OREANDA-NEWS. Power management company Eaton today announced the launch of a new series of communications modules designed for industrial end users and facilities using networked motor control centers (MCCs) and motor control panels. The new C441 communication modules expand product compatibility to S811+ soft starters, simplify the solution for C440 overload relays, and can be mounted standalone for general purpose I/O applications.

The new C441 series modules mark Eaton’s first offering of PROFIBUS, Modbus and DeviceNet for S811+ (Ethernet/IP and Modbus TCP already released) to enhance and simplify communication, monitoring and control applications. The new modules provide a common solution for both S611 and S811+ and offer standard onboard I/O. Taken together, the Eaton family of products affords a wide range of communication protocol support available for easy integration into any Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control System (DCS).

“Many customers face difficulties integrating to a single PLC/DCS without the use of gateways; and, while networked solutions are becoming desirable, they can add unnecessary complexity in commissioning,” said Dana Leland, product manager, Advanced Motor Protection, Eaton. “Eaton’s C441 communication modules offer smart, easy to install, flexible solutions that support backwards compatible upgrade projects and the adoption of diagnostics capabilities alike.”

The C441 communication modules are ideal for system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with panel applications that contain soft starters or starters, require communication to a higher-level PLC/DCS, or interface with networked systems using non-communicating products. Both starters and soft starters use the same C441 family of modules for communications. The modules come standard with four inputs and two relay outputs with 120 volts alternating current (VAC) and 24 volts direct current (VDC) input options. C441 communication modules can also be used independently for standalone I/O applications.

The highly agile product family was designed with special attention to the common need to upgrade outdated technology without significant engineering effort. The series enables backwards compatibility with legacy motor control platforms. The C441 DeviceNet communication modules contain I/O assemblies with the same size and layout as Advantage Starter Assemblies (WPONIDNA) and IT Starter (DNSAP) platforms for easy technology upgrades without any programming changes required. Thus, with the C441 modules, a seamless migration path from legacy starter platforms to newer C440 and C441 control and monitoring systems is possible.

Eaton’s electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today’s most critical electrical power management challenges.

Eaton is a power management company with 2014 sales of $22.6 billion. Eaton provides energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton has approximately 99,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries.