Time-Sensitive Networking solutions are coming of age in smart manufacturing backed by the performance of standard gigabit Ethernet networks and the ability for real-time, deterministic control information and application data to co-exist on the same network.

Success for TSN in manufacturing has been coming for a period of time. The initial Ethernet Specification was completed in 2016, and the initial work on CC-Link IE TSN was completed two years later. Next came a period of technology development, additional work on specifications and prototype systems. The CC-Link Partners Association (CLPA) played a critical role in refinement of the standards, and development of the controllers and devices that modern manufacturing systems require.

Thomas Burke, Global Strategic Advisor for the CC Link Partner Association, said that Time-Sensitive Networking is moving ahead with sweeping changes that are impacting automation and machine control networking.

“The industrial communications landscape has dramatically changed over the years. I remember when Ethernet was first coming into the factory, and it took a while to be successfully understood that this was the right technology for factory and process automation,” Burke told IEB.

“The value of TSN is it’s clearly about the convergence of networks and the ability to have multiple industrial Ethernet networks running on the same physical wire. But what customers are realizing with the value of the technology is the fact that they can perform control applications simultaneously and be able to configuration applications – plus they can have other applications and devices like printers and cameras on the same wire without affecting control.”

Burke said that things like safety and motion are commonplace on industrial Ethernet networks and the fact that it will be able to add new devices to the network while the network is being used for control applications will make everyones life much easier. There a re manyopportunities to leverage deterministic performance and the ability to address digital transformation and IT to OT conversions that TSN provides. Safety and security are critical components that automation applications clearly need.

Check out the application stories in this report to learn how CC-Link IE TSN is being applied to high performance Bottle Printing Machine and Additive Manufacturing, Footwear and Battery Production.

Simplified network architectures

The use of a simplified Ethernet backbone using TSN ultimately results in simplified machine designs. This approach reduces system costs, shortens project timelines and increases uptime by the use of simpler network architectures.

Users implementing Time-Sensitive Networking don’t need to change the entire infrastructure within a plant but can utilize TSN on a machine-by-machine basis.

Greater process transparency

Devices and systems sharing the same network architecture to communicate avoids the complexity and cost of multiple networks, but real-time deterministic communication allows data to be shared across the entire enterprise.

A top priority for manufacturers is greater process transparency that allows data to flow from the source where can be processed to obtain actionable insights, and then fed back into the process. This ability to deliver greater process transparency and optimised operations helps create higher levels of productivity, as optimised processes run more effectively.

Convergence of OT and IT systems

By extending Industrial Ethernet standards, TSN enables the convergence of IT and OT systems on industrial networks. Both real time-critical data for machine control networking and data-intensive applications can be implemented using a shared Ethernet cable without interfering with each other. OT and IT systems are able to leverage the converged stream of data that can be easily shared between the factory floor and supervisory systems.

Easier integration of devices

CC-Link IE TSN offers a strong ecosystem of device suppliers and the ability to integrate solutions for complex, real-time manufacturing systems. The expansion of compatible CC-Link IE TSN products has been achieved using development methods and implementations on both hardware and software platforms. This includes ASIC and FPGA-based hardware, and development of software protocol stacks using general purpose Ethernet chips for master controllers or devices.

This flexibility has allowed device vendors to develop products using the most optimal methods while minimizing time to market and creating a wide range of products for end users.

Al Presher, Editor, Industrial Ethernet Book