PROFINET Controller vs Device
PROFINET is a communication protocol to exchange data between controllers and devices. PROFINET components employ the consumer provider model for data exchange. With this model, controllers and IO devices can both assume consumer and provider roles, leveraging the full-duplex nature of Ethernet. Now, let’s explore three component roles you can observe in a PROFINET installation:…
Is PROFINET deterministic?
PROFINET network installations typically operate in demanding industrial environments. PROFINET exchanges IO data with the appropriate speed and determinism required by manufacturing plants. To ensure suitable performance, PROFINET delivers data through the following communication channels: TCP/IP or UDP/IP for non-time-critical tasks, PROFINET Real-Time (RT) for time-critical cyclic data exchange PROFINET Isochronous Real-Time (IRT) for time-critical…
Can PROFINET Use Ethernet Cables? – Cabling Consideration
When designing a PROFINET network, you should employ the appropriate network components. For example, many people are uncertain about installing standard Ethernet cables in PROFINET networks. Can PROFINET networks use standard Ethernet cables? You can employ standard Ethernet cables to build a PROFINET network. There is no need for specialized hardware or vendor-specific products. You…
Is PROFINET Proprietary? (a clear answer for engineers)
The statement that PROFINET is proprietary is a myth that we will debunk. A proprietary standard is owned by a company or organization. Such an entity exercises sole discretion as to who may use their technology and under what terms. An open standard is publicly available and has various rights to use associated with it….
A Complete Comparison: PROFINET RT vs IRT
In the PROFINET world, PROFINET Real Time (RT) and PROFINET Isochronous Real Time (IRT) are common terms. PROFINET RT and IRT can be employed to deliver data within a PROFINET network. PROFINET RT is equipped in all PROFINET components and fulfills the majority of industrial automation timing requirements. PROFINET IRT is optional as it is…
Can PROFINET and Ethernet Employ the Same Switch?
Switches are crucial components in industrial networks. They are commonly implemented in PROFINET configurations to deploy various topology options (i.e., tree, star, line, ring). But are those switches able to handle PROFINET telegrams and other Ethernet traffic? PROFINET can coexist with other Ethernet-based protocols in the same network and share network infrastructure, such as switches…
PROFINET Network Overview
When building an industrial network with PROFINET, you will employ three major pieces of hardware: controllers, devices, and general infrastructure. Controllers can be PLCs, DCSs, or PACs. Devices can be I/O blocks, RFID readers, drives, process instruments, proxies, or even other controllers. And cables, connectors, switches, and other components make up the network infrastructure. You…
What is PROFINET? – PROFINET Explained
This article answers a very general but common question: What is PROFINET? PROFINET is an open Industrial Ethernet solution based on international standards. It is a communication protocol designed to exchange data between controllers and devices in an automation setting. It was introduced in the early 2000s and is the most well-adopted Industrial Ethernet solution….
How to Configure a PROFINET Network (Full Demonstration)
This video will show you how to configure a PROFINET network. PROFINET controllers have an associated engineering tool to configure the network. Even though engineering tools vary across manufacturers, there is a standard process for configuration. First, import the GSD file and configure the network in the Engineering Tool. Second, configure the devices and download…
FAQ on PROFINET Basics (get your questions answered!)
This article resolves some of the most common introductory questions about PROFINET. Besides this FAQ, you can learn more about PROFINET by watching this on-demand webinar: How PROFINET Works? A Beginner’s Guide. PROFINET Introduction FAQ Can an Ethernet protocol be deterministic? Ethernet on its own is not deterministic. But Ethernet-based protocols can use their own…