Guide to Hardware by Connection Type – MachineMetrics

Overview

This article will list hardware based on the different types of machine integrations most commonly used. To learn more about overall integration preparation, visit our Guide to Integration Readiness.

Content of this article:

Hardware Shop
Definitions
Wired Connection Hardware (Edge in server room)
- Simplified Wired connection diagram
Wireless Connection Hardware (Edge mounted at each individual machine)
- Simplified Wireless connection diagram
Tablets (Post Connection Hardware)

* Please Note: In certain situations, a facility may incorporate more than one type of hardware connection to satisfy the connectivity of all the machines on the shop floor.

* Please Note: It is worth noting that this article encompasses the majority of connection types, but there may also be alternate variations not explained here.

Hardware Shop

Below is a link to our online marketplace where you can place orders for the hardware listed in this article. In some instances, your Customer Success Manager may manage this process for you. If you are not sure if you need to order your hardware, reach out to your CSM directly.

Visit the MachineMetrics Hardware Shop

To purchase hardware from another source, you can use our guide below as a starting point:

Recommended Hardware Shopping List

Definitions

Wired Connection- All machines report to a single Edge device which is mounted in the server room, and connected to a network switch. Network drops (CAT5, CAT6 cable) must be run from the edge device to each machine.
Wireless Connection- Each machine reports to an individual edge device, mounted inside the machine's electrical cabinet. Each edge device reports machine data to MachineMetrics App using a strong wifi signal. This method uses two Edge WiFi antennas mounted on each cabinet and connected to the edge in the machine's electrical enclosure.
Direct Connection - This type of connection can be wired or wireless. The edge device is connected directly to the machine's PLC or relevant data port (generally an ethernet connection). This method is used when your machine is capable of transmitting data using an approved data sharing protocol (FOCAS, MTConnect, etc.).
I/O Connection- This type of connection can be wired or wireless. Machine data is collected in the form of analog signals and/or sensor data from your machine. These signals are sent to the I/O Module, and are in turn sent to the MachineMetrics edge device. This method is used on older machines that are not capable of sharing data through an approved data sharing protocol.

Wired Connection Hardware

Wired integrations require a single Edge device to be mounted in a server room next to a network switch. The network switch will act as the hub from the machines on the floor to the Edge. This integration type does not require antennas to be connected to the Edge Device unless the MachineMetrics Bluetooth configuration app is used.

*Please Note: The Edge can handle up to 50 machines.

Highlights of this type of Connection:

Edge located in the server room, and
Network drops to each machine with connection

Associated hardware:

Edge Kit
MOXA Kit (if Haas serial connection is required)
T4 or T7 I/O Kit

Edge Kit

Items in RED are not used for this method of integration.

MOXA Kit

T4 I/O Kit

T7 I/O Kit

T7 Hardware Kit Drawing

Items in RED are optional.

Simplified Wired Connection Diagram

*Please Note: Simplified network connection examples can be found here: Simplified Network Connection Examples

Wireless Connection Hardware

Wireless connections require a single Edge device to be mounted in the electrical control cabinet or HMI enclosure of the machine. Antennas are mounted to the Edge via connector cables and the antennas are mounted in an appropriate location outside the enclosure (for best signal). Once powered up and configured, the edge will communicate wirelessly to the shop Wireless Access Point.

Highlights of this type of connection:

Edge located in electrical control cabinet or HMI enclosure of each machine, and
Uses shop floor WiFi connection.