Clifton Park, NY — (press release excerpt) — SIXNET today announced the release of the VersaTRAK IPm Remote Terminal Unit (RTU), a small device used for datalogging, 'supervisory control and data acquisition' (SCADA), and control applications. The VersaTRAK IPm is unique in that it operates on an embedded Linux platform, thereby providing users with both the power and flexibility of Linux open-source… software along with the reliability of industrial grade hardware. User programs may be created using industry standard ISaGRAF IEC 6113-3 programming tools or with a free Linux compiler. A Linux web server runs web pages created using any standard HTML development tools.

The VersaTRAK IPm runs on a 32-bit PowerPC with 16+ MBytes of DRAM. Depending on the model, between 4 and 136 Megabytes of Flash memory are available. With its embedded Linux operating kernel, this RTU has the power of a modern computer with the reliability of an embedded controller.

A 10/100 Auto-detecting Ethernet port and four serial ports provide abundant communications options. Modbus and SIXNET protocols are included and numerous third party developers plan to make available Linux-based drivers for other protocols. Telephone, radio communications, and RS485 party-line media are all supported. A RISC co-processor handles communications enabling all four serial ports to run at high speed with no loss of performance. Included Linux firmware provides a suite of Ethernet and Internet protocols and capabilities.

The VersaTRAK IPm is designed to poll up to 50,000 I/O using a combination of SixTRAK local I/O modules, EtherTRAK (Ethernet I/O) and Modbus I/O. I/O tag definitions can be shared with popular Windows applications using a shared resource database that saves time when configuring systems. A suite of development and maintenance tools is supplied by SIXNET to assist in system-wide design, integration, and deployment.

VersaTRAK IPm is certified for operation from -40 to +70°C; is UL, CSA, CE, and DNV certified; and is rated for Zone 2 hazardous locations.

 
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