In the era of Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Industry 4.0, modern factory automation systems demand flexible, reliable, and scalable wireless communication and data acquisition (DAQ) solutions. The ICP DAS USA’s ZT Series of ZigBee Alliance based converters and I/O modules provides a cutting-edge answer to these needs, enabling unprecedented system visibility and operational efficiency through seamless Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) integration.
The ICP DAS USA’s ZT Series harnesses the power of the ZigBee standard, an open, global specification based on IEEE 802.15.4. ZigBee operates in the ISM radio bands, defining a low-power, inexpensive, and self-organizing mesh network ideal for industrial control and embedded sensing. These features are crucial in challenging factory environments where traditional wiring is difficult or cost-prohibitive.
The ZT Series goes beyond basic connectivity. It is fully compliant with the RoHS Directive and the IEEE802.15.4 standard, ensuring environmental responsibility and international compatibility. A key advantage is the support for multiple network topologies—mesh, star, and ad-hoc—which enhances network resilience. If one path is blocked, the mesh network automatically finds an alternative route, ensuring uninterrupted data transmission over distances up to 700 meters (Line of Sight, LOS). The system can also support a massive network of up to 65,535 nodes, making it scalable for any size of industrial application.
The core of the ZT Series solution involves a powerful hub for control and data logging. The ZT-2570 host repeater acts as the network’s ZigBee Coordinator (Master), connected to a central computing system, often a laptop or industrial PC, running Indusoft SCADA software. This setup provides a unified platform for monitoring and data acquisition across the entire operation.
Key Components in the Wireless Network:
–ZT-2570 (Master/Coordinator): This multi-interface converter facilitates the crucial link between the industrial network and the SCADA system, supporting RS-232/RS-485/Ethernet to ZigBee conversion. It initializes and manages the entire wireless network routing.
–ZT-2571 (Slave/Router): These slave converters function as ZigBee Routers, extending the wireless range and connecting various field devices. One ZT-2571 typically connects to a VPD-133-H2 Touch Screen PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), which operators use for input data and local control. Another ZT-2571 can connect to legacy serial I/O modules and racks, effectively bringing existing equipment into the modern wireless network.
–ZT-2060 and ZT-2053 (I/O Modules): These dedicated data acquisition modules gather critical plant-floor information. The ZT-2060 handles both digital input and relay output (DO), offering essential control functions. The ZT-2053 provides numerous digital input (DI) channels for status monitoring, such as limit switches and sensor outputs.
One of the most compelling benefits of ICP DAS USA’s ZT Series is its ability to extend existing infrastructure. In older RS-485/RS-232 networks, expanding connectivity often faces roadblocks like physical building structures, complex wiring problems, or high installation costs.
The ZT Series bypasses these traditional hurdles, allowing users to effortlessly upgrade their network wirelessly. By integrating ZT components, businesses can extend their network to new or remote devices quickly and cost-effectively, ensuring their industrial control system remains agile and responsive to changing demands. This modular, wireless approach offers a superior alternative to costly and rigid wired installations, providing a truly flexible and scalable Industrial Internet of Things platform for the modern factory.
