Our client requested the following specifications for their system:
‧ Modbus serial to Modbus TCP translation
‧ Multiple slaves/masters support
‧ Automatic Modbus TCP response time detection

Factory automation applications must be equipped to handle and monitor the myriads of information from attached devices. For plastic manufacturing applications, the boiler control system plays a critical role by gathering and regulating information to ensure production is accurate and smooth. In this particular case, the customer combines eight subsystems that include power meters, water meters, alarm output, displays, and I/O status to be controlled by several intelligent controllers with Modbus RTU interface. The Modbus TCP protocol is used for this application due to the distance.
 

Point of Sale (POS) terminals in a typical gas station application allow customers to pay for their gas at the front counter in the station's convenience store. The gas station fuel pumps and peripheral devices, such as credit card readers, receipt printers, and cash registers, are each connected to a separate serial port. POS terminals often integrate a PC with multiport serial boards to control multiple peripheral devices.

A gas pump manufacturer in Europe was looking for a reliable and easy to install solution since peripheral devices can be difficult to maintain and costly to service. Since they used a shoebox PC, there was a space limitation to take into consideration for this gas station POS application.

The mass transit agency of a Spanish city was developing a public transportation network that included both above and below ground trains for the entire metropolitan area. They planned to install ticketing vending machines (TVM) in the stations to make it easier for passengers to purchase tickets, thereby improving customer service. These TVMs resemble ATMs, but also use an embedded PC. While they do not perform bank transactions, TVMs allow passengers to purchase tickets by cash, credit/bank cards, coin, or even Smart Cards. TVMs generally use more peripherals than a typical ATM, requiring aound 8 ports to connect all the serial devices that comprise the machine.

A client that designs video surveillance systems needed USB-to-serial converters to connect devices to the management system. Their system needed to be able to connect to serial devices such as card readers, modems, video cameras, and sensors. The client required a converter with the following characteristics:
• USB 2.0 compatibility
• RS-232 or RS-422/485 interface
• Stability and reliability
• Cost-effectiveness

Six lighted pillars in 2010’s Shangai World Expo were the work of Shanghai Grandar Light Art & Technology, a Chinese provider of LED lighting solutions and products. Each pillar used 60,000 LED lights to present a dynamic display of colorful images and slogans. The individual LED lights must respond without delay to a central control signal in order to present a single combined image. The pillars need a network with substantial bandwidth in order to meet their performance requirements. In addition, the cabinets for the control units are located outside of the pillars, so the switches must also be rugged enough to operate in harsh outdoor environments. Because of a previous successful partnership with Moxa in a project for the Beijing National Aquatics Center, Shanghai Grandar Light Arts & Technology decided to partner with Moxa again for this high-profile project.

To enhance safety and service quality, Taipei MRT planned to upgrade surveillance system on their Danshui-Xindian mass transit line in 2010. The project required a suite of industrial networking and computing products that fully complied with IEC 60571 to guarantee the reliable operations.

Location

Taiwan

The best communication network for AGVs is wireless, which allows the warehouse to bypass wiring and space constraints. Since wireless systems are also relatively easy to install and maintain, the client already had an 802.11a/b/g wireless environment installed. To ensure proper operation for the AGVs, the client required stable and reliable communication between Access Points and AGVs Controls, as well as seamless wireless communication with 802.11a/b/g and roaming capability.

A startup company was developing a product which provides service partners with an integrated e-services platform that allows customers to remotely monitor and control devices in their home or business. In order to complete their project, the startup needed a control system that could monitor and control the many different devices used by their potential customers, preferably with an open protocol for greater flexibility. SNMP was their first choice, as it is commonly used and well understood in the IT field. The next step was to choose an I/O server to connect to the sensors in a home automation system.

The customer is a startup company which provides service partners with an integrated “e-services” platform that allows customers to monitor and control devices in their home or business remotely. In this system, the customer has to develop a control system to monitor and control all devices. In order to keep the flexibility of it, they would like to use open protocol for control system. SNMP is their first choice which is the easiest and popular protocol in IT field. Finally, they chose Moxa ioLogik Active Ethernet I/O as their I/O server to connect to sensors for home automation system.

A leading provider of power and automation technologies needed to find a solution that could integrate power substation alarm systems with their plant asset management (PAM) solution. This provider employs about 120,000 people worldwide and offers utility and industrial customers in over 100 countries solutions that improve performance while lowering environmental impact.

Their PAM system was part of their wide range of services in power generation, power distribution, and power substation application. PAM systems provide timely information to help maintenance and operational personnel improve asset availability, optimize efficiency, and reduce maintenance downtime. A PAM ensures that important information is conveyed automatically so issues can be addressed before they become a bigger problem. It represents a new trend that combines technology from IT and Industrial Automation (IA), but this combination can sometimes be tricky without the right solutions.

