Profinet
A Summary of the Benefits of PROFINET:
- The perfect combination of IT standards and automation
- Flexible network structures
- Extensive diagnostics
- Profiles
- Large international network
PROFINET is based on ETHERNET and expands PROFIBUS technology for applications requiring high-speed data communication via ETHERNET networks together with industrial IT functions. PROFINET allows a combination of standard ETHERNET subscribers with real-time subscribers in the same network. PROFINET ensures that real-time communication is not disrupted by standard TCP/IP-based communication and that time requirements are met reliably. This flexibility offers a great advantage over other ETHERNET real-time systems, in which standard IT devices cannot be integrated into the network at all or can only be integrated at designated locations.
As one of only a few real-time ETHERNET systems, PROFINET also sets the standards for the network robustness of field devices. For example, netload classes provide information on the behavior of the device under stress situations and thus enable targeted system planning to prevent failures by intentional (attacks) or unintentional network disturbances (faults). Features such as access control and data integrity can also be implemented with PROFINET through network segmentation and VPNs.
PROFINET allows the coexistence of non-real-time communication (NRT) with real-time communication and uses both real-time forms:
What lies behind these two concepts are conformity classes which, among other things, determine what real-time characteristics a PROFINET subscriber possesses. The appropriate implementation can be selected according to the application area: The bandwidth ranges from simple requirements without hard real-time requirements (e.g., in wireless systems) to applications with synchronized subscribers and determinism requirements in the microsecond range.
The additional PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive and PROFIenergy profiles define the behavior of automation components in different industries:
PROFIsafe
PROFIdrive
PROFIenergy
PROFINET’s flexible structures make it possible to perform diagnostics with the help of a PC from any interface in the automation network; the operating state of the automation system is irrelevant. This permits optimal physical adaptation of the network structure to the present circumstances and allows operation without any physical topology limitations:
In many cases, it is also possible to combine previously separate networks, as long as the permissible netload is taken into account.
Maximum interface flexibility for easy service
May eliminate the need for a second network
Compact devices readily fit into existing cabinet space
Optional redundant networking to increase system uptime
Extensive network and system diagnostics
A wide range of available sensors/actuators on the market