Altus participates in the National Automation Meeting (ENA) 2024

Altus participates in the National Automation Meeting (ENA) 2024

On October 9th and 10th, Altus will be part of the 2024 National Automation Meeting (ENA), held at Expominas in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. 

Recognized as one of the top networking and innovation platforms in industrial automation, this event will bring together companies and professionals from across Brazil, from 8 AM to 8 PM, to exchange ideas, share knowledge, showcase cutting-edge automation and AI technologies, and explore new business opportunities in the fast-evolving landscape of Industry 4.0. 

With over 40 years of expertise, Altus continues to strengthen its position as a leader in developing technological solutions for Industry 4.0. At our booth, number 14, we’ll be showcasing a comprehensive range of products and technologies, including the Nexto series of programmable logic controllers (PLCs), compact Nexto Xpress PLCs, Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), frequency inverters, and more. Our solutions are built with state-of-the-art technology, designed to optimize efficiency, safety, and flexibility in industrial processes, driving your business forward. 

ENA 2024 is a must-attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve on the latest industry trends and technologies. With free registration available via Sympla, it’s an ideal opportunity to connect with our experts and discover how Altus solutions can help transform your industrial operations. 

We look forward to welcoming you at Expominas BH, located at Avenida Amazonas, 6200, in the Gameleira district, where you can experience firsthand the solutions that are shaping the future of industrial automation. It would be a pleasure to meet with you and discuss how we can support the success of your business. 

See below for more information about the products and solutions we’ll be presenting at the event. 

A Global CPU to Power Your Business into the World of Industry 4.0 

The centerpiece we are bringing to the trade show is the NX3008, a high-performance CPU from the Nexto Series of programmable controllers. Designed with advanced security and virtualization capabilities, this all-in-one solution is tailored for machine and process applications, delivering the performance, connectivity, and versatility required by today’s Industry 4.0 environments. 

Powered by a high-speed 64-bit ARM single-core processor with a 1 GHz clock, the NX3008 can handle over 1,000 PID loops in under 2 millisecondsten times faster than earlier models. To ensure the reliability of critical applications, the unit also includes an energy backup system with 1 MB of retentive memory, safeguarding essential data. 

As the most advanced controller in the Nexto Series, the NX3008 features three Ethernet portsone Gigabit and two supporting PROFINET Controller—making it ideal for use in an MRP ring network. Additionally, it is equipped with an RS-485 port, a CAN port, a USB 2.0 interface, and a MicroSD card slot. The CPU supports a wide array of communication protocols, including EtherNet/IP, OPC DA/UA, MQTT, EtherCAT Master, MODBUS TCP and RTU, PROFIBUS-DP, CANopen, J-1939, and IEC 60870-5-104. 

In addition to its robust hardware capabilities, the NX3008 comes with advanced software features that enhance cybersecurity, connectivity, and virtualization. One standout feature is its built-in VPN, which establishes a secure, private connection directly to the CPU, allowing for safe remote access to your business’s control network. To further bolster security, the unit also includes a firewall. 

The NX3008 supports FTP connections, enabling seamless data exchange with FTP servers. This means that data logs, captured through its datalogger function, can be accessed remotely, providing greater flexibility in data management. 

Another powerful feature is the built-in Docker platform, which allows the virtualization of software designed for Unix-based systems. This capability adds flexibility and speed to your operations, enabling multiple software processes to run simultaneously within the CPU itself. 


Telemetry and Advanced Connectivity with Nexto Xpress Compact PLCs 

Built to meet the demands of today’s highly connected environments, the Nexto Xpress Compact PLC is the perfect solution for the industrial sector. With built-in Ethernet, Serial RS 485, CAN, and USB communication interfaces, the Xpress PLCs also support a broad range of communication protocols such as MODBUS TCP and RTU, PROFINET, CANopen, J-1939, IEC 60870-5-104, EtherNet/IP, OPC DA, OPC UA, and MQTT.  


The XP340 model takes it a step further by offering WebServer capabilities, allowing users to create supervision and monitoring screens without the need for a SCADA system. Additionally, these controllers can connect seamlessly with leading cloud services, including Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Google One, and Amazon AWS. 


Designed to meet the challenges of Industry 4.0, the Xpress PLCs also come equipped with advanced cybersecurity and connectivity features. To ensure secure system operations, these PLCs have built-in firewalls and VPNs, providing safe remote access to your control network. The devices also support FTP connections, enabling smooth data exchange with compatible servers. 


One of the standout features of the Nexto Xpress PLCs is their high processing power. Powered by a 32-bit ARM processor, along with a real-time clock (RTC) and high-density digital and analog I/O points (supporting voltage, current, and temperature), these controllers deliver exceptional data acquisition speed, precision, and performance. 

The PLCs also offer five expansion options for input and output modules, allowing for greater flexibility and the ability to expand the number of devices in your system. 

Both the Xpress PLCs and the NX3008 CPU utilize the MasterTool IEC XE programming software, a CODESYS-based platform scalable for projects of all sizes (free for up to 320 I/O points). Have you downloaded version 3.62 of MasterTool IEC XE, the latest release? Click the banner below to get it now. 


