Ethernet enables computers to communicate over one network - in today's environment, communication between machines would not be feasible without it. First created in the 1970s and subsequently standardized as IEEE 802.3, Ethernet is the leading standard in office settings for data networks today.
"Industrial Ethernet" defines the improvements that allow Ethernet to be used in industrial automation, even for critical applications. Industrial Ethernet is Ethernet applied to an industrial environment, often requiring more robust connectors, wires, and, most importantly, better determinism.
Industrial Ethernet (IE) is the use of Ethernet with protocols that provide determinism and real-time control in an industrial setting. Factors such as high reliability, robust communication, and device exchange during running operation are crucial. Industrial Ethernet utilizes specific protocols in combination with Ethernet to accomplish improved determinism. These protocols are already widely available and for which integration into the DCS is straightforward. PROFINET®, EtherNet/IP®, EtherCAT®, and Modbus TCP/IP, are some of the most common.
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| Industrial Ethernet Topology with Electric Actuators |
EtherNet/IP
® is an industrial network protocol that adapts to the Ethernet standard to the Common Industrial Protocol. EtherNet/IP
® is one of the USA's leading industrial protocols and is commonly used in a variety of sectors including factory, hybrid and process control.
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Electric Actuators using Industrial Ethernet in a water
treatment plant (AUMA) |
AUMA, a leading manufacturer of electric actuators, is continuing to invest in pioneering Industrial Ethernet communication and now offers an Ethernet/IP
® interface.
Ethernet/IP
® is the third Industrial Ethernet standard that
AUMA supports, in addition to PROFINET
® and Modbus TCP/IP.
Ethernet/IP
® offers superior connectivity and enhanced network flexibility. With bandwidths up to 100 Mbit/s,
AUMA actuators with Ethernet/IP provide reliable and rapid exchange of both cyclic process data and acyclic diagnostic data from the actuators.
Industrial Ethernet has many technical advantages:
- Transmission of real-time and IT data via a common medium
- Virtually unlimited number of participants and network expansion
- Flexible topologies which can easily be scaled and expanded
- Quick transmission even of extremely large data volumes
- Integration of web servers and IoT interfaces such as OPC UA within the device
- Simple access to field level device data without proprietary gateways
- Reliable in operation, no complex termination, simple maintenance
- Future proof
There are many different configurations of pinch valves. Some words about these configurations have a very specific connotation for the field specialists.
