The Digital Data Chain combines future-driven technologies offering an efficient exchange of data and information based on a uniform standard, on all levels, and with international validity. In the future, all of a plant’s components will be quickly identifiable via an ID Link using standard mobile devices.

Machine connectivity is a central component of the digital factory. IoT applications, monitoring, and data analysis can only be implemented if they have access to machine and process data residing in PLCs and other devices.

This Connectivity Showcase presents the viewpoints of eight industry experts. With Factory Automation Connectivity Solutions, manufacturers are collecting data in real-time to monitor, track, and optimize production processes, and improve safety, reduce downtime and increase production speed and efficiency.

From a heat, reliability, and size considerations, an integrated device option must be carefully considered. When choosing integrated DI or DO devices, the robust operating specifications, diagnostics and the support of multiple input-output configurations are some of the important data points to keep in mind.

EtherNet/IP offers a potent industrial automation network solution by relying on commercial-off-the-shelf technology and standard, unmodified Internet Protocol and Ethernet made up of IEEE 802.3 combined with the TCP/IP Suite, to enable seamless, interconnected networks for local, edge and cloud applications.

Single Pair Ethernet as backbone for IoT data services.

Single Pair Ethernet is leading the way by enabling new possibilities for smart factory digitalization. But industry experts point to CAT7 cable innovations, along with application-specific and hybrid solutions, as catalysts for achieving IT/OT convergence and long lasting impact on factory automation applications.

One cable technology and EtherCAT P minimize system cabling for a medical equipment manufacturer, and ensure significant increases in efficiency. A major benefit is standardization on OCT for drives and EtherCAT P at the I/O level, significantly reduced the wiring effort and improving decentralized power distribution.

New technology does not eliminate the cause of EMC interference, but it does address significant points at which interference is introduced into a system. A new cable design enables equalization currents to be reduced by up to 80% at the frequency inverter output and on parallel paths such as data…

Manufacturers of Ethernet switches and other industrial networking devices often make vague claims like “weatherproof” or “dust-resistant” about their products. But how do you know if these claims are legitimate? Are the devices truly safe? Is there a certification that is trusted industry-wide? Fortunately, there is.