cifX PC cards are the easiest way to integrate your systems into an industrial network.
empowering communication

IPC & HMI

Flexible fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet communication for IPCs

Industrial PCs (IPCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) take on a central role and perform a variety of tasks in the automation network. As a manufacturer of IPCs or HMIs, you often face the challenge of having to connect your devices to different fieldbus or Real-Time Ethernet networks. With Hilscher you can cover the entire bandwidth of these networks with just one hardware solution—our multi-protocol netX communication controllers make it possible. Whether for a standard interface or a custom design, our PC cards and embedded modules are the answer to your communication needs.

Challenges of connecting IPCs and HMIs
Flexibility

As a manufacturer of IPCs and HMIs, the global protocol variance is an obstacle when deploying your devices across many markets and regions. Our multi-protocol solutions give you an edge over the competition. With just one hardware you can cover all protocols, gaining access to new markets at low cost.

Reliability

Faulty components often have a major impact in factories. Production errors or even stopped assembly lines always mean a loss of efficiency. When you choose Hilscher, you're getting reliable hardware and software solutions for your IPCs and HMIs. Thanks to decades of expertise, Hilscher components have proven themselves in a wide range of different applications and over an extended period of time.

Demanding environments

IPCs and HMIs are often exposed to adverse conditions in industrial environments. You and your customers must therefore be able to rely on the quality of the components installed in them. That is why our solutions undergo numerous tests in our production facilities in Germany. At Hilscher we have the necessary know-how to make our components meet your individual device specifications.

Thanks to our years of expertise, we have built up an extensive portfolio of effective solutions tailored to the requirements of our customers and end users. Our netX-SoCs, which are also installed in our embedded modules and PC cards, are multi-protocol capable and can therefore be flexibly integrated into a wide variety of networks. A protocol can be switched simply by reloading the firmware. A universal tool chain for communication via different protocols with a single application interface across all operating systems offers full flexibility to meet your requirements.

Learn more about Hilscher products in action
Thermal spray coating machine by Oerlikon.

Oerlikon Metco AG uses netFIELD to enable real-time data collection from industrial applications, such as thermal spray painting machines, from around the world.

netX 90 communication controller mounted on a circuit board.

From motor controllers to the consolidation of entire control cabinet contents, dieEntwickler Elektronik (dEE) implements innovative netX 90 projects and opens up the entire internal periphery of the small multiprotocol controller. Read more about our integration partner here!

An actuator by SCHIEBEL painted in black on white background with a red spring incorporated on the left side.

With the embedded modules netIC52 and netRAPID 90 from Hilscher, SCHIEBEL connects its actuators to industrial communication networks and sets standards with a new control board.

A clean and bright inside of a factory with several machines lined up left and right. On two white rails at the upper half of the picture Güdel is written in red large letters. In the foreground, a sheet of metal lays on a conveyor belt.

Industrial systems specialist Güdel uses netFIELD to implement advanced IIoT solutions, ranging from monitoring specific wear points to a more holistic Industry 4.0 approach.

A pneumatic valve application with many cables and lines going about, disappearing into a cabinet on the bottom. On the far right side, AVENTICS is written on the device. In the background, you can see some green and blue boxes. The valve application is mounted on a sheet of metal.

Emerson, a world leading provider of automation technology and software, has enabled integrated OPC UA in their AVENTICS™ valve systems, simplifying IIoT integration and analysis capabilities with netX 90.

Titleimage Systemtechnik Leber

Based on Hilscher’s netX 90 multiprotocol processor, Systemtechnik LEBER and E-T-A developed an ultra-compact and price-sensitive bus controller for monitoring electronic circuit breakers.

A man with a blue hard hat and safety glasses is working on a orange robot arm.

netANALYZER delivers reliable support for the service specialist Leadec in troubleshooting industrial Ethernet networks.

A packaging machine from MULTIVAC.

MULTIVAC, the leading manufacturer of integrated packaging solutions, develops customer-oriented services with netFIELD, enabling higher machine availability

A female factory worker in pharmaceutical clothing standing beside a large fluid machinery.

netTAP 151 provides a flexible and scalable solution for an easy integration of independent processing systems into one industrial communication network.

A pneumatic test bench with several cables going in and out, placed in a production environment.

müller+krahmer GmbH realizes pneumatic test benches with the capability to change protocols on the fly with the help of Hilscher cifX PC cards.

A grey box with several connectors up front.

The engineering firm kumkeo GmbH is one of the first companies to rely on the netX 90, the world‘s smallest multi-protocol chip from Hilscher, for the development of innovative products.

 

2 panel PCs facing each other, another IPC with netJACK highlighted blue in the foreground.

IPC specialist ADS-TEC Industrial IT uses the netJACK option module as a universal solution to equip its Industrial Box PCs and HMIs with master and slave functionalities on demand, flexibly and without tools.

Front view of a NORD inverter standing upright with connectors on bottom.

Drive manufacturer NORD DRIVESYSTEMS realizes more compact frame sizes and facilitates servicing with netX.

Worker inspecting an electrical Installation at a Leadec plant.

netMIRROR facilitates quick and reliable troubleshooting in RealTime Ethernet networks at factory service specialist Leadec.

cifX PC-Cards integrate Automated Weld Seam Inspection Systems to numerous Real-Time Ethernet and Fieldbus networks at German machine vision specialist VITRONIC.

The right product for every application

Our range of cifX PC cards includes all form factors available on the PC market. From conventional form factors such as PCI or PCI Express to the smallest multi-protocol PC cards in the very compact M.2 format, we have the right one for your IPC. All you have to do is plug the cifX card into the standard interface. Whatever you need, whether different cable lengths, dual-channel cards or comprehensive software support—we have the right solution for your individual application.

With our embedded modules , you can easily equip your own IPC solutions and designs with the full range of industrial communication protocols. Our multi-protocol and master-capable netJACK module, for example, optionally features convenient tool-free assembly. All you have to do is prepare your motherboard and casing for assembly and simply slide it in when the customer asks for it.

Your advantages with our solutions at a glance:
  • Easy integration
  • Multi-protocol support
  • Fast time to market
  • Hilscher platform strategy
  • Numerous hardware options
  • Low development costs
  • Long-term product availability
  • Support and additional services throughout the entire lifecycle
Related links
Two Hilscher employees discussing a contract.

Are you looking for an integration partner for your industrial communication project? From multi-protocol capable netX chips to IIoT applications - our network of partner companies offers you the support you need!

Employee sitting on the back of a couch in Hilscher's office building.

Our solutions enable machines all over the world to communicate autonomously and securely with each other. From communication controllers, PC cards and embedded modules to network analysis and Industry 4.0, we make industrial communication possible. Read our success stories.

Communication controllers and printed circuit boards are extensively tested at Hilscher in Germany.

We make industrial communication possible. From legacy fieldbus to Real-Time Ethernet and the cloud. Our solutions are multi-protocol capable, flexible and reliable. Our solutions are based on our in-depth knowledge of automation technology, which is reflected in our technology.