HARTING`s compact yet powerful edge computing system MICA (Modular Industrial Computing Architecture) now offers wireless functionality. HARTING teamed with Arrow Electronics, a member of the MICA.network, to develop the MICA Wireless Sensor Networks solution that adds wireless communications to the machine-monitoring system. The two companies unveiled this MICA enhancement at this week’s SPS IPC Drives trade show in Nurnberg, Germany.
Arrow developed the MICA wireless module that communicates with sensors through various wireless protocols. With the additional module, HARTING MICA is now able to capture and process data through SmartMESH IP (DUST), Bluetooth Low Energy and a XBee slot, regardless of the existing machine controls.
These transmission protocols have been selected to provide a variety of ways for wireless sensors to connect with HARTING MICA, either directly or through sensor nodes. The combination of wireless sensors and MICA allows simple and cost-efficient monitoring of existing machinery (condition monitoring). Data such as operating times, temperatures and numerous ambient parameters can be determined and monitored without a need to invest in cables, network or expensive industrial sensors.
The MICA.network is helping to connect specialized partners in order to implement IIoT projects (Industrial Internet of Things) quickly and easily.
MICA is a modular, open edge computing system that can be easily adapted to individual requirements in manufacturing companies. MICA also supports traditional industrial interfaces such as Profinet, Ethernet IP, Ethercat, Modbus, energy monitoring solutions, analysis and RFID.
