ODVA forms DeviceNet of Things special interest group

Ultimately the activity will make it cost-effective for users to connect many new types of devices into DeviceNet and to eliminate expensive and complex gateways by using a blended DeviceNet-EtherNet/IP system.

By extending DeviceNet to more types of devices, users will be able both to preserve their investment in DeviceNet and to leverage seamless connectivity with EtherNet/IP via ODVA’s Common Industrial Protocol or "CIP.

The first meeting of the SIG saw six ODVA members sign up to participate – Eaton Electrical, HMS Industrial Networks, Omron, Panduit, Rockwell Automation, and Weidmüller Interface. To achieve its business objectives to lower connectivity cost for simple, less expensive devices and to promote ease of use for network installation and commissioning, the initial phase of the SIG’s work will focus on development of the following:

• an IP20-rated physical layer connection system that reduces device connection cost and installation time
• an auto addressing scheme that eliminates the need to set node addresses
• visibility into devices that until now have not had the ability to provide diagnostics.

A future phase of work will focus on enhancements for an IP67-rated physical layer connection system.