherGate is designed specifically to support asynchronous polling protocols. The EtherGate currently supports DNP, DNP3, MODBUS ASCII, and MODBUS RTU. Call for other 8-bit SCADA protocol compatibility.

These protocols are often error corrected, and the EtherGate allows these protocols to work through routed LANs and over IP protocol networks. The EtherGate uses IP protocol, allowing the necessary data connection over a local LAN and across routed networks. The EtherGate is protocol aware, which leads to less bandwidth being used by the EtherGate. Consequently, the EtherGate is ideal for CDPD applications where the available bandwidth is severely limited.

The EtherGate maps incoming serial data to one or more remote IP addresses depending upon the data block’s address. With this feature it is possible to have the remote EtherGate send its responses back to the primary host site and to a backup host site. This makes it easy to have redundant host sites that always receive the same poll responses as the primary host site. The EtherGate makes backup sites simple and easy to accomplish.

The EtherGate supports serial interface speeds up to 230 Kbps. Since it uses the UPD/IP protocol, overhead is much lower than with TCP/IP used on generic serial server products. There is no “session setup” or “session breakdown” with each connection. Up to 20 remote EtherGates may be used with each host EtherGate. The EtherGate 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 EtherGate for a fraction of the cost. OEM manufacturers can design the EtherGate into their products or use it as an add-on method to gain ethernet connectivity. DCB supplies the EtherGate to many other companies and can provide custom firmware for specific applications.

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.

A companion product, the EtherPoll is appropriate for applications using other protocols. The EtherPoll is protocol independent, and requires no knowledge of the RTU protocol. This allows it to work with any asynchronous byte-oriented protocol with no additional configuration. The EtherPoll uses UDP/IP. It’s data sheet is here.

The EtherGate is ideal for transporting SCADA protocols via ethernet. To transport SCADA protocols over Frame Relay circuits (without ethernet), use the DCB BPF Scada-FRAD.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

• Configuration Methods
  • Any web browser
  • Telnet menu interface
  • Direct connection menu interface
• SNMP agent functionality included
• RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial port, DTE interface
• DE-9 RS-232 male serial DTE (terminal interface) port
• Serial speeds from 300 bps to 230,000 bps
• RJ45 10/100BaseT ethernet, autoselected
• Transport protocol is routable UDP/IP
• Set up via telnet command line interface, the serial port, or any web browser
• Dip switch settings: Default IP Address, Configuration

Indicators

Link and Error LEDs

Controls

Push button to establish configuration mode.

Data Port

Interface: RS-422/485, 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: 10/100BaseT

Physical/Electrical

• 1 lb
• 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
• Temperature Rated from -40 to +70 C, < 95% non-condensing humidity.

Application

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

• Connecting a host computer to remote terminals that are polled using asynchronous polling protocols
• Connecting SCADA host computers to RTUs using byte oriented protocols (call for protocol availability)
• Connecting DNP-3 host computers to SCADA RTUs using DNP-3 protocol
• Connecting MODBUS host computers to SCADA RTUs using Modbus protocol
• Broadcasting data from a single host port to multiple remote locations, such as multiple signs displaying identical data