G&D present their latest KVM solutions for industrial use at SPS IPC Drives
Guntermann & Drunck GmbH (G&D) will be presenting intelligent KVM solutions for applications such as process control consoles and control rooms for monitoring industrial processes at SPS IPC Drives in Nuremberg from 27 to 29 November 2018, booth 8-228. The German manufacturers have been dedicated to KVM for more than 30 years. KVM systems enable the spatial separation between humans and computers and thus also make it possible to remove computer equipment from production desks or control stations. They are the backbone of IT-supported structures and form the bridge between server rooms and process control stations or control rooms.
There are many good reasons to use KVM in industrial applications. KVM systems have proven themselves in the industry for decades. In rough production conditions, such as in the chemical or steel processing industry, computers are usually removed from the production area. In power supply areas, however, any computer equipment is banned from control rooms for reasons of safety and ergonomics. Here, KVM systems serve as invisible assistants in the background who bridge the gap between equipment and control room.
Especially for industrial applications, where several processes run parallel and have to be observed simultaneously, KVM technology offers decisive advantages. G&D's KVM matrix systems enable not only the removal of technology from control rooms and its remote operation in real time, but above all distributed switching and thus the simultaneous operation and monitoring of several computers and correspondingly several processes or applications. At SPS IPC Drives, G&D will be showing a KVM matrix installation as typically used in control rooms and will be demonstrating the advantages of their technology when applied in an industrial environment. The use of a KVM matrix, e.g. the ControlCenter-Compact, improves the IT infrastructure and harmonizes spatially distributed installations. The computers are kept secure and sensitive data is thus protected. At the same time, operators can access the computers at any time in real time and from a distance. They only need one set of keyboard/mouse to operate several computers simultaneously at the operator console. Hence, using KVM does not only help save on peripheral devices such as keyboards and mice, but also improves ergonomics at the workplace. In order to always be able to offer their customers a fitting solution, G&D recently expanded their portfolio by six new expansion stages of the ControlCenter-Compact. The series is now available in expansion levels providing between 8 and 176 ports, which can be used either as input or as output. The systems are available in CAT, fiber and mixed versions. All systems come with the in-house HDIP compression technology in the latest development stage, which enables lossless transmission of video signals with a resolution of 4K at 60 Hz. Thanks to the absolutely reliable video quality of transmitted data, computers can be operated without any delays, which therefore ensures real-time monitoring of all processes and operations.
The new matrix versions also feature popular operating features such as CrossDisplay-Switching, the push get function, scenario switching, the KVM Matrix-Grid™ as well as safety features such as the screen-freeze function, monitoring and SNMP. These functions help make the systems intuitive to use and let teams work together on projects.
New matrix for KVM-over-IP™ in control room applications
G&D have launched a new matrix system for KVM-over-IP™ fitting the requirements of industrial and automation applications. The ControlCenter-IP is the first of its kind and enables the extension and distributed switching of computer signals via IP networks. Offering twice the flexibility of usual systems, the new matrix does not only extend computer signals over IP, but also switches them as an n:m connection. In combination with G&D's IP extenders, the ControlCenter-IP forms a powerful matrix system. While the network infrastructure takes over the transport of KVM-over-IP™ by using network switches and routers, the ControlCenter-IP contributes the logic. The new technology also brings decisive advantages and cost savings for control room and process control station applications, since existing infrastructures can still be used. Thanks to the network connection and the option of using standard network components, the application gains even more flexibility. This ensures that the systems can be easily expanded at all times.
And by the way: G&D offer the industry's broadest combinable KVM portfolio and, in addition to their new IP extenders, provide a whole range of classic KVM extenders that have proven themselves in industrial environments. Transmission takes place via twisted pair cables or optical fibres. Since optical fibres are insensitive to interference radiation, they are the ideal choice for industrial applications. The systems consist of a computer module (transmitter) and a user module (receiver) and offer the possibility of connecting up to four video channels.
The KVM experts will be happy to advise interested visitors on their individual projects in order to provide them with solutions fitting their needs. Visitors to the G&D booth 8-228 can expect to experience the latest highlights of the world of KVM. More information is available on https://www.gdsys.de/en or contact KVM Australia at sales @ kvm .com.au