Since the field sites use remote terminal units (RTU) and PLCs that transmit serial data, a serial-to-Ethernet solution must be used to deliver serial data through the Ethernet network to the automated power network’s SCADA system in the control room.

Keeping the Cat 5 cables as short as possible is imperative to building an automation system and media converters offer the most convenient solution without changing the entire hardware structure.

Transportation applications also require industrial-grade solutions due to their environmental conditions. Therefore, our client requested industrial DIN-rail mounted media converters to connect RTUs and PLCs to the Ethernet switches. In an air quality management system or power system. Some of the station's equipment have Ethernet support but are legacy devices. As a result, the media converter also needed to recognize standards such as Half Duplex or 10BaseT.

Integrated testing in the global positioning system manufacturing process requires zero fault tolerance. One of our customers encountered a testing quality problem but was unsure whether the testing failure was caused by an unreliable USB hub or the global positioning system. The client came to Moxa looking for an industrial USB hub solution to connect host and diagnostic equipment to ensure reliable data transmission.

To enhance the reliability of the system, our client requested the following specifications for the door control system.
•Small size, since railway cars have a limited installation space.
•Vibration and shock proof since trains are constantly subjected to shock and vibrations.
•Wide operating temperature for systems that are subjected to harsh environments.

Power generation systems must be stable and reliable, which is why Ethernet redundancy in the Ethernet backbone is essential. In addition, solar farms are normally located in wide open locations such as deserts, which means that the devices should be able to endure wide variations in temperature.

The system used for this application is a legacy analog CCTV surveillance system that is completely independent from the main monitor and control SCADA system. With this system, the administrator responds to an event by first using the SCADA system to locate the event, and then accesses the appropriate surveillance camera from the CCTV system to view the location. The goal is to upgrade the system so that only one step is required. This is done by integrating the CCTV surveillance system into the SCADA system, in which case the surveillance system becomes a SCADA sub-system, making centralized control and monitoring possible.

The customer in this application is a cooperatively owned power services company with over $816 million in assets and nearly 4.3 million MWh in energy sales as of 2007. It supplies power and provides other management services in the western US. The company provides leadership and management of power supply options and continues to implement increasingly sophisticated power management techniques and innovative technologies, giving utilities in the region the ability to offer low-cost power options at stable prices.

An intelligent traffic management system uses message boards and signals to direct and manage traffic. For example, ramp meters, or traffic lights installed at on-ramps, can adjust the rate at which new vehicles are introduced to a highway to adapt to existing traffic volume and avoid a bottleneck.

Another effective gridlock-prevention mechanism is a real-time traffic report system that communicates estimated travel times and road conditions to motorists through message boards. The traffic load on overworked sections of the grid is reduced by increasing driver awareness of road congestion.

These smart traffic management strategies reduce overall travel time and fuel consumption on a road network while using the existing infrastructure. However, the right networking and connectivity solutions are required to reliably deliver these important benefits.

Electronic kiosks are very similar to ATMs, consisting of an embedded PC connected to various peripheral devices such as a touch screen monitor, card reader, keypad, and receipt printer. USB ports are a standard feature on computers today and offer a convenient way to connect peripheral devices. However, due to their compact size, embedded computers used inside electronic kiosks may have an insufficient number of port connections to accommodate all the peripheral devices.

Since international trade has become more and more prevalent and orders and ships just keep getting bigger, making timely deliveries has never been more important. For berthing and unberthing applications, sonar and radar are used to gauge a vessel's position. However, this traditional method is not accurate or reliable enough, and consequently warnings often come too late. The latest solution integrates embedded computers into the BAS (berthing aid system) to aid in the speed and distance detection of vessels using infrared rays.

A company from Shanghai, China, manufactures RFID readers and provides RFID solutions to various market segments, such as factories, logistics businesses, schools, and hospitals. In this success story the company wanted to implement an RFID solution to monitor the activities of retirement home residents. The plan was to deploy a serial RFID reader every five square meters and to connect and manage the readers throgh an Ethernet backbone.

To realize an Ethernet-based network with the existing serial RFID readers requires:
• Embedded serial-to-Ethernet modules to upgrade their RFID readers
• An easy to implement solution that requires minimal technical effort
• Extremely small module to fit inside the tiny RFID readers
• Cost-effective solution

Application Requirements

• Instantly transmit financial data to LED boards along different interstate highways
• Notifications to confirm that the data transmitted was received by the LED boards

The Midosuji subway line in Osaka, Japan implemented a rail electrification system based on 750 VDC third rail technology where traction power substations energize the third rail to power the trains and onboard amenities. The power system is also served by an emergency shutdown system (ESD) to minimize the consequences of emergency situations and to ensure reliable and continuous power transmission.

