Red Lion Expands CR3000 HMI Platform
December 11, 2020
In mid-July of 2018, Red Lion Controls announced that it had expanded its CR3000 Human Machine Interface (HMI) operator panel capabilities with five new communication modules, offering support for some of the most popular industrial protocols. Designed for use with the CR3000 HMI platform, the plug-in modules provide the connectivity customers need to add powerful monitoring and control functionality to their automation systems.
Red Lion’s new modules support the rising demand for device interoperability, allowing customers to leverage Red Lion’s CR3000 HMIs – with built-in protocol conversion and 300+ communications drivers – to support virtually any automation equipment.
Combining an HSPA+ cellular module with a CR3000 HMI provides customers with a powerful solution to cost-effectively monitor and control remote equipment. The use of high-speed cellular networks eliminates expensive site visits and allows users to receive critical device and performance data in real time, saving time and money. The PROFIBUS DP module adds PROFIBUS DP slave support while the DeviceNet module allows the HMI to perform as a DeviceNet Group 2 server.
Originally developed for in-vehicle networking of passenger cars, the CAN and J1939 protocols are also used for engine controllers and in building automation applications such as lift control, embedded door controls and HVAC equipment. When added to CR3000 HMI operator panels, these modules remove the need for external communication gateways, saving time and money by simplifying the programming and installation costs.
“With the addition of new communication modules, our CR3000 HMI products now provide even more ways for our customers to harness the value of their industrial information across a broad range of industries,” explained Paul Bunnell, director of product management at Red Lion Controls. “These modules give customers more choices as they seek integrated communication solutions to address varying needs in industrial environments.”