Decision criteria in favor of the most comprehensive Ethernet protocol
PROFINET is the Ethernet standard for automation technology from Phoenix Contact. Producing companies will only opt for seamless networking on an Ethernet basis, however, if the same performance spectrum is offered in the field level as is provided by the bus systems currently used.
These include:
- Fast, cyclical and tine-equidistant transmission of process data
- Synchronization of drive systems
- Transmission of safety-related signals
- Transparent and seamless connection of the office and factory world
Please select:
Scalable realtime solution
PROFINET provides three communication channels that are adapted to the various equipment classes and can run parallel on the same network or device. Standard channel (TCP/IP, RDP/IP), realtime channel RT (Real Time) and realtime channel IRT (Isochronous Real Time).
Compatible with the "open Ethernet world"
Architecture model for distributed automation
The component-based architecture model, PROFINET CBA (Component Based Automation), supports the trend towards distributing automation functions to various intelligent subsystems, since it defines both the plant engineering and communication between the subsystems and their devices.
While the components within the function units are connected to one another via PROFINET or the INTERBUS system, with a proxy taking care of "translating" the fieldbus standard into the PROFINET protocol, the configuration of the communication relationships is required for the interaction of the function units at runtime. For this purpose, the data to be exchanged between the function units is described while the units are programmed with the programming system together with a PROFINET CBA file. The parameter data of the individual subsystems is then imported to the link editor and the function units linked at the click of a mouse.
Simple integration in existing fieldbus systems
Seamless integration of fieldbus solutions in a PROFINET system is simple via proxies. The proxy acts here as representative for the fieldbus devices in Ethernet. It integrates the devices connected to a lower level INTERBUS system in the higher level PROFINET system. It is thus possible to exploit the advantages of INTERBUS, such as high dynamics, localized diagnostics and automatic configuration of the system without making settings on the devices, in the PROFINET world.
Support by suppliers of control engineering
Access to the control system of Phoenix Contact is gained via PROFINET interfaces, so that broad support of the protocol, and thus access to many automation solutions, is provided in all industrial sectors.