Marine transportation, harbor authorities, and offshore oil and gas platforms all rely on real-time and reliable marine as well as weather data to ensure safe operations. Both real-time and historical data for analyses and early warnings are critical to help decision makers with the control and planning of marine transportation applications. The customer adopted Moxa's industrial-grade Ethernet switches to form a VESSEL LAN system that constitutes a communication network between the operator devices on the bridge and devices in the hull and engineering room.

Chung-Hwa Telecomm is the most high tech telecommunication service provider in Taiwan, and as such, it should come as no surprise that this company uses MOXA CN2500 Async Server as an async device server to connect async-interface equipment, and as a remote access server to connect modems. CN2500 Async Server, which supports a 10/100 Mbps LAN interface, allows multi-platform PC and Workstation hosts to control distributed RS-232 devices via a TCP/IP network.

CN2500, which is located in a remote office, can be connected to a variety of telecommunication devices, such as switches and MUX units, giving hosts in the OMC (Operation Maintenance Center) the ability to monitor data and control and maintain devices at any time. In addition, if the Ethernet connection crashes, the PPP connection can be used as a backup. Placing CN2500 in the Call Center provides remote dial-up access from the Call Center to the OMC, and easy access to the database server on the network. MOXA CN2500 Async Server has a proven reliability for large user groups, and is widely used by many telecommunication businesses.

Fiber-optic communications have become increasingly popular in hospitals and other large healthcare facilities to avoid unexpected interference, ensure zero data loss, and deploy long distance wiring. But since hospital equipment and computers are generally equipped with serial connections and instead of fiber-optic ports, serial-to-fiber converters are essential. Moxa's TCF-90 and CP-102UF are perfectly suited for such applications, providing medical instruments and computers with direct fiber port connections. Moreover, the TCF-90 can be powered via the serial port so no extra adaptor is required for operation. It can also serve as the perfect isolator for long distance communication.

JEPG upgraded their network system in 2007 in response to the need for a reliable integrated video and data network for remote monitoring. The original power distribution system used point-to-point Ethernet fiber access communication with a radio communication system for backup. However, using radio for backup is considered less reliable since transmission is subjected to affect by the weather and the height of surrounding buildings. The upgraded system uses an Ethernet ring topology for the power distribution system and combines the power distribution system, video surveillance network, and office automation into a single network.

 ATMs have an embedded PC in the center of the machine that connects to multiple serial peripherals such as card readers, keypads, touch screens, receipt printers, cash dispensers, etc. The PC connects to these serial devices via a multiport serial board. Some embedded PCs require Low Profile boards due to the limited space available inside a typical ATM.

In China, more and more banks are setting up ATMs to service growing numbers of customers. A local Chinese ATM vendor has even entered the international playing field by winning a large foreign market share and wide customer recognition. To maintain its competitive edge domestically and abroad, the vendor wanted a multiport serial board provider with high product quality, ontime shipment, and high product reliability.

Stand-alone serial-to-fiber media converters, such as the ICF-1150 series, offer an efficient way to solve this problem by equipping each serial interface PLC with fiber port connections. To save valuable space inside the control center, Moxa’s NRack system offers a high-density solution to house multiple fiber-optic converters on a standard rack. In addition, multiport serial boards, such as the CP-118U series, are required to expand the number of serial ports on a computer for transmitting data, commands, and programs between the host computer and multiple PLCs.

Optical fiber cables offer a preferable wiring option that is both immune to electromagnetic interference and capable of longer distance communication than copper wires. Moxa's TCF-142 series media converters provide an easy way to connect serial interface PTZ cameras to a fiber network, and are ideal for both standalone and distributed systems. System administrators will also require a high-density solution at the control center to save space. Moxa's NRack System can connect up to 19 converters and only requires a single power source. By converting serial data for transmission over an Ethernet network, Moxa's NPort 6650 allows system administrators to use a UTP cable to monitor and control all PTZ cameras remotely.

Each wind turbine includes a generator and a variety of serial components such as a water cooler, high voltage transformer, ultrasonic wind sensors, yaw gear, blade bearing, pitch cylinder, and hub controller. All of these components are controlled by a PLC and communicate with the ground host. Due to the total integration of these devices into an Ethernet network, one of our customers in the wind turbine industry needed a serial-to-Ethernet solution that can operate reliably for years without interruption.

