Technical articles about Industrial communication

In the past there was a clear distinction between field busses in manufacturing and Ethernet in the IT world. Now, however, networks based on the Ethernet protocol are conquering the furthest reaches of the factory, and the two formerly distinct communication structures are starting to merge. So it is only natural that the CIO (Chief Information Officer), in other words the head of IT, and the COO (Chief Operation Officer), in other words the plant manager, are increasingly able to "talk" on the same network. more

As the functions at all levels of automation technology become more and more complex and the information density increases, the need for communication and networking grows. Most I/O modules are linked in a decentralized manner via fieldbus systems today, and control units communicate with company networks so that production data can be archived. more

The Profidrive international standardized drive profile creates a uniform interface, which also includes the status model of the drives. This makes for quicker development of machines, improves the maintenance characteristics and increases the investment security – particularly when PI-certified devices are used. more

The Ethernet with its different transmission speeds is increasingly leaving the office and penetrating every last corner of the factory. It is therefore understandable that IT managers and plant managers want to communicate via the same network. But do they understand each other? more

Wireless networks are widely used in office environments and are also moving into the field of automation. However, classic WLAN technologies and products do not meet the requirements of industrial environments. more

Profinet with IRT has already proven its performance capability in many applications. Cycle times of less than 1 ms at a jitter accuracy of less than 1 µs can be reached. more

Wireless LAN networks are being used increasingly in industrial production. With easy to handle, low-cost tools such as Sinema E, wireless networks can also be planned and set up now without special knowledge. more

The networking of controls with each other, with the management level and with applications in the office environment are the main tasks of Industrial Ethernet in modern-day automation. more

Access to servers and networks from any location, and free movement between locations: for many companies, an integrated wireless LAN (WLAN) solution for offices and manufacturing offers many advantages. more

Low implementation costs and a high level of integration are obvious advantages of the modern system-on-chip technology. The new real-time Ertec 200 and Ertec 400 Ethernet controllers integrate these communication functions in a single component. more