How is PROFINET entering the industrial sector?
Definition of PROFINET
PROFINET (Process Field Net) is an industrial standard for communication over Ethernet that enables data exchange between electronic devices in industrial environments. It is an industrial Ethernet-based protocol that is used to configure and monitor exchanges between automation systems and field devices such as sensors and actuators. It is developed and supported by PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International), an organization with more than 1200 members, with notable contributions from companies such as Siemens, Phoenix Contact and Molex.
History of PROFINET
The origin of PROFINET dates back to when the industry sought to standardize communication between devices at the field level, leading to the development of the standard PROFIBUS in 1989. PROFIBUS was developed by a consortium of 21 European companies, mainly German, with the aim of creating a common platform for data transfer at a field device level
The evolution from PROFIBUS to PROFINET
The transition from PROFIBUS to PROFINET marks a significant development in industrial communication. While PROFIBUS is a classic serial fieldbus, PROFINET introduces additional capabilities through the adoption of Industrial Ethernet, enabling faster and more flexible communications. Despite its heritage, PROFINET is not simply an encapsulation of PROFIBUS, but represents a major advancement with expanded functionality that facilitates more efficient communications in modern industrial environments. The introduction of PROFINET IO, for example, symbolizes this transition to more robust and flexible Ethernet technology, reflecting the continued commitment to innovation in the field of industrial automation.
What are the main features of PROFINET
Data transmission
PROFINET guarantees reliable data transmission and supports various network topologies. It enables real-time communication between devices in industrial automation systems, satisfying a wide range of requirements from data-intensive parameter assignment to extremely fast transmission of I/O data. PROFINET uses three communication services, namely standard TCP/IP for non-deterministic functions, real-time for deterministic automation applications, and isochronous real-time for high-precision timing requirements.
Compatibility and interoperability
PROFINET is compatible with standard Ethernet, facilitating seamless integration with enterprise systems and providing real-time data availability. It also ensures extensive connectivity, enabling the integration of various automation networks and establishing strategic links with PROFIBUS. This compatibility enables improved management, optimized production processes and increased operational efficiency, both locally and globally.
Safety and diagnostics
In terms of security, PROFINET adopts a defense-in-depth approach to protect production facilities against attacks, particularly external ones. This approach includes multiple perimeter levels, including firewalls. Best practices for protecting industrial environments using PROFINET are documented, providing guidance on error protection, incident management, prevention of unauthorized access, and the use of proven standards and devices such as security guards. fire, VPN, IDS/IPS.
For diagnostics, PROFINET stands out with its first-class diagnostic mechanisms. It is built on the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard, integrating IT protocols such as SNMP, LLDP and HTTP into its communication architecture. These protocols make it easier for the user to implement diagnostics without requiring the writing of specific diagnostic protocols. The SNMP protocol, for example, can be used to collect information about network components and inform control engineers about the current state of network health. In addition, diagnostic methodologies from the IT world can be exploited, allowing information on the devices to be obtained at any time.
Why use PROFINET?
Effective automation
PROFINET is a central pillar for industrial automation, providing real-time communication and extremely fast data transmission, which is crucial for contemporary industrial applications. With its fast and reliable communication, PROFINET is adept at handling data-intensive settings, facilitating real-time automation and IT integration with a single system. This capability is considered a basic requirement for Industry 4.0. With support for data transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbps, PROFINET makes real-time communication possible for automation systems, including real-time and isochronous communications, suitable for time-sensitive applications.
High-performance industrial networks
PROFINET, with its architecture based on standard Ethernet and its openness to the TCP/IP protocol, offers a solid foundation for high-performance industrial networks. It establishes a sustainable architecture, essential for Industry 4.0, thus responding to the growing challenges of the industry such as reducing market access times and improving flexibility. Additionally, PROFINET facilitates a flexible network topology and ensures reliable communication, key elements for maintaining efficient operation of automation equipment.
Response to the challenges of industry 4.0
By addressing the challenges of Industry 4.0, PROFINET highlights technologies like OPC UA for optimal communication between controllers and for vertical communications. Furthermore, the integration of TSN (Time Sensitive Networking) with PROFINET offers robust real-time mechanisms, allowing convergence with other protocols and scalable integration, without changing the application layer, which is crucial to meet the requirements of the new industrial era.
This modular approach allows manufacturers a disjunctive implementation of their instruments, providing exactly the functions needed by users. PROFINET's modular architecture and its ability to share the same network with OPC UA, enable a smooth transition to Industry 4.0 requirements, providing valuable information for equipment management and diagnostics.
What are the standards and standardization of PROFINET?
International standards
PROFINET is consistently structured according to international standards, which guarantees its reliability and interoperability on the global stage. It is mainly governed by the international standard IEC 61784-2 which divides PROFINET applications into four conformance classes: Class A (CC-A), Class B (CC-B), Class C (CC-C) and Class D ( CC-D), each with specific requirements and functionalities. For example, Class A only certifies devices, while Class B requires that the network infrastructure also includes certified products. Classes C and D, on the other hand, enable positioning systems and real-time network functionality with bandwidth reservations and application synchronizations. Additionally, PROFINET is a part of the IEC 61158 / IEC 61784-2 standards, which define what the signal looks like on the wire and what the medium accessing the wire should do, using Industrial Ethernet as a physical layer (defined by IEEE802 .3).
Standardization organizations
PROFINET standardization is primarily orchestrated by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), a global industry association dedicated to the standardization and dissemination of industrial communications and information technologies. PI, with a global network of 1,700 member companies, works on the continued development of automation technologies, the creation of new standards, and the facilitation of knowledge transfer. It also aims to protect the investments of users and manufacturers through its influence on standardization. Furthermore, PROFIBUS Nutzerorganization eV (PNO), as part of PI, is another community active in the standardization of PROFINET.
Conclusion
PROFINET, with its roots stretching from PROFIBUS, marks a monumental shift in industrial communication orchestration, embracing Industrial Ethernet for faster, agile interaction between automation systems and field devices. By aligning robust data transmission, broad compatibility, and superior diagnostic mechanisms, it transcends conventional boundaries, promoting seamless integration and real-time responsiveness across the industrial ecosystem. Its contribution to Industry 4.0 is immeasurable, spearheading efficient automation and high-performance industrial networks, meeting the aspirations of reducing time to market and increasing flexibility. The adoption of technologies like OPC UA and TSN resonates with the demands for optimal communication and protocol convergence, positioning PROFINET as a backbone capable of supporting Industry 4.0 ambitions.
Furthermore, its alignment with international standards, orchestrated mainly by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, evokes its commitment to reliability, interoperability, and standardization, thus ensuring technological continuity in a constantly evolving industrial world. PROFINET's modular structure, combined with its ability to coexist harmoniously with other protocols and standards, promises a smooth transition to futuristic industrial paradigms, while consolidating its position as a central pillar in the industrial communication revolution.