Due to the mobile nature of SNG technology, onboard data acquisition equipment needs to be highly portable yet provide seamless and reliable communication. In addition, satellite trucks are outfitted with various degrees of video production and editing gear that need to be readily available and connected at all times. One of our military clients uses Moxa's USB-to-serial converter as their solution of choice for reliable device connectivity in their fleet of satellite trucks.

Wind farms are usually located in harsh environments with extreme temperatures (for example, offshore temperatures may fall below -10°C), excessive dust, and vibration. Networking products used in these applications require industrial-grade durability in order to withstand such conditions. Communication between wind turbine towers is another major issue since wind farms typically span vast distances that may go on for miles. Wind turbines are also prone to electrical interference so highly reliable anti-interference capabilities are also required to prevent unstable transmissions and data loss. Given these circumstances, it is essential for wind farms to employ rugged networking devices with long distance transmission capability for remote monitoring in harsh environments.

Keeping the Cat 5 cables as short as possible is imperative to building an automation system and media converters offer the most convenient solution without changing the whole hardware structure.

Transportation applications also require industrial-grade solutions due to their environmental conditions. Therefore, our client requested industrial DIN-rail mounted media converters to connect RTUs and PLCs to the Ethernet switches. In an air quality management system or power system. Some of the station's equipment have Ethernet support but are legacy devices. As a result, the media converter also needed to recognize standards such as Half Duplex or 10 Base Tx. 

One of our Middle Eastern clients was constructing a skyscraper with a high density of devices and communication mediums on each floor. In addition, the control room needed to gather and monitor a great deal of information including security alarm signals, air conditioner controls, signal controls, power meters, etc. However, there was insufficient space to install serial communication wiring to connect the power meters to the control room. Since an Ethernet network was already installed, the client wanted a solution that satisfied the following requirements:

1. Data transmission from each group of power meters to the control room

2. Minimal additional wiring space

3. Minimal additional IP addresses

As Subway No.1 expanded, engineers wanted a scalable network infrastructure that covered a large geographic area and could provide the most cost-effective performance to support all data acquisition, communications, and monitoring needs well into the future.

Application Requirements

‧Integration with the building's existing Ethernet network for secured access and central monitoring
‧Network redundancy to backup the security system in case the Ethernet network goes down

The most challenging part of the TFT-LCD manufacturing process is achieving zero fault tolerance for high quality and productivity. One of our customers needed a USB-to-serial solution to transmit data between a host and quality inspection equipment in the TFT-LCD manufacturing process. In such a demanding manufacturing environment, adopting multiple ports and a ruggedly designed USB-to-serial product proved to be the best option.

Application Requirements

1. Industrial-grade design for the TFT-LCD manufacturing process
2. High quality solution for complicated high-speed data transmission to improve operational efficiency
3. Support for multiple USB-to-serial expansion ports

 Application Requirements

• Front-end automation embedded computer used for system control, monitoring, data processing, logging and protocol conversion
• Real-time, web-based communication to monitor the peripheral detectors and device performance
• Embedded computers with built-in CANbus interface to communicate with detectors and peripheral meters
• Embedded computers with built-in DI/DO interface to trigger alarm systems in emergency situations
• A reliable, safe, and quick response system and uninterrupted network

The control room of the new international terminal of a major Chinese city needed to connect various devices via different media interfaces including Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485, depending on the application and distance from the control room. In addition, the Chinese airport needed a total communication solution that would incorporate runway signal controls and power source monitoring. High standards for security and architectural stability were also required for the airport's applications.

Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) offers manufacturers a flexible and reliable system to control and monitor their manufacturing process. By using FMS, manufacturers can produce customized products at a faster rate, making it easier for them to meet market demand.

OMRON Corp. has developed just such an FMS, and a PC with MOXA C218Turbo is a key component of the product line monitoring system. Each product line is equipped with one PC and one MOXA multiport board. MOXA multiport boards not only connect to the overhead signboards to inform the operators of current operation status, but also connect to a high precision digital scales to make sure products are not over the weight limit. Other devices, such as temperature/humidity sensors, PLCs, and quality ratio counters, can also be connected to the PC via C218Turbo's serial ports.

To enhance system reliability, our client requested the following specifications for their power distribution system.

1.Redundant control servers: most power distribution systems are built with two or more control servers.
2.Redundant communication networks: two redundant networks are built to back each other up.
3.Redundant power: mission-critical devices in the system must have built-in dualpower input.

