Deutschmann Automation

What Deutschmann Automation does

Deutschmann Automation GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1976 and headquartered in Bad Camberg, Germany, is a privately held specialist in industrial data communication. The company designs and manufactures ASIC-based protocol converters, embedded communication modules, and modular gateways under the UNIGATE brand, enabling connectivity between serial interfaces (RS232, RS485, RS422) and a comprehensive range of fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet standards including CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET, and others. The product architecture is modular: the UNIGATE CX gateway series combines two UNIGATE CL modules to deliver over 120 protocol combinations, while the ARM-based UNIGATE IC2 embedded module series enables OEMs to integrate certified industrial communication directly into end devices and sensor systems. Differentiated software assets include the proprietary Deutschmann Script-Sprache (developed since 2001) and the Protocol Developer tool, which together enable complex protocol mappings not achievable through pure configuration, while the no-code WINGATE tool handles simpler setups. All products are designed, manufactured, and certified in Germany.

The company operates a horizontal segmentation strategy targeting two primary customer segments: industrial device manufacturers (primary) who need to embed certified communication interfaces into their products without in-house development, and industrial end users and system integrators (secondary) who need to integrate legacy or incompatible equipment into modern automation networks. Revenue is generated primarily through one-time hardware sales of UNIGATE products, complemented by professional services including custom scripting development, pre-configuration, brand labeling, and chargeable technical support. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; products are sold via a quotation-based consultative process. Distribution is channel-led: 4 domestic resellers in Germany plus importers in 18 additional countries, supplemented by direct website inquiry. The company is bootstrapped, holds PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) and CE certifications, and is an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) for customs purposes. Leadership consists of Managing Directors Horst Baumann and Dipl.-Ing. Gunther Lawaczeck, plus Managing Director Marketing and Sales Michael M. Reiter, and Head of Software Development Dominik Litzinger. A strategic partnership with MB connect line (since 2015) extends the portfolio into Secure Cloud Gateways for Industry 4.0 applications.

Name

Deutschmann Automation

Legal name

Deutschmann Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Website

https://deutschmann.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Deutschmann Automation, founded in 1976 in Bad Camberg, Germany, designs and manufactures ASIC-based protocol converters, embedded modules, and gateways under the UNIGATE brand, enabling industrial device manufacturers and system integrators to connect serial, fieldbus, and Industrial Ethernet systems across more than 120 protocol combinations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Communication Protocol Converters

NAICS

Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334290), Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing (33429)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)

akta.pro primary industry

Serial/Fieldbus-to-Ethernet Device Connectivity (Device Servers/Protocol Gateways) (HDAFAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industrial Communication & Interface Components (Transceivers, PHYs, isolators, level shifters, fieldbus/Ethernet ICs) (IMAGAJAI)

Keywords

• Protocol converters
• Industrial gateways
• Fieldbus communication
• Embedded modules
• Industrial Ethernet

Headquarters

HQ city

Bad Camberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Primary revenue stream from selling UNIGATE protocol converters, embedded modules, and gateways. Products are sold as configured or pre-configured devices ready for industrial installation. The company emphasizes MADE IN GERMANY quality manufacturing.
2. Software Tools and Licensing: Software tools including WINGATE configuration software and Protocol Developer are offered as free downloads, but the company provides custom scripting development services and pre-configuration services as paid offerings.
3. Technical Support Services: Chargeable technical support services provided via phone (+49 6434 9433-33) with credit-based or invoiced support. Support includes device troubleshooting, configuration assistance, and firmware requests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Deutschmann Automation designs and manufactures hardware-based industrial communication products under the UNIGATE brand, including protocol converters (UNIGATE FALCON, CL, MB, SC), embedded modules (UNIGATE IC, IC2), and gateways (UNIGATE CX, CM, EL) that connect serial devices (RS232/RS422/RS485) and fieldbus systems (PROFIBUS, CANopen, DeviceNet) to Industrial Ethernet networks (PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP). The product portfolio is complemented by the WINGATE no-code configuration tool and the Protocol Developer IDE with the proprietary Deutschmann Script-Sprache for custom protocol mapping.

