November 21, 2006
Many companies have several networks, in which data are transferred in different ways. Computer networks, for example, generally communicate on the basis of Ethernet technology. This leads to end-to-end communication in the office environment. Print jobs can be sent to a central printer, and e-mails can be opened world-wide.
By contrast, the data in plants and machines are transferred via many different field-bus protocols. Communication among these systems, and especially between them and computer networks, is therefore costly, because it is possible only with special hardware and software. The use of an Ethernet-based communication system in plants or machines, instead of the field-bus systems used hitherto, promises a remedy for this issue.
Using Industrial Ethernet now makes process and diagnosis data from machines and plants available in a uniform overall network. Employees who require access to production data receive the necessary access rights from the network administrator. These employees can then, with just a few mouse-clicks, find out how effective production is, or whether there are costly down-times at a plant, for example. The current status of individual I/O signals, for instance, is of interest to service technicians. It is even conceivable to make this query via the Internet. One potential benefit is that the service technician does not have to travel to the customer’s premises to locate the error. He receives access authority for the affected areas of the company network, and can thus carry out “remote diagnosis”.
The use of Ethernet technology allows very large volumes of data to be moved very quickly within a network. Even real-time applications such as motion control are supported by Industrial Ethernet. Intelligent mechanisms control the allocation of the IP addresses to I/O modules, and thus simplify commissioning and maintenance. Confusion is thus ruled out.
With the multiple award-winning, modular Cube67, Murrelektronik offers a field-bus system which, with its bus nodes for the frequently-used Ethernet/IP and Profinet I/O protocols, already offers a solution for machine and plant installations in Protection Class IP67. The bus node has a web server integrated in it. This permits data to be queried via any web browser. Installation of special diagnosis software is no longer necessary.
In an office environment, the various users such as computer, printer or telephone are connected via RJ45 plugs. Thanks to their special housings, these plugs, which have already become established in the world of Ethernet, have also made a breakthrough into industrial applications. Like the RJ45 plugs, the industrial-quality M12 round plug connectors with D-coding, which have proved themselves in the field for many years, also conform to Ethernet specifications. M12/RJ45 adapters simplify installation at the interface between field and switch cabinet.
The development of Industrial Ethernet is strongly influenced by the automobile companies Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, and Volkswagen. These companies have jointly formed AIDA (Automation Initiative of German Automobile Manufacturers). They focus on technical benefits in applications, and also on the business benefits. This gives this technology special significance for the suppliers of the automotive industry, as well as for general mechanical engineering and plant construction.