Application Requirements

• Embedded computers with built-in OPC or Modbus interfaces to send data to SCADA (Intouch or iFIX HMI installed) for remote monitoring and front-end control
• Independent network links to the embedded computer for each dry pump to speed up the communication rate and stabilize transmission
• Embedded computers that support RS-232/422/485 interface for connecting dry pumps and OPC, and Modbus interface for transmitting data back
• Multiple communication ports for connecting devices
• Multiple LAN ports and Ethernet ports built-in for network redundancy
• Front-end communication computer used for data processing, logging and protocol conversion
• Environment that can handle multiple devices using different protocols for data communication
• Built-in web server for remote monitoring
• Quick system response
• Long MTBF to enhance system reliability

In recent years, the company accepted the complex task of planning and designing an integrated control and security system for Electric Metropolitan Light Railway in Bergamo, Italy. The railway company had three major requirements: (1) the system must be reliable, (2) redundancy must be built into the network structure, and (3) network access must be readily available to accommodate real-time control and monitoring from a central control center. By using Moxa's advanced networking solutions, the system integrator was able to propose and implement a cutting edge solution to satisfy the client's requirements.

A subway system has many different sub-systems, including Environment Monitoring Control System (EMCS), Fire Alarm System (FAS), Fire Extinguisher System (FES), Supervisor Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA), Automatic Fair Collection (AFC), and Distributed Supervisor System (DSS). DSS is the most important of these. The core of DSS is the link system on the railway. The reliability, security, stability, and immediacy affect railway safety.

 From a technical aspect, the signal system for the railway is a computer link system, which is a combination of the mechanical link system and electrical link system (relay link system). Due to the unreliability of the computer link system, the devices must be highly reliable. In particular, the network system must have redundant and interference-free functions. What kind of network system has such functions?

The company manufactured a total of 170,000 cars in 2006, but has plans to boost output to 300,000 units by 2008. Instead of just adding new fl oor space to their factory, Suzuki has also sought ways to improve the manufacturing process or upgrade the facilities at the plant to increase production. Recently, Magyar Suzuki Rt. upgraded the system in its assembly shop and paint shop. Since automobile plants must maintain a very precise manufacturing process, the factory needs to use a management system that is both reliable and redundant to increase productivity, but without sacrifi cing safety. To do this, the Hungarian (Magyar) Suzuki Company sought the help of KVL COMP Ltd. to develop an electronic management system. The system tracks each car as it moves along the assembly line, and is tied in with the plant's Andon system, Pokayoke limits, torque wrenches, and the collection system for event messages sent from equipment in the assembly area to the painting area.

One of the main goals set by the Beijing Electric Power Corporation was to maintain an effi cient, but cost-effective operation. The goal was realized by adopting new technologies for substation automation that resulted in a major upgrade of the power distribution network. The upgrade was achieved by integrating advanced computing, communication, and control technologies that together provide comprehensive monitoring and control of the power grid.

The Ombilin Steam Power Plant owned by PLN is located in Central Sumatra, and provides service to the West Sumatra regions. Construction on the plant is initiated in 1993, and commercial operations of Units 1 and Units 2 were started in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Recently, PLN devised a plan to upgrade the DCS of power generators by designing a faster and more reliable communication network. After the upgrade, the two coal-powered generators were able to produce a total of 200 megawatts of power.

Application Requirements

• Front-end communication computer for remote monitoring, data acquisition, data logging, and protocol conversion
• Compact form factor for easy installation
• Wide operating temperature range for harsh environments
• Data logger with multiple connections for data communication
• Real-time, web-based communication to monitor the solar array performance, battery load, and energy generated/saved
• Design that ensures a longer MTBF to enhance system reliability
• AI/O, DI/O module board for environmental sensor devices

The Aha Sa water plant in Korea is a major water treatment facility that has supported the local area's population and industrial growth for the last twenty years. The plant treats nearly all of the water used in the district using workstations interfaced with proprietary PLC control equipment to control pumps, valves, and other equipment that moves the water through the various treatment processes. The Aha Sa water plant wanted to upgrade their network infrastructure with state-of-the-art Ethernet technology that was readily available, cost-effective to integrate, and which could help collect data from numerous locations throughout the plant. An added benefit included Ethernet's ability to allow seamless upgrading for future and expansion.

A naphtha cracker is a plant that uses a “cracking process” to produce ethylene from naphtha. The major control problem associated with naphtha crackers is to regulate the conditions in the cracking process to control the ethylene output. One of the many challenges faced by the designers of FPCC’s “No. 6 Naphtha Cracker” in Taiwan was creating an extra-reliable Ethernet network for transmitting important control and device management signals. The network serves as the main communications medium for the plant’s DCS (distributed control system).

High-tech power companies around the world are conducting research to identify economical ways to simplify a power plant's automatic protection and warning system, but without sacrificing reliability. One of the main components of such a system is a computing device that can handle protocol conversion, data acquisition, monitoring, and control.

