JokeKnife New Member
Joined: 25 Dec 2006 Posts: 1
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Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 1:57 pm Post subject: Kermit Protocol in Manufacturing |
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Kermit Protocol in Manufacturing
As computer-integrated manufacturing expands, users and systems integrators alike continually search for lower cost reliable methods of getting computer equipment to talk to each other. Kermit File Transfer Protocol is starting to appear on the manufacturing floor, filling the gap between low cost serial connections without error checking and high cost, full capability local area networks (LANs).
There are many interface solutions available, including Manufacturing Automation Protocol (MAP). The cost of utilizing these various interface methods is generally proportional to their capability and speed with LANs at the top end of the price range. The lowest cost solution to connecting computer equipment is still a serial connection provided by RS-232, RS-422 or RS-423 running very basic protocols with error checking. Most CNCs and programmable controllers today include one or more of these interfaces as standard equipment. Kermit File Transfer Protocol implemented on these controls upgrades the existing interfaces and data lines to a packet transmission type system, with checksums and retransmission capability to enhance data integrity.
The proliferation of Kermit into the shop is primarily due to the wide variety of computers on which the protocol has been implemented. These computers when used as direct-numerical control (DNC) hosts, cell controllers, front end processors, programming systems and status gathering systems have made available a low cost interface protocol for connecting into shop floor equipment. Kermit is desirable since it runs on the existing serial data lines. Another plus is emerging out of the binary Cutter Location (BCL) environment. Because of its packet transmission capability Kermit has become a very desirable protocol for transmitting BCL data to BCL input controls.
Even though Kermit is implemented on a wide range of computers, it is still not available on all shop floor control devices, but there is a sizeable list. The following control devices offer a Kermit protocol interface: Cincinnati Milacron's Acramatic 750 and 950 CNC Controls;
GEFANUC's Series 0, 10, 11, 12 and 15 CNC offer Kermit in the MMC development mode;
Siemen's RCM-3 Robot Controller;
GRECO System's Versifile, Versinet and Greco-Net Products;
Predator Software's DNC software;
BCL Technology's BCL Front End;
and the ISS Vega Series 9000 CNC.
The role of Kermit in manufacturing is not clear yet. It could be that Kermit will serve as a short term solution until MAP products become available or, it could become a long term low cost solution coexisting with MAP. Much depends on where MAP interface costs settle out.
http://www.columbia.edu/kermit/newsn4.html |
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