Product overview

Deutschmann Automation is a specialist in industrial data communication offering a comprehensive UNIGATE branded portfolio of protocol converters, embedded modules, and gateways under a unified modular architecture. The core UNIGATE family spans multiple product lines: UNIGATE FALCON (next-generation DIN rail converters), UNIGATE CL and UNIGATE MB (standard protocol converters), UNIGATE IC2 and UNIGATE IC (embedded single-chip/bus-node solutions for direct device integration), UNIGATE CX (modular gateways combining two CL modules for cross-protocol connections), plus UNIGATE CM and UNIGATE EL (specialized CAN and Ethernet gateways). All products support a wide range of industrial fieldbus and Ethernet protocols including CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS DP, PROFINET, and serial standards. The portfolio is complemented by configuration and programming tools—WINGATE for no-code device configuration and Protocol Developer with the proprietary Deutschmann Script-Sprache for complex protocol mapping—and supported by Starter Kits, UNIGATE Scan, and Firmware Download Tool. The company also offers electronic cam controls (Nockensteuerungen) as a secondary product line.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• UNIGATE: Brand name for protocol converters, gateways, and embedded solutions including UNIGATE CL, UNIGATE MB, UNIGATE IC, UNIGATE IC2, UNIGATE CX, and UNIGATE FALCON product lines
• WINGATE
• Protocol Developer

Products and services

• UNIGATE FALCON Next-generation protocol converter/gateway series for DIN rail mounting. Available in ECO (economy) and PRO variants supporting PROFINET and EtherCAT, featuring an integrated 2-port switch for line topology. Used by industrial device manufacturers and system integrators to implement fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet connectivity.
• UNIGATE CL Protocol converter for DIN rail mounting that connects devices with serial interfaces (RS232, RS485, RS422) to fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet standards. Supports Modbus RTU/ASCII, 3964(R), transparent, and SSI protocols, and is programmable via the Protocol Developer script language. Used by industrial automation integrators and OEMs.
• UNIGATE MB Compact protocol converter similar to UNIGATE CL but optimized for Modbus-centric applications. Supports Modbus TCP, CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, MPI, and PROFIBUS DP fieldbus connections. For industrial OEMs and integrators.
• UNIGATE IC2 ARM-based embedded communication module for direct integration into end devices or sensor systems, making them Industry 4.0-ready. Available in EtherCAT, Fast Ethernet, Modbus TCP, PROFIBUS, and PROFINET variants. For device manufacturers embedding communication directly on their hardware.
• UNIGATE IC All-in-one bus node embedded solution for immediate implementation of fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet interfaces directly in devices. Single-chip modules available in CANopen, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus RTU, and RS variants. For industrial device and sensor manufacturers.
• UNIGATE CX Modular gateway series combining two UNIGATE CL modules to connect incompatible fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet networks. Supports over 120 variants including PROFINET-to-PROFIBUS, CANopen-to-EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP-to-PROFINET combinations. Configurable via WINGATE and programmable via Protocol Developer. For industrial integration projects requiring cross-protocol mapping.
• UNIGATE CM CAN gateway series for devices using internal CAN or CANopen that require connection to other fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet systems. Functions as an Industry 4.0 core component. For industrial OEMs and system integrators.
• UNIGATE EL Ethernet/Feldbus gateway series offering fast and simple configuration via WINGATE software, providing network components close to plug-and-play for Industry 4.0 applications.
• UNIGATE SC Protocol converter series for serial-to-fieldbus connections, available in variants including RS interfaces. Part of the UNIGATE product family.
• Nockensteuerungen (Electronic Cam Controls) Electronic cam controllers for automation applications, offered as a secondary product line alongside UNIGATE communication products.
• Protocol Developer PC-based development tool for the Deutschmann Script-Sprache, enabling flexible proprietary protocol connection between UNIGATE modules and end devices for complex applications beyond standard configuration. Includes debugger with single-step, breakpoint, and variable inspection capabilities.
• WINGATE Configuration Software Intuitive Windows-based configuration software for UNIGATE devices that enables configuration of serial-to-fieldbus/Ethernet protocol mapping without programming. Supports 3964(R), Modbus ASCII/RTU (Master/Slave), and transparent protocols. Devices can be delivered pre-configured.
• Starter Kits Starter kits and accessories for UNIGATE fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet products, including software and hardware components for evaluation and development by engineering teams.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces time-to-market for industrial communication interfaces
• +2 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• MB connect linecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Strategic partnership announced at SPS IPC Drives 2015 for the development and manufacturing of innovative key products and solutions for Industry 4.0 applications. First joint project was Secure Cloud Gateways combining Deutschmann's industrial communication expertise with MB connect line's remote maintenance solutions, enabling secure and reliable bridging from fieldbus level to the internet/cloud.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/deutschmann_DE
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCRPGjQCqul3pMsS0qVAZ8VA

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Deutschmann Automation