In the same way that personal smart devices receive new features from firmware upgrade, industrial facilities are driven to get more out of the equipment. With the Ethernet Hart Multiplexer GW PL…Bus, the various measurement and diagnostic data of the Hart devices can now be used to increase system efficiency.

EtherCAT G uses 1 Gbit/s data transmission of standard Ethernet; while the EtherCAT G10 variant, presented as a proof-of-concept technology study, achieves data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s. The considerable increase in data rates compared with standard 100 Mbit/s EtherCAT significantly increases the possible data throughput.

The combination of PackML and OPC UA can be used to solve strategic and machine integration issues facing manufacturers. PackML offers a standard for modeling industrial machine systems, and provides an effective architecture that can be used to control and monitor any sort of machinery, not just packaging machines.

Metric round plug connectors are some of the most widespread interfaces worldwide when it comes to cabling for machines, industrial plants and devices under demanding conditions of use. Available in various diameters and codes, circular connectors offer solutions for data, signals and power.

Development of cable assemblies is not as simple as would appear at first glance. However, it can be completed quickly and cost-efficiently by choosing the right partner. Early involvement of a partner during the design phase is essential, so the process can be optimized technically and from a sourcing perspective.

Existing network solutions do not include synchronization of motion I/O, which limits achievable control performance. The synchronization scheme proposed here enables synchronization all the way from the network master to the motor terminals and offers significant improvement in control performance.

A set of proposed enhancements, many adopted from or inspired by IETF and IEEE, would make it possible to use EtherNet/IP on constrained devices and networks, enabling a unified, single-network vision where all devices in an industrial plant would be able to communicate using the same set of protocols.

Industrial systems can potentially benefit and offer high availability in EtherNet/IP systems by using the Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) feature, Frame Replication and Elimination for Reliability (FRER), as defined in the IEEE 802.1CB-2017 standard. Availability is increased in networks by introducing redundancy.

Cyber security and protection of technical systems from attacks are key elements in the transition to digitization, especially in the automation industry. Due to a lack of regulations and knowledge in cyber security, many companies face uncertainty as to how to tackle this important issue.

Around the world in factories large and small, worlds are colliding as the Modbus world, massive and pervasive, is colliding with the IoT. Modbus devices and data are not easily included in today’s HMIs, analytic systems, historians and critical applications, even though they contain important manufacturing data.