With the new digital output module of the Phoenix Contact Axioline F I/O system, coupling relays can be easily connected to I/O stations using pre-assembled cables. PLC series relays can be inserted into the module using the Varioface V8 adapter without tools.

Siemens simplifies the monitoring of industrial networks with its new version of Sinema Server V13 software. This software automatically detects all Profinet and Ethernet devices on a network and allows them to be clearly viewed in a web browser.

Siemens enables remote control applications based on the SINAUT ST7 remote control protocol thanks to the new CP 1243-8 IRC communication processor. This new processor allows Simatic S7-1200 controllers to be connected as remote stations (remote terminal units, or RTUs) to higher-level ST7 stations with minimal effort and reduced cost.

Every decade has its prominent manufacturing trends and highly publicized IT innovations. Just as the Y2K problem did in the late 1990s, several topics are currently generating numerous articles in manufacturing publications. These include the following:

In light of the rapid development of the Industrial IoT and its anticipated impact on the global economy, factories are aligning themselves to implement industrial automation systems with fully interconnected networks. One of the main challenges of the implementation process is finding a cost-effective and robust way to integrate disparate and complex tasks and processes.

Belden Inc. introduces a new solution from GarrettCom that combines routing with network security: the Magnum 5RX Fixed Configuration Security Router. This integrated router delivers superior network performance while addressing the growing security concerns associated with industrial applications in isolated environments.

Logitek presents the new ProfiHub B4FO2+ and ProfiHub B2FO2+, two devices developed by its partner Procentec that deliver all the capabilities for total stability and continuity of operations in industrial facilities that need 24/7 operation.

ZTE Corporation (ZTE) has launched new Packet Transport Network (PTN) products from the market-leading ZXCTN 6000 family to enable customers to build higher-performance networks.

Belden Inc. has released the latest version of its Hirschmann network management software. Industrial HiVision 5 enables quick and easy configuration of firewall and wireless devices. With this software, industrial networks can be managed holistically, ultimately resulting in increased network availability.

Helmholz's new TB20 decentralized I/O system, distributed by AN Consult, features numerous practical details developed in response to market demands. The basic range comprises fieldbus couplers for PROFINET, PROFIBUS, CAN Bus, Modbus TCP, and Ethernet/IP with both analog and digital inputs and outputs.

The SST-PB3-CLX-RLL communication module connects your Rockwell ControlLogix® to a PROFIBUS DP network. PB3 designates the third generation of the PFB (Profibus) module.

HMS markets a new CAN PC series interface for CAN FD under the IXXAT brand, along with a comprehensive set of drivers and support tools. With the new CAN-IB 500 and CAN-IB 600 models, HMS offers two interface cards (passive/active) compatible not only with CAN but also with the new CAN FD standard.

1. Multi-Master Profinet Network
In a multi-master network, each lower-level controller is a Profinet-IO device belonging to a higher-level master. In turn, this lower-level controller is also a Profinet-IO controller with its own Profinet-IO devices.

Phoenix Contact's new SafetyBridge I/O modules increase the flexibility, functionality, and application areas of this network-independent safety solution. New features in this range include a secure input module with a greater number of inputs and a logic module with numerous new functions.

1. Omron Profinet Network
This article describes the procedure for implementing a Master/Slave Profinet network using OMRON technology. The procedure utilizes a CJ1G CPU 42H PLC as the master, and PHOENIX FL IL 24 BK-PN-PAC and OMRON GRT1-PNT distributed peripherals as slaves. The OMRON GRT1-PNT can be used as the active communication medium, as this device has an integrated ASIC switch with two communication ports, enabling a copper-wired network.

SVIA, in Sweden, uses Anybus X-gateways ports to connect its DeviceNet-based automated cells to any network used by its customers.

1. Phoenix-Contact Profinet Network
This article describes the procedure for implementing a Master/Slave Profinet network using Phoenix-Contact technology. The following equipment is used for this procedure: an ILC 330 PN PLC acting as the master, a PHOENIX FL IL 24 BK-PN-PAC distributed peripheral device to be integrated as a slave, and an FL SWITCH SMCS 8GT switch. Additionally, the integration of a slave from another brand (OMRON GRT1-PNT) is analyzed to verify configuration interoperability. The management element is a PC connected via Ethernet and running PcWorx software, which will be used as a GUI environment for network programming, integration, and diagnostics.

1. Industrial automation networks. Profinet.
Industrial communication networks address the problem of information transfer between the different equipment in an automated system.