Since the computing device must also be able to withstand the rigors of an industrial environment, a natural choice would be to use one or more Industrial PCs. However, the cost of this option could be high, since each IPC must be fitted with two network cards and at least one multiport serial board.

Another option is Moxa's UC-7420 embedded computer, a front-end embedded computer that comes with 8 RS-232/422/485 serial ports, dual Ethernet ports, wireless LAN capability, and an industrial strength no fan, no hard drive design. The UC-7420's pre-installed Linux operating system makes it easy to install software, and the Flash expansion slot lets users add additional memory space as needed.

In many countries, the general population has become more and more concerned about the safety of nuclear power plants, and the air pollution caused by power plants that use coal as a power source. Since natural gas is considered clean and economic, it is becoming a preferred choice for providing both household and business energy needs. Although it is transported via underground pipelines, the safety of natural gas transportation is still a key concern. As a result, building a control system that is able to monitor effectively the status of distributed support equipment and gas pipeline systems is a critical issue for companies that supply natural gas.

In solar power systems, rooftop solar panels are used to absorb the Sun's energy and convert it into electrical energy. The electrical energy is sent to a control box using RS-485 serial wires and is monitored by a power meter. Energy providers are looking for an Internet solution for more efficient and flexible management and monitoring of their renewable energy systems. For this type of application, a programmable serial-to-Ethernet communication gateway is needed to convert RS-485 serial data into a format suitable for transmission over the Ethernet.

1. It is not always possible to obtain real-time data from attached devices.
2. Programming of PLCs is complicated and can require significant time, manpower, and expense.
3. Protocol converters may be required to attach devices that do not support RS-485 transmission.

This particular application required hardened video servers and Ethernet switches that support extended operating temperatures, and that are immune to interference from the electromagnetic fields created by power lines. Ethernet with fiber is particularly well-suited for the harbor's seaside environment, since fiber offers reliable remote monitoring functionality and reduces the number of service calls needed. The end result is a more efficient and better managed system that makes Keelung Harbor a state-of-the-art, globally competitive port.

Emergency preparedness and safety are critical for long tunnels. At Hsuehshan Tunnel, there were to be fire hydrants every 50 meters, emergency phones every 175 meters, and emergency parking areas along the shoulder every 1400 meters. In addition, there would be pedestrian tunnels every 350 meters and connecting tunnels between the east and west tunnels every 1400 meters. Within the tunnels and at each entrance, traffic control gates would be installed to control the movement of cars during an emergency. During a fire alarm or emergency, these gates would automatically be lowered to divert vehicles from affected areas. Therefore, it was essential that the control system be extremely reliable and able to stand up to punishing environmental conditions.

Proximal vehicle monitoring involves detecting or observing vehicles that enter a fixed "live zone." Important vehicular behavior can be obtained by establishing multiple live regions at different locations. There are two types of proximal monitoring: Smart Vehicle Monitoring and Dumb Vehicle Monitoring.

In addition to traffic lights, other sensors and traffic related devices commonly used include cameras, roadside LED displays, street lights, parking lot entrances, and even parking meters. What has been missing until recently is an easy and economical way to monitor and control the devices located in a given area, such as at an intersection or a self service parking lot. MOXA's UC-7420, a miniature front-end computer with eight RS-232/422/485 serial ports, dual Ethernet ports, PCMCIA card that supports 802.11b/g wireless LAN capability, and an industrial strength no fan, no hard drive design, is ideal for these kinds of applications. The UC-7420's built-in Linux operating system makes it easy to install software, and the CompactFlash expansion slot lets users add additional memory space as needed.

Until recently, bridge lighting was connected to RS-485 networks, which in turn connected to IPCs (Industrial PCs) located along the bridge. In this case, one or more multiport serial boards must be installed in each IPC. However, using IPCs for this kind of limited, special purpose application is nothing short of over kill.

Recently, a newer, more efficient and economical solution has become available. The "embedded computer," such as the UC-7400 series of embedded computers from MOXA, has all of the right features for controlling lights on a large bridge. For example, several hundred beautifying lights are installed on one of Shanghai's bridges. The lights are controlled by several groups of light controllers connected to RS-485 networks. Special effects, such as running-train and flickering, are managed by a main controller. For this application, the main controller is required to have more than four RS-485 ports, and be suitable for installation in the light controller box under the bridge.

A multinational, knowledge-based corporation that delivers marine electronics solutions is utilizing industrial Ethernet technology to help ensure that operations at sea are dependable and optimal. Based in Europe, the company has nearly 4000 employees working in 20 countries around the world, and produces high-tech systems for offshore oil and gas operations, merchant marine systems, and various applications for the defense and aerospace industries.

