§4.2 – Proxy Devices
Remember, a ‘proxy’ is a special interface for connecting PROFINET to lower level networks such as PROFIBUS, INTERBUS, etc. A proxy differs from a standard gateway or bridge in that acts as a sub-network master and a PROFINET slave simultaneously. The underlying protocol is therefore mapped directly to PROFINET and the PROFINET controller ‘sees’ the…
§4.0 – Migrating from PROFIBUS
If you have PROFIBUS networks already installed, or if you’ve got PROFIBUS skills available in your plant then migrating from PROFIBUS to PROFINET will be quick and simple. That’s because the Working Groups which developed PROFINET drew heavily on the experience of PROFIBUS. For example, if you’re familiar with GSD files for engineering you’ll be…
§3.5 – Maintaining
Standard Ethernet has a set of diagnostic tools and protocols that will be familiar to office-based technical personnel. These can be utilized in the industrial environment to provide detailed information about lower-level transport-oriented issues such as TCP, UDP and IP activity. They can also support statistical and connection analysis.
PI North America General Assembly Meeting 2012
Our General Assembly Meeting was exhausting and exhilarating again this year. It was exhausting preparing and participating, but exhilarating listening to the user presenters especially. The keynote was delivered by Mike Bastian, Global Controls Manager for Ford Powertrain and represented an expanded version of the presentation he gave at the PROFINET Executive Leadership Forum. (See…
§2.1 – Handling I/O
PROFINET treats I/O very much like PROFIBUS does. An engineering tool is associated with the controller and obtains information about the IO Devices from a GSD file just like PROFIBUS does. After a project is configured in the software, it is downloaded to the controller. The controller can then communicate with the I/O Devices. The…
§1.5 – Free Training across North America
Over 16 free one-day training classes for PROFINET are given across North America throughout the year. They serve to educate and assist in all technical aspects of using the PROFINET. The class is specifically designed for end users, machine builders, system integrators and manufacturers of automation devices. All students receive a training manual that includes a hard…
Discrete Automation
Discrete -or Factory Automation- is typically characterized by faster processes than process applications. Here we use PROFIBUS DP (Decentralized Periphery). The most prevalent medium for PROFIBUS transmission is over copper wire, and for this, the easy-to-use and cost-effective RS-485 transmission technology is used. We are able to transport 244 bytes of data from 9600 bit/s…
§1.3 – Fieldbus: What & Why
Fieldbus is a digital industrial networking technology for transporting data between control devices (such as a PLC or DCS) and field devices (such as I/O, drives, actuators and transmitters) for the purposes of controlling production lines and equipment. By improving communications between these devices, a fieldbus facilitates significant improvements in the way plants are controlled, monitored…
§1.0 – PROFINET What & Why
PROFINET is the world’s most advanced Industrial Ethernet solution. It is a communication protocol to exchange data between controllers and devices. Controllers can be PLCs, DCSs, or PACs. Devices can be I/O blocks, vision systems, RFID readers, drives, process instruments, proxies, or even other controllers. PROFINET is fully compatible with – and leverages all the…
PROFIBUS PA in the Process Industries #3
Configuration, variables, and diagnostics of PROFIBUS PA instruments are topics covered in this webinar. Also addressed is how to integrate PA into DP networks.