The fact that FTS is an advanced switching technology is essential for its use. Fast Track Switching, comparable to store-and-forward or cut-through switching, is a standard component of Ethernet technology integrated into a switching matrix. All identifiable protocols, such as Modbus/TCP, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP, can be deterministically accelerated by FTS using a cut-through method and transported across the network in guaranteed minimum times. With Fast Track, identified data is accelerated with high priority and can bypass non-priority data. It is particularly advantageous that no additional configuration of control devices is required when using FTS in the network. The network itself guarantees determinism. This is also the reason for not creating a user organization to analyze the conformity of all products. HARTING customers can create real-time deterministic networks by choosing Fast Track switches.
FTS now also supports linear structures
The FTS switch has gained market acceptance and has been met with a unanimously positive response. Nevertheless, HARTING continues its open market strategy with an integrated approach. For example, Hilscher now also uses Fast Track Switching and presented the latest generation of netX real-time Ethernet controllers at SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2011.
The netX includes Fast Track Switch features, while the netX 51/52 can also implement the full transfer protocol with the integrated ARM CPU.
The profiles mentioned above can be deterministically accelerated with Fast Track Switching and these ASICs. The chip is competitively priced and features two integrated PHYs.
The target market is device manufacturers who produce products such as I/O components for conventional use in linear structures in machines or plants. The two companies have agreed to maintain compatibility of the Fast Track Switching technology and continue its development.
The corresponding tests have been carried out with fully satisfactory results. Therefore, it is possible to create integrated networks in a linear topology consisting of FTS switches and end units with an integrated three-port FTS switch.
Although Fast Track switches are compatible with non-FTS devices and can be used in a mixed environment, the fewer other types of switches connected between them, the better the performance of the entire automation section and the more timely all data will arrive.
Author:
Anja Dienelt, Product Manager Ethernet Switches, Germany, HARTING Technology Group,
