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Fieldbus systems at a glance
Efficient communication via fieldbus network modules
Fieldbus systems play a crucial role in modern automation technology. They enable communication between controllers, sensors and actuators. At a time when the demands for speed, reliability and flexibility are constantly increasing, fieldbus systems provide the necessary infrastructure to control and monitor complex processes.
Ethernet-based fieldbus systems use Ethernet technology for industrial communication, which gives them high bandwidth and fast data transmission. They are particularly suitable for real-time applications and offer flexible network architectures and topologies. Traditional fieldbus systems are based on older communication standards and offer deterministic data transmission with fixed time intervals, which is sufficient for many control tasks.
Below we compare some of the most common fieldbus systems: Profinet, Ethernet IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, CC-Link IE Field, CC-Link IE Field Basic and IO-Link Master with multiprotocol. Find out which system is best suited to your requirements.
Ethernet-based fieldbus systems
Profinet is an Ethernet-based communication protocol that was specially developed for automation technology. It offers high transmission speeds and enables deterministic communication, which is required for time-critical applications. Profinet supports both real-time communication (RT) and isochronous communication (IRT), making it ideal for applications with high synchronization requirements. In addition, Profinet is able to integrate a wide range of devices and manufacturers, which increases flexibility. The same applies to the connection with IO-Link. This saves time and costs and improves process quality.
Profinet modules: With our network modules, Profinet can be integrated end-to-end - from the control level to the drive. Even in harsh environments.
Ethernet IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) is another Ethernet-based protocol based on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP). It enables the integration of controllers, sensors and actuators in a network and offers the high bandwidth required for fast data transmission. The use of standard Ethernet hardware makes Ethernet IP cost-effective and easy to implement, making it particularly attractive for applications in manufacturing and process automation.
Network modules for Ethernet/IP: We offer a comprehensive Ethernet/IP program for your high-performance system. Our Ethernet/IP modules are extremely user-friendly.
EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is a real-time Ethernet protocol that was developed for automation technology. It is characterized by extremely short cycle times and the ability to support a large number of nodes. EtherCAT uses a master-slave architecture in which the master sends the data to all slaves in a single cycle, which enables very fast and efficient communication. These features make EtherCAT particularly suitable for applications that require high precision and synchronization, such as robotics and CNC technology.
EtherCAT modules: With EtherCAT network modules from Balluff, you too can benefit from particularly fast data transmission and flexible architecture.
Modbus TCP is an extension of the classic Modbus protocol that communicates via TCP/IP. It is easy to implement and is frequently used in process control. Modbus TCP enables communication between different devices, regardless of their manufacturer, and offers broad support in the industry. The simplicity and flexibility make Modbus TCP a popular choice for many applications, even though it does not offer the same real-time capability as other protocols.
Modubus TCP modules: Our multiprotocol IO-Link masters feature Modbus TCP and allow you to control your processes using the advanced protocol.
CC-Link IE Field is a high-speed fieldbus system based on Ethernet technology. It offers a high bandwidth and is designed for the integration of various automation devices. CC-Link IE Field supports both real-time communication and the transmission of large amounts of data. It is particularly popular in the Asian automation industry and enables a high level of interoperability between devices from different manufacturers.
Network modules for CC-Link IE Field: We have developed a highly functional and practicable fieldbus module for the perfect connection of I/O systems to the open, deterministic high-speed network for CC-Link IE Field.
CC-Link IE Field Basic is an open fieldbus system that is widely used in automation technology. It enables communication between different automation devices and offers a high transmission speed. CC-Link IE Field Basic is particularly suitable for applications that require simple integration and high reliability and is frequently used in factory automation.
CC-Link IE Field Basic modules: If you want to rely on the fieldbus system, we can also offer you a suitable module for this.
IO-Link master with multiprotocol
TheIO-Link masterwith multi-protocol functionality offers a particularly flexible solution for automation technology. With these multiprotocol modules, you can use a standardized topology for different control concepts. Regardless of which higher-level controller is integrated in your system, the physical structure and cabling remain the same. This not only simplifies planning and installation, but also the subsequent adaptation and expansion of your automation solutions.
The use of IO-Link masters with multi-protocol also has considerable advantages in terms of storage. As you can support different protocols with a single module, the number of components required is significantly reduced. This leads to simplified warehousing, as fewer different parts need to be kept in stock. Companies benefit from lower storage costs and faster availability of spare parts, which increases efficiency and flexibility in production. In addition, the simple parameterization and diagnosis of devices enables faster maintenance and servicing, which further reduces the total cost of ownership.
Our IO-Link masters with multiprotocol support most established industrial Ethernet protocols in one device, such as Profinet, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT. With these network modules, you are also equipped for the future, as the devices support IoT interfaces such as REST API and MQTT. The user-friendly web interface allows you to set up the devices conveniently and easily. All of our multi-protocol network modules are also IO-Link-capable.
Synergy effects in industrial automation
The combination of fieldbus systems with modern communication protocols such as REST API, MQTT and OPC UA creates synergy effects that significantly increase efficiency and flexibility in industrial automation. While fieldbus systems enable communication between devices on site, the aforementioned protocols ensure that this data can be seamlessly integrated into higher-level systems. This enables centralized monitoring, analysis and control of automation processes, resulting in improved responsiveness and higher productivity.