Technical data

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ConnectionRail Series
The Connection Rail Series converts video audio and I/O signals into Ethernet network streams and therefore makes them available across
long distances regardless of media.
As part of the Connection Rail series, both ATEX-certified devices for use in explosion risk zones and non-ATEX devices for cabinet rooms are
available. Thanks to the diversity of the interfaces, our Connection Rails can solve any digitalization task. Cameras from all the renowned
manufacturers can be controlled based on the network using an RS232/RS422 or RS485 interface. Network integrations can be implemented
via fibre optic cables, copper-bonded Ethernet or WLAN.
Analogue Cameras – Digital Networks.
Camera and communication systems can be established in analogue or digitally. We speak of analogue camera systems when the image
signal is transferred in analogue. We speak of digital camera systems when the image information and, if necessary, sound information is
transferred using the TCP/IP protocol (Video over IP, Voice over IP). Even when planning camera and communication systems in explosion risk
zones, it is often impossible to do without the benefits of both systems (analogue camera systems AND digital networks).
In the field, analogue camera systems often have benefits compared with digital, so called IP cameras. It is therefore possible, for instance, for
supply cables to analogue cameras, such as the ExCam miniZoom, to easily be up to 200 metres long, even in EMC-critical zones. Network
cables to IP cameras should not exceed a length of 100 metres. Furthermore, analogue cameras can be built in a much more compact
manner than IP cameras. This saves pressure-resistant encapsulated space and makes analogue camera systems more efficient, too.
Nevertheless, the future lies in digital networks. IP-based camera networks will establish themselves, apart from a few special applications,
in the long term compared with analogue camera networks. Only by incorporating video and audio signals in the Ethernet are these
available to other network participants. Installation distances play no role when it comes to digital camera networks – information can, if
necessary, be transferred all over the world via the Internet. Conventional Ethernet PCs can be used to visualise the camera images. Software
solutions are becoming important tools and replace expensive additional hardware. Real integration in process control systems can be
implemented.
FOC, Copper or WLAN Ethernet.
Ethernet signals can be transferred via copper line (Cat5), fibre optic cable or radio (WLAN). These transfer media may vary in any way in the
case of our Connection Rails. For long installation paths to the next active network participant, it is advisable to use fibre optic cables. An
industrial access point, which supports all common operating types, such as Bridge or WDS, is used as a WLAN unit.
A Connection Rail with WLAN turns analogue cameras into WLAN cameras. And it can do this in an explosion risk zone, if necessary.