- Utility Products magazine -

ProSoft Technology® is pleased to announce the release of the Wireless POINT I/O Adapter (ILX34-AENWG),
a high-speed, standards-based 802.11g wireless I/O communication adapter offering a convenient wireless
alternative for linking Rockwell Automation® controllers to distributed process I/O modules. Combining Rockwell Automation’s field proven I/O with ProSoft Technology’s Integrated Wireless Architecture™ technology and support, the Wireless POINT I/O Adapter provides users an optimum distributed I/O communication solution.

The Wireless POINT I/O Adapter Add-On Profile (AOP) utilizes the familiar RSLogix™ 5000 programming
environment and connection-based EtherNet/IP™ protocol to simplify configuring and communicating with POINT I/O racks scattered throughout the process facility. The compact size of POINT I/O systems, when coupled with the Wireless POINT I/O Adapter, make them ideal for collecting data from and controlling moving systems like robots, automated carts, overhead cranes, earthmovers, as well as fixed-position racks in hard-to-reach areas of the process plant.

ARC Advisory Group’s Harry Forbes notes that “the ability to wirelessly connect POINT I/O modules adds new
degrees of freedom for system and application designers because it enables them to design high-performance, scalable and low-latency systems in cases where wired I/O would be problematic. This is a valuable and important capability.”

The Wireless POINT I/O Adapter can be used in networks with RadioLinx® Industrial Hotspots or third party
802.11g access points to provide high-speed, low latency 802.11g client communication over widely spaced plant areas. This ability to work with existing standards-based wireless technology protects and leverages the end-users' investment. For security, the Wireless POINT I/O employs 802.11i WPA2 with AES Encryption.

The Wireless POINT I/O Adapter provides users with the flexibility and scalability (up to 63 modules) offered by
the many standard Rockwell Automation® POINT I/O modules including analog Input/Output (I/O), digital I/O,
POINT Guard I/OTM, DeviceLogixTM, relays, RTD, and counters. It employs 802.11i WPA2 with AES Encryption
for security.

The Wireless POINT I/O Adapter benefits users who require a non-tethered link to distributed I/O in applications with moving or remote equipment, or where it would be difficult or costly to wire devices or control panels.

Applications include:

Oil and Gas: tank farms
Material Handling: cranes, stackers/reclaimers
Food and Beverage: rotating filling, spooling, molding machines
Robotics / multi-axis machining
Remote monitoring
Condition monitoring
and other remote/moving distributed I/O applications

All ProSoft Technology products come with a three year warranty and unlimited technical support. For information on solutions for Rockwell Automation platforms, call +1-661-716-5100, email info@prosoft-technology.com or visit www.prosoft-technology.com. 

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