PROFIblog

May 30 2021

Can PROFINET Use Ethernet Cables? – Cabling Consideration

loading… 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….

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May 7 2021

Is PROFINET Proprietary? (a clear answer for engineers)

loading… 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…

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Apr 28 2021

PROFIBUS Device Types Explained: Master vs Devices

loading… PROFIBUS devices are divided into three classes based on their functions: PROFIBUS DP master (class 1) PROFIBUS DP master (class 2) PROFIBUS device PROFIBUS DP master (class 1): A PROFIBUS DP master of class 1 (DPM1) is a master who uses cyclical communication to exchange process data with its associated devices. Devices of this…

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Apr 7 2021

A Complete Comparison: PROFINET RT vs IRT

loading… 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…

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Mar 20 2021

Can PROFINET and Ethernet Employ the Same Switch?

loading… 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…

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Mar 12 2021

The Difference Between Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet

loading… The terms Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet often create confusion as they are often used interchangeably. This post makes a comparison between Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet. Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet are the same thing. The only difference is that Industrial Ethernet includes running Ethernet traffic over more ruggedized hardware. For example, the cabling employed for…

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Feb 18 2021

PROFINET Network Overview

loading… 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….

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Feb 10 2021

What is PROFINET? – PROFINET Explained

loading… 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…

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Jan 22 2021

Is PROFIBUS Based on Ethernet?

loading… Industrial communication protocols, such as PROFIBUS and PROFINET, are based on different physical layers. PROFIBUS is based on RS-485, which is a common serial communication method. PROFIBUS networks can achieve speeds of up to 12 Mbit/s, though most networks run at 1.5 Mbit/s. The telegram size can be up to 244 bytes, and the…

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Jan 5 2021

How to Configure a PROFINET Network (Full Demonstration)

loading… 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…

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