Networks & Communications

The communication gateways are designed for use in industrial automation
plants where increasingly many different industrial networks are used. The
gateways help system integrators to easily interconnect between two networks
enabling transparent information flow throughout the entire plant.
 

ControlNet is a real-time control network that provides high-speed transport of both time-critical I/O and interlocking data and messaging data, including upload/download of programming and configuration data on a single physical media link. The ControlNet network’s highly efficient data transfer capability significantly enhances I/O performance and peer-to-peer communication in any system or application where it is used.

ControlNet is highly deterministic and repeatable, and remains unaffected as devices are connected or disconnected from the network. This ensures dependable, synchronized, and coordinated real-time performance.

Resources

• RA ControlNet Network Site

DeviceNet is a simple, open networking solution that reduces the cost and time required to wire and install industrial automation devices, while providing interchangeability of like components from multiple vendors.

Based on the Controller Area Network (CAN) technology, DeviceNet is a cost-effective solution for low-level industrial device networking and an effective way to provide access to the intelligence present in those devices. A DeviceNet network lets you connect devices directly to plant-floor controllers without hard-wiring each device into an I/O module.

 The EtherNet/IP network offers a full suite of control, configuration, and data collection services by layering the Common Industrial Protocol over the standard protocols used by the Internet (TCP/IP and UDP). EtherNet/IP uses TCP/IP for general messaging/information exchange services and UDP/IP for I/O messaging services for control applications. This combination of well-accepted standards provides the functionality required to support both information data exchange as well as control applications.

Another key feature of EtherNet/IP is that it uses commercial, off-the-shelf Ethernet components and physical media. This provides a cost-effective plant floor solution using a familiar and well-understood infrastructure.

Resources

• Ethernet/IP Network

As a specialist in automation, control and networking systems, Belden offers a complete, integrated structure for data communication throughout the manufacturing operations. We develop innovative solutions, which are geared towards its customers’ requirements in terms of performance, efficiency and investment reliability. 

 A centralized serial transmission manifold suited to a wide variety of industrial and process applications.
Supporting a wide range of protocols including DeviceNet, Profibus, EtherNet and ControlNet this versatile manifold is configurable with a wide range of valve options.
Capable of up to 32 inputs and 32 outputs this compact manifold is easily integrated into control cabinets and onto robotic applications.

Resources

• SMC Serial Interface

Find cable testing equipment for LAN networks, test sets and other network troubleshooting & performance management solutions. 

A panel interface connector (PIC) is a device that is mounted to the outside (exterior) of a panel that houses a PLC or computer. The PIC allows the user to interface the PLC or computer without opening the panel door, thereby, eliminating the potential safety hazards associated with having an open electrical panel. 

Discover how Panduit’s complete physical infrastructure solution enables Industrial Automation systems by delivering expertise and innovations that improve reliability, security, and safety while reducing operating costs.

Resources

• Panduit Physical Infrastructure

Process Instrumentation Networks provide communication between process instruments and the process control system. Rockwell Automation offers integrated PlantPAx™ Process Automation System support for instruments on HART and the FOUNDATION™ fieldbus. Our Encompass™ Partners provide expanded support for Profibus PA, as well as Modbus and other networks. Endress+Hauser and other partners now offer process instruments that connect to EtherNet/IP™ networks to support this growing trend. 

Communication devices that include license-free, wireless radio modems and license-free wireless Ethernet modems meet unique industrial automation needs, from a simple single point remote system to a complex multi-tier multi-drop SCADA system.  Increasingly popular for installations that otherwise typically require costly microwave, wire, or fiber optic solutions. 

Thousands of industrial plants are operating more efficiently today with integrated wireless solutions.  From simple monitoring systems to high-speed control, industrial wireless networks are expanding every day.  It doesn’t matter if your organization has 1 or 100,000 employees, you can still benefit from extending your productivity outside and inside the walls of an office or building.