The company produces products and systems used by merchant vessels and offshore installations for positioning, navigation, and automation, as well as products and systems for surveying and monitoring the seabed, and for fishing vessels and fisheries research. As one of the major suppliers of high quality marine electronics in the world, their products include chart plotters for yachts, triple redundant dynamic positioning systems for oil drilling rigs, and sonar and instrument systems for scientific research vessels.

Products used for marine applications must be rugged enough to endure the corrosive effects of salt water, and be able to withstand excessive amounts of vibration and shock. For this reason, the company only uses products and components that are DNV and GL certified to ensure that their systems can meet the high standards required by the maritime industry.

Moxa's NE-4110S Embedded Network Enabler was chosen by Innovision as the best solution. With only minor mechanical modifications, and NE-4110S's ready-to-go software, building a prototype took only 20 days. Moreover, there is no need to get re-certification from VISA/MasterCard, since the original design didn't change.

A big plus to using NE-4110S is the user-friendly and TCP Server-ready software, which turned the serial-based payment terminal into an Ethernet-based device in no time. The NECI library for NE-4110S helps customers build up their own network control utility very easily, saving a lot of time and programming effort.

Moxa's ioLogik E2210 was selected to help track the number of visitors in each store's interactive system. Active Ethernet I/O on the E2210 allowed data collection and message without a separate PC, and the Click&Go logic made configuration very easy. In addition, the easy-to-use libraries that were included made it possible to quickly develop Active Ethernet I/O software. These features made it easy to integrate the E2210 with the control center of the interactive system, which is a computer running a custom Visual Basic application.

 Advantages of using ioLogik E2000 servers: 

• Easy to use MXIO DLL library for Visual Basic
• Remote import and export of configuration settings
• Reduced network overhead using Active Ethernet I/O messaging with time-stamp
• Multiple trigger conditions for I/O messaging in Click&Go™ logic
• Built-in counter input channel with no counting loss
• Built-in RTC(Real Time Clock) with SNTP time synchronization

MOXA CN2500 Async Server is widely applied in today's AMPS networks, and can be used as part of an AMPS mobile phone maintenance and service network. It can also be used in maintenance service applications as an async device server, connecting serial devices to network servers.

Since AMPS switches are located in many branch offices, establishing some type of network maintenance system can greatly increase efficiency. Devices attached to CN2500 Async Server can be configured and controlled by LAN hosts, centralizing network management and reducing maintenance effort. This makes it easier for the maintenance center to keep complete records of all AMPS data switch maintenance cases. CN2500 Async Server provides a friendly GUI interface and easy-to-use MOXA ASPP (Async Server Proprietary Protocol) socket programming tool to enhance both local and remote system maintenance. The windows-based GUI interface uses icons and pull-down menus, making it easy learn and work with. MOXA's ASPP development tool extends the distance of serial communication by utilizing a TCP/IP network as the controlling medium.

Server management and computer configuration now require the capability to transparently transmit information between different hardware and software platforms that are set up on multiple networking systems. Moxa understands that now more than ever, system administration has become an integral part of today's Telecom technology. The strict protection and precise operation of servers, routers, and other devices through direct Telnet and Rtelnet, modem, or multi-terminal setups are essential to being able to provide routine service.

In this success story, ChungHwa Telecom has added CN2500 Async Server to their console server management system. The console port provides in-band and out-of-band access to RS-232 console ports on servers, routers, and other devices. From the console port, system administrators can connect to multiple servers, using the console port to access remote devices in order to change system configurations, collect data, connect remote sites to restricted ports, and perform other functions related to control or management. The solution successfully consolidates console access from the console ports on one system, and through different system environments.

Chung-Hwa Telecomm is the most high tech telecommunication service provider in Taiwan, and as such, it should come as no surprise that this company uses MOXA CN2500 Async Server as an async device server to connect async-interface equipment, and as a remote access server to connect modems. CN2500 Async Server, which supports a 10/100 Mbps LAN interface, allows multi-platform PC and Workstation hosts to control distributed RS-232 devices via a TCP/IP network.

CN2500, which is located in a remote office, can be connected to a variety of telecommunication devices, such as switches and MUX units, giving hosts in the OMC (Operation Maintenance Center) the ability to monitor data and control and maintain devices at any time. In addition, if the Ethernet connection crashes, the PPP connection can be used as a backup. Placing CN2500 in the Call Center provides remote dial-up access from the Call Center to the OMC, and easy access to the database server on the network. MOXA CN2500 Async Server has a proven reliability for large user groups, and is widely used by many telecommunication businesses.

