Belden has expanded its edge computing portfolio with the release of the ProSoft Technology ELX3 ProLinx Edge Gateway. The device is designed to combine operational technology (OT) protocol conversion with Docker-based application hosting on a single hardware platform.

The gateway enables communication between dissimilar devices by supporting EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP data exchange. It allows industrial operators to deploy custom code for machine learning, predictive maintenance, and digital twin monitoring directly at the machine level, facilitating localised decision-making.

The hardware is ruggedised for harsh environments, featuring a temperature range of -40ºC to +70ºC and ratings for Class I, Division 2 environments. It is engineered to withstand industrial shock, vibration, and electromagnetic interference, making it suitable for oil and gas, power distribution, and heavy manufacturing sectors.

“The ELX3 is ideal for industrial companies looking to unite data from disparate IIoT devices and legacy OT equipment, bringing silos of automation into centralised systems for analysis and action,” said Erik Syme, Director of Program Management at ProSoft Technology.

Belden stated the platform is designed to be future-proof, allowing for the addition of new protocol containers as they are released. The gateway targets industries including automotive, food and beverage, and water treatment, where extracting and acting on OT data is required to improve efficiency and reduce waste.