GE Fanuc will use Phoenix Contact's Inline I/O in VersaPoint product
VersaPoint is designed to enable users to specify the exact amount of I/O needed for each application at an economical cost. VersaPoint expands GE Fanuc's "Versa" family of flexible I/O solutions and will initially support DeviceNet and Profibus.
The agreement also calls for the two companies to work together to introduce connectivity to GE Fanuc's Genius network as well as GE Fanuc's EGD (Ethernet Global Data) high-performance protocol for Ethernet systems.
VersaPoint I/O is designed for applications requiring highly distributed I/O systems with small but varied requirements; for example, those with discrete, analog, RTD, or other combinations of I/O. VersaPoint will be available in Jan. 2001.
"By uniting our design, engineering, and marketing strengths, GE Fanuc and Phoenix Contact are providing an I/O product with an ideal combination of flexibility and modularity at a cost-effective price," says Vince Tullo, senior vice president, Automation Equipment Business for GE Fanuc.
"After extensive research and feedback from our customers, GE Fanuc decided that Phoenix Contact's offering best met our needs of connectivity, granularity, quality, and value position. We are enthusiastic about the collaboration and look forward to applying this new open product across many industries."
"We consider our partnership with GE Fanuc to be the foundation to expand and build upon each of our companies' core strengths to offer modular, scaleable solutions to many new industrial clients," says Phoenix Contact U.S. president Don Springer. Phoenix Contact, a manufacturer of connection systems, interface technology and automation products, has its U.S. headquarters in Harrisburg, PA, with global headquarters centered in Blomberg, Germany.
Phoenix Contact serves a wide variety of customers in the process, machine tool, automotive, industrial controls and material handling industries. The Phoenix Contact Inline automation system integrates fieldbus technology with all I/O functions, including motor starters and safety functions, needed for automation technology in small modular terminal housings.
GE Fanuc Automation, a leading supplier of industrial automation controls, is a joint venture between G.E. and Fanuc Ltd. of Japan.
GE Intelligent Platforms, Rt. 29 N & Rt. 606, PO Box 8106, Charlottesville, VA 22911 USA. Tel: 800-433-2682 or 804-978-5000. Fax: 804-978-5205.
Edited by Jim Lorincz
Managing Editor
JLorincz@vertical.net