Eaton Expands Portfolio of Automation Solutions for Marine Applications

Eaton's ultra-compact modular part-I/O system XN300 is now DNV-GL certified and can also be used in marine applications. That's why Eaton is expanding its comprehensive automation portfolio for the shipbuilding industry. In addition to the I/O system, marine standards were also introduced into the programmable control relays of the EASY family, the XP500 industrial series, the XV100 and XV300 touchscreen controllers and the XC152 controller. This makes it possible to combine Eaton's integrated connectivity and communication technology with SmartWire DT to implement the most advanced rugged automation concepts in shipbuilding. With state-of-the-art displays (using resistive technology or capacitive touch technology) and diagonals from 3.5" to 21", Eaton's visualisation products meet the highest standards. Just like smartphones, these products are easy to use. The devices can be connected to the XV300 I/O system via the CAN interface to create lean and flexible automation solutions. The system offers increased connectivity with its multiple interfaces, while remote visualization and device management are also possible thanks to integrated web servers. The data is thus easily and conveniently displayed on any HTML 5-enabled browser, even on devices such as smartphones or tablets. The compact XN300 I/O system can be integrated into existing automation solutions using a fieldbus level CAN open gateway. The advanced design and push-button technology allow for the simple integration of up to 20 channels on a 12.5 mm x 102 mm surface, including the status display, allowing users to follow individual channels. Thanks to their many intelligent features, the XV3000 modules contribute to a more cost-effective machine design. This means, for example, that the outputs of digital modules can be operated and combined as a group, as well as being centrally closed. Depending on the model, the digital outputs will perform opposite functions. Moreover, analogue modules cover additional features such as reference voltages, temperature measurements or cold spot compensation. Thanks to fast background communications, response times of less than 1 millisecond are possible even in CANopen system environments. When using the station configuration with a maximum of 32 nodes, access to up to 640 channels is also possible. Thanks to these features, the XN300 I/O system is the perfect solution for even the most demanding marine applications. The modular I/O concept allows them to create tailor-made solutions that can be stretched at any time if modification is required. This concept also makes it possible to integrate third-party devices into the automation solution via Ethernet, CAN bus or Profibus protocols. With the SAE J1939 CAN protocol, which is widely used by diesel engine manufacturers, connecting the automation system to the machine room is no longer a problem. In addition, with navigation, it is possible to interconnect devices with the NMEA 2000 CAN protocol for marine networks.