Cirronet has developed modules that integrate ZigBee wireless technology easily and inexpensively into existing industrial automation networks: its ZigBee ModBus Gateway and ZigBee Sensor Modem for industrial automation.
Specifically, Cirronet's products allow PLCs from a variety of vendors to communicate with remote sensors and actuators over a ZigBee network using standard ModBus addresses and commands. Since the ZigBee ModBus gateway communicates with the PLC using the ModBus protocol, existing monitoring programs can still be used to report on ZigBee connected devices.
Companies are increasingly using wireless sensors and networks to monitor factory floor conditions and control automated systems. Wirelessly networked monitoring and control products based on the ZigBee standard create easily deployed, redundant path, low-cost systems for integrating even the simplest sensors into industrial automation systems.