Introducing Altus New LoRa Datalogger and Gateway 

Designed to meet the diverse monitoring and telemetry needs of modern industries, the Nexto Logger NL717 and LoRa Gateway GW700 are Altus` latest solutions for remote data collection and transmission. These new products are ideal for use in energy generation plants, hydrological and meteorological stations, and other systems that require efficient, long-distance data collection. Both devices leverage the LoRa communication protocol, a long-range, low-power radio technology widely adopted across various IoT applications. 

Guided by a strong commitment to Customer Focus, Altus continually invests in research and development to deliver innovative, value-driven solutions for a wide range of industries. This focus on innovation is at the heart of the company’s DNA, driving the creation of impactful, market-leading products. 

To cater to the expanding demands of Brazil`s industrial market, Altus proudly presents the Nexto Logger, the first datalogger in the Nexto Series of programmable controllers. 

Curious about what a datalogger is and why it should be part of your setup? Head over to the I&A Blog and check out our article on the topic, where we discuss the various applications and advantages of these powerful devices. 


The Nexto Logger NL717 is a compact, high-performance device equipped with fast processing capabilities, built-in digital and analog inputs, Ethernet interfaces, SDI-12 communication, and integrated long-range LoRa radio. It’s designed for applications that demand remote, highly accurate data collection—crucial for monitoring hydrological parameters, managing solar energy systems, controlling irrigation in agriculture, and more. This level of precision is key for both public and private urban infrastructures, where sensor data and real-time measurements are essential. 

The Nexto Logger is also designed to complement applications that already use the Nexto Series programmable controllers, extending the functionality and scalability of these systems. This compatibility makes it an excellent choice for OEM machine builders and system integrators working in industries where flexibility and scalability are critical. 

Engineered to perform in tough environments and withstand the elements, the LoRa Gateway GW700 boasts an IP67 protection rating, making it a perfect fit for urban, rural, and industrial settings alike. The gateway also features a power system with multiple safety protections, all compliant with international standards. 

With thousands of devices used in today’s industry to monitor variables like temperature, humidity, and water levels, the GW700 is designed to work seamlessly with LoRa devices from Altus, such as the NL717 datalogger, as well as any LoRa-compatible device on the market. It can also be integrated into networks with other gateways without needing additional conversion equipment or adaptations. 

This level of flexibility makes the GW700 an ideal solution not just for large network operators but also for individual users managing their own networks and devices. In Brazil, there are already public networks where anyone can extend coverage using the GW700 without compromising data security. Thanks to LoRa’s multi-layer encryption, built directly into both the network and the application, users can rest assured that their data is fully protected. 


Reliability and Durability in Asynchronous Drives Across Various Power Ranges 

 Delivering high performance with low energy consumption, Optidrive Frequency Inverters are a cost-effective solution for controlling machines and electric motors. With a wide range of options, the versatile drives from the Optidrive E3, Optidrive ECO, and Optidrive P2 families are ideal for controlling low-power three-phase asynchronous motors. Explore our range of solutions to find the drive that best suits your needs. 


The Optidrive ECO Series offers highly specialized solutions to enhance the performance of fans and pumps in HVAC applications, ensuring maximum operational efficiency under any conditions. This not only guarantees energy savings but also helps reduce costs and time. The series features an advanced motor control system that further improves the energy efficiency of the inverters. 

With capabilities such as precise speed control, energy optimization, and start-stop functions, the Optidrive ECO Series delivers significant energy savings for climate control applications. Furthermore, all products in this family are compatible with BACnet and MODBUS communication protocols, making them easy to integrate into building management systems. 


Speed and Efficiency for Machines with X2 

The X2 Human-Machine Interface Series is recognized for its open platform and exceptional product design. Built with high-performance hardware specifically engineered for the graphical power of X2 software, these HMIs deliver the reliability and durability your operations demand. Available in sizes ranging from 4 to 21 inches, the widescreen displays offer 30% more usable screen space, ideal for more complex applications. All models come with an unlimited runtime version of the X2 software, adding even more value.                


BluePlant: Scalable Supervision System for Applications of Any Size 

The SCADA/HMI BluePlant system delivers a powerful solution for supervision, control, and data acquisition, blending sleek design, high performance, and strong connectivity in a feature-packed platform. With a user-friendly and visually appealing interface, BluePlant uses a client-server architecture that supports a wide range of communication tags, alongside simulation and debugging tools. The software also enables remote access, allowing users to develop applications and collaborate with multiple developers in real time.  

 

BluePlant’s graphical engine is powered by Microsoft WPF technology, providing dynamic user interfaces with real-time tag and value mapping, a key differentiator from other systems on the market. It includes a comprehensive library of pre-configured symbols, making it easy to create schematic screens, plant layouts, and graphical representations. The system’s modern design also supports advanced features like 3D objects, multi-touch functionality for recognizing multiple touch points, intuitive zoom via mouse scroll, and a variety of chart types, including pie and line charts.