HMS Networks, a provider of solutions for industrial communication and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), has introduced a Raspberry Pi adapter board, offering industrial device manufacturers a streamlined approach to test and evaluate the Anybus CompactCom. The Anybus CompactCom is a pre-built communication interface facilitating the connection of devices to various industrial networks. Unlike previous adapter boards tailored for testing Anybus CompactCom modules with STM32 or NXP (formerly Freescale) microcontroller platforms, this new adapter board is expressly designed for compatibility with the Raspberry Pi.
HMS Networks, an organization working in industrial connectivity solutions, is focused on emphasizing the importance of seamless connections in diverse applications, from facilitating communication among devices, machines, and systems to actively engaging with customers. HMS connects millions of industrial devices worldwide, spanning both traditional automation systems and cutting-edge Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. The company is creating products that empower industrial equipment to communicate and share crucial information. HMS stands for “Hardware Meets Software™,” encapsulating the two fundamental components of their comprehensive solutions.
The mission of HMS is to enable the extraction of valuable data and insights from industrial equipment, empowering customers to enhance productivity and sustainability in their operations. HMS operates under several well-known brands, including Anybus, Ewon, Intesis, Ixxat, and Owasys (acquired by HMS). With a presence in 18 countries, HMS conducts operations on a global scale, ensuring a widespread and impactful reach in providing industrial connectivity solutions.
The inception of the Anybus embedded concept dates back to 1994 with the development of the first Anybus module. As the number of fieldbuses proliferated, the innovative Anybus embedded concept emerged, enabling device manufacturers to effortlessly connect their devices to various industrial networks. Over the ensuing decades, industrial networks evolved, introducing high-performance industrial Ethernet protocols.
The Anybus embedded technology has consistently remained at the forefront, incorporating full fieldbus and industrial Ethernet connectivity, IT features, and solutions for functional safety and security. The technology has expanded to encompass wireless technologies, and today, over seven million Anybus products are deployed in factories worldwide. The distinctive advantage of multi-network connectivity offered by the Anybus embedded concept continues to be a cornerstone benefit for users.
The new adaptor board is compatible with Raspberry Pi as it seamlessly integrates with the widely popular Raspberry Pi, a single-board computer that has gained immense popularity with over 45 million units in use globally. The adaptor board also comes with ease of installation and usage since the design prioritizes user-friendly installation and operation, ensuring a straightforward experience for industrial device manufacturers. It is also fully compatible with Anybus Host Application Example Code (HAEC) and available for free download. The HAEC includes a reference port specifically designed for the Raspberry Pi. Manufacturers can leverage this code alongside the adapter board and an Anybus CompactCom module to swiftly initiate their embedded development projects.
Andreas Stillborg, Anybus Embedded Product Manager at HMS Networks, highlights the significance of this development, stating, “The Raspberry Pi is incredibly popular, with over 45 million units in use around the world. Many of our customers already own a Raspberry Pi and are familiar with it. Therefore, we were keen to develop an adapter board that enables our customers to easily use the Raspberry Pi to test and evaluate Anybus CompactCom.”
The Raspberry Pi adapter board not only facilitates a seamless integration process but also enhances the accessibility of Anybus CompactCom for industrial device manufacturers. Its compatibility with the widely embraced Raspberry Pi opens up new possibilities for leveraging the capabilities of this single-board computer in the realm of industrial communication.
Moreover, the adapter board aligns with the user-friendly approach of HMS Networks, allowing manufacturers to harness the potential of Anybus CompactCom without intricate setup procedures. The inclusion of a reference port in the free-to-download HAEC further simplifies the development process, enabling a quick and efficient start for embedded development projects.
“We’re excited about this new adapter board, as it will allow our customers to quickly get set up and familiarize themselves with our Anybus CompactCom offering,” concludes Andreas Stillborg. The introduction of this adapter board reflects HMS Networks’ commitment to providing practical solutions that empower industrial device manufacturers in their communication and IIoT endeavors.