The semiconductor manufacturing process uses many chemicals and gases, some of which are extremely toxic. The gases must be carefully monitored and controlled to ensure the safety of plant workers and the people living in the vicinity of the plant. The data collected during monitoring is also used to prepare environmental reports for both local and government monitoring agencies. The corporation needed an extremely reliable network to collect and transmit all monitoring data to the plant's monitoring and control center. The communication network for the gas monitoring system must be extremely reliable, with non-stop operation and quick recovery after failures.

With 80 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products to both corporate clients and general consumers all over the world, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of a wide range of electrical and electronic equipment. Mitsubishi's products are used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, home electronics, and in various industrial fields, such as energy, transportation, and construction.

Mitsubishi Electric Taiwan Co., Ltd., established in 1982, supplies excellent advanced products by bridging the gap between customers in Taiwan and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in Japan. In the past, it was standard practice to use factory floor PCs to carry out DNC (Direct Numerical Control) procedures. Engineers would first develop a manufacturing program off-line in the design room, and then go to the factory floor to transfer the program to the factory floor PC using a floppy disk. The factory floor PC implemented the program by sending instructions to various manufacturing machines over an RS-232 interface connection. However, factory floor environments are not very favorable to PCs (due to higher humidity, oily and dusty conditions, and extreme temperatures), making it more likely that the PCs will experience frequent breakdowns.

One of our clients has recently made NPort Server Pro an integral part of their automated textile manufacturing system. In this scenario, NPort Server Pro plays the role of a remote RS-232 serial device server. The factory floor Inspection, Mapping, Cutting, and Packing machines are each connected to one of the server's serial ports, and the server's Ethernet port is connected directly to the factory's LAN. By placing servers at strategic locations around the factory floor, the Windows NT based Control Center is able to easily communicate with all of the textile manufacturing system's components.

In order to appreciate the advantages of using NPort Server Pro, consider the alternatives. One possibility is to purchase a separate PC and multiport card for each station. But if your control program is run on a centrally located computer, you will also need to purchase an Ethernet card for each of these PCs. Setting up the hardware, and then installing and maintaining the necessary software for a small army of PCs is no easy task. But with NPort Server Pro, all of the necessary communication equipment—Ethernet card, serial ports, and essential computing power—are confined to one relatively small and convenient box. You save money by not needing to purchase several PCs, but also end up with a much more versatile system since the server's serial ports can be located virtually anywhere. Save money—save time—increase productivity—improve efficiency. All of these goals can be realized by making NPort Server Pro part of your automated manufacturing system.

Silicon Integrated Systems (SIS) is a leading integration chipset maker with the first 586-generation class in the world. SIS previously used a PC, installed with a multiport board, to connect its wafer testing machines and robots. But when the need for a more versatile solution arose, they chose MOXA NPort Server Pro to build a more scalable and cost-effective system to control their precision devices. This newer system has vastly reduced maintenance cost, since engineers are now able to control and monitor their wafer manufacturing and testing machines remotely via the Ethernet. Moreover, by using NPort Server Pro, SIS has created a new system that is more economic, efficient, and easier to maintain and control.

Concerning the CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) system used by SIS, wafer manufacturing and testing equipment such as robots and testing machines, are attached to NPort Server Pro via the Ethernet. With this new system, important production data can be sent back to the management center in real-time, simplifying the workflow of the host and expediting the management center's decision-making process.

 NPort Server Pro does not require a host's limited slot resources, so there is no need to buy extra PCs just to add serial devices, or to upgrade PCs to improve performance. In this case, SIS has not only improved the management of their factory automation system, but has also saved tremendous time and money, since they no longer need to purchase and set up additional PCs.

Chateau Technical Corporation, a leading security system integrator in Taiwan, is now using MOXA NPort Server Lite and CN2500 Async Server as key components in their flexible and reliable security camera control system. Video cameras have been used for many years as part of the security system for different types of business, and Chateau Technical Corp. has recently developed an intelligent surveillance system that allows users to display, record, archive, and retrieve images from CCTV system cameras onto a personal computer. To offer a total solution for their customers, Chateau Technical Corp. has incorporated MOXA NPort Server Lite and CN2500 Async Server into their new security camera systems. These systems are specially designed for locations that demand high security, such as laboratories with delicate machines, and unmanned control centers.

The system automatically monitors and detects image changes in the monitored areas and then informs the remote site by telephone or pager. If an event such as a break-in occurs in a monitored area, video cameras are triggered and automatically record what is happening. All of the cameras in this system are linked to modems that send the recorded data back to a Data Gathering System through PSTN and CN2500. Once the Data Gathering System gets the information, it automatically reports separately to the local police station and BB call center via NPort Server Lite, Ethernet, and PSTN. With the help of NPort Server Lite and CN2500, the security system can provide real-time information to the police and security guards in the BB call center.