Automation networks are frequently implemented in the Profibus protocol. Until recently, work performed in explosion danger zones required Ex-zone certified cabinets. With the fiber converter, this is no longer necessary. The fiber converter can be installed in a danger zone without any extra casing, thereby cutting down on installation expenses. With the help of the HiPER-Ring protocol, the converter can be redundantly connected to the fiber backbone with a switchover time of 0 ms. This coupling reduces the cost of power cuts.

JURY REPORT:

"Although the idea isn't new, it is nevertheless innovative in that it is now being used for an industrial application for the first time. And this certainly provides users with an economic advantage. This is a good solution for certain applications, such as in explosion danger zones (ATEX 1). In the future, only a small component will be necessary, instead of a large cabinet. It is unfortunate, though, that the fiber converter is not network-independent. Being able to deliver independently of the network would also represent a major advantage." (Prof. van Amerongen, Jury Chairman).

The Application Award 2006 is organized by VNU Exhibitions and supported by FEDA (engines and automation federation, Netherlands).