With increasing device counts and complex site layouts in large industrial networks, managing these networks efficiently is crucial. This can become a major challenge for industrial automation. Emerson’s most recent advancements are aimed directly at enabling engineers to optimize network performance and simplify SCADA integration without compromising reliability.
Emerson’s latest upgrades include the 1410S Gateway, 781S Smart Antenna, and the launch of the DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect. The new capabilities of the 1410S Gateway and 781S Antenna offer substantial improvements in network capacity, coverage, and scalability. At the same time, the DeltaV solution simplifies the integration of field devices into a cloud-hosted SCADA system.
Wireless Network Infrastructure
Emerson has introduced some new upgrades to the 1410S Wireless Gateway, a key component in industrial WirelessHART networks. The latest firmware increases the capacity of each Gateway to handle up to 500 devices per antenna, up from the previous 200-device limit. This is made possible through the integration of dual WirelessHART technology, allowing for 1,000 devices to be connected through a single gateway. This substantial increase in device capacity is critical for industries managing large-scale wireless networks with diverse and numerous field devices.
Support up to 500 devices with the 1410S Wireless gateway while providing range and network reliability with the 781S Smart Antenna. Image used courtesy of Emerson
The 781S Smart Antenna has also been redesigned to improve flexibility and range, making it better suited for large or complex industrial sites. The integration of a terminal block with new remote antenna options allows for easy installation using the appropriate cable lengths and types required by the specific installation. This flexibility ensures that engineers can deploy the antenna in a way that fits their unique needs, while also allowing end users to optimize network performance how they see fit. With the high-gain remote antenna, compatibility minimizes the need for repeaters and network hops. These upgrades significantly improve signal strength and reduce infrastructure requirements, which are key considerations for engineers when designing efficient and scalable wireless networks.
Edge Computing with DeltaV SaaS SCADA and Edge Connect
Emerson’s DeltaV™ SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect offers an innovative solution for integrating field devices with cloud platforms in industrial environments. Built on Emerson’s PACEdge™ software, the DeltaV solution provides a seamless interface between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems, facilitating secure, high-performance communication. The system has been pre-configured to connect a wide range of field devices such as RTUs, sensors, and flow computers to the cloud, reducing the engineering effort typically required for such integrations.
Emerson’s customers will now have a flexible solution for secure communications for all field devices while being able to use their native communication protocols. Image used courtesy of Emerson
The DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect is designed to minimize the complexity of SCADA systems by eliminating the need for additional conversion adapters, using native protocols for communication. This can significantly reduce the time required to establish connections between field devices and SCADA systems, while also integrating a built-in marketplace for applications, offering the flexibility to add pre-configured applications or develop custom, containerized applications using the Node-RED low-code platform.
The DeltaV solution utilizes dynamic polling resolution and onboard data buffering to maximize network efficiency and reliability. With the DeltaV SaaS, polling intervals are event-driven, which means they automatically increase frequency upon data changes to prioritize critical updates. Integrated data buffering also ensures that process data is locally stored during communication disruptions and forwarded once connectivity is restored, preventing the loss of data and helping to maintain time-series integrity for real-time and historical analysis.
Emerson’s advancements in the 1410S Wireless Gateway, 781S Smart Antenna, and DeltaV SaaS SCADA with Edge Connect can provide industrial engineers with ease-of-use solutions for enhancing wireless network capacity, reducing infrastructure costs, and integrating edge computing seamlessly with cloud-hosted SCADA systems. These technologies provide the scalability and flexibility needed to support complex, large-scale industrial environments while maintaining high reliability and efficiency.
For those attending the Emerson Exchange 2025 in San Antonio, Texas, May 19-22, you’ll be able to check out the DeltaV Saas SCADA edge solution.
