Industrial Networks

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.

Belden Inc., a global provider of signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, and its Hirschmann switches are helping customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa create environmentally friendly and sustainable network infrastructures. In early 2012, one of the two major construction projects currently underway in France required the installation of such infrastructure.

One of the most common examples of smart home applications is the refrigerator that automatically generates a shopping list. This has already become a reality. Other application scenarios also show great potential. These range from realistic video games, where ambient lighting is synchronized with gameplay, to smart energy-saving controls, and applications for ambient assisted living and telemedicine. All of these are based, in principle, on the same structure, which will be illustrated in the washing machine example.