Industrial Ethernet has long been a cornerstone of modern automation, but its evolution with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology marks a significant leap forward. Introduced in 2016, TSN enhances Ethernet with features like traffic prioritization, traffic shaping, and precise time synchronization, enabling deterministic communication critical for real-time applications.

These advancements allow diverse data types—ranging from high-priority motion control signals to video streams and sensor data—to coexist on a single network without compromising performance. As industries embrace digital transformation and smart operations, TSN-empowered Ethernet is unlocking new possibilities across a wide range of markets and applications.

How TSN enhances Industrial Ethernet

Determinism—the ability to deliver data packets within a predictable time frame—is essential for applications requiring precision, such as motion control, data acquisition, and real-time imaging. Standard Ethernet faces challenges that can disrupt this predictability, including:

• Network Traffic: Bursts of data from non-critical sources can introduce latency or jitter.
• Switching Delays: Protocols like TCP/IP may cause variable delays due to retransmissions or packet reordering.
• Interference: Non-real-time traffic, such as file transfers or video streaming, competes with time-sensitive packets.
• Topology Issues: Complex or inefficient network designs increase latency.

TSN addresses these hurdles with innovative protocol enhancements. Traffic prioritization allows high-priority messages to preempt less urgent ones, while traffic shaping breaks large data packets into smaller, manageable chunks, interspersing critical messages seamlessly.

Time synchronization aligns the clocks of all connected devices to sub-microsecond accuracy, enabling scheduled communication rather than reliance on collision detection. Together, these features ensure reliable, high-bandwidth performance, making TSN-enhanced Ethernet a game-changer for industries requiring precision and scalability.

Enabling diverse applications

Since its standardization, TSN has been supported by advanced silicon chips, firmware, and protocols like CC-Link IE TSN, an open standard led by Mitsubishi Electric and managed by the CLPA (CC-Link Partner Association). Available since 2018, TSN-capable devices and switches—including those supporting daisy-chain configurations—offer flexibility and high-speed gigabit connectivity. This empowers applications that integrate multi-axis motion control, extensive data acquisition, and video imaging, delivering millisecond-level precision and robust bandwidth across markets.

Key markets and applications benefiting from TSN

Industrial Printing: Digital presses and 3D printers demand tight coordination between printhead movements, substrate feeds, and real-time monitoring (e.g., ink levels, defect detection via video). TSN ensures synchronized motion and imaging, with bandwidth to stream high-resolution analysis, enhancing throughput and quality.

Robotics and Multi-Axis Control: Robotic systems, such as 6-axis robots and manipulators, rely on deterministic communication to align joint movements, sensor feedback (e.g., force/torque), and vision systems for object recognition. TSN maintains sync across subsystems, supporting complex tasks in manufacturing and logistics.

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and Warehousing: AGVs navigating warehouses use motion control (wheels, steering), LIDAR, and video for obstacle detection. TSN enables fleets of AGVs to run autonomously, leveraging islands of TSN on the AGV for ultimate performance, and to share real-time position data over a wireless, high-bandwidth network, optimizing coordination and efficiency.

CNC Machining: Precision metalworking requires synchronized multi-axis control (e.g., spindle, toolpath) alongside diagnostics (e.g., vibration sensors, tool wear imaging). TSN delivers tight timing and bandwidth for high-frequency data, improving accuracy and uptime.

Semiconductor Manufacturing: Wafer fabrication involves intricate robotic handlers, defect sensors, and optical inspection systems. TSN’s sub-microsecond coordination and massive data capacity ensure flawless operation and quality control in this high-stakes industry.

Packaging and Food Processing: High-speed lines integrate conveyors, robotic arms, weight sensors, and label verification cameras. TSN guarantees precise timing for cutting and sealing while supporting data-heavy traceability requirements.

Medical Device Production: Assembling precision devices like pacemakers requires multi-axis control, sensor feedback, and imaging for quality checks. TSN ensures real-time monitoring and coordination in sterile, high-precision environments.

Energy Systems: Wind turbines adjust blade pitch using motion control and monitor conditions via sensors and video, while smart grids synchronize distributed data. TSN enables real-time adjustments and high-bandwidth oversight.

Broader implications

TSN’s ability to blend deterministic performance with protocol coexistence—while leveraging Ethernet’s gigabit bandwidth and ubiquity—makes it a versatile backbone for smart industries. Markets pushing the envelope, such as those combining motion, data, and imaging, benefit most, gaining competitive advantages in efficiency, reliability, and scalability. The availability of TSN-capable components simplifies network design, ensuring seamless integration across applications.

Spotlight application

A notable example is Keller, a Polish OEM, which has harnessed CC-Link IE TSN in a bottle printing machine. By leveraging TSN’s deterministic motion control over multiple servos, the system achieves exceptional productivity, accuracy, and precision—demonstrating the technology’s transformative potential.

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Conclusion

Industrial Ethernet with TSN is redefining connectivity, offering deterministic performance, high bandwidth, and flexibility for a digitally connected world. From robotics and CNC machining to AGVs, packaging, and beyond, TSN empowers diverse markets to meet the demands of precision and smart operations. As adoption grows, this enhanced Ethernet standard promises to drive innovation and efficiency across industries, proving its value as a foundational technology for the future.

Roy Kok, Senior Partner and Alliances Manager, CC Link Partner Association (CLPA)