Feature Communications & Networking
Millions of devices can’t be wrong W
Since its inception over 20 years ago, the development of the industrial networking market has confounded the conventional economic theory - far from the expected rationalisation, we have more networks and protocols than ever, as David Folley of HMS Industrial Networks explains
ith over 20 main open net- works and 50 proprietary ones, device and equipment makers face a real dilemma as they must be able to supply their machines or devices with the ability to communicate with any network or between different networks. Conventional wisdom is to use a modular communication gateway, and this popular approach is readily avail- able for almost all open and propri- etary networks. However, on occasions a modular solution will be inappropriate due to its physical size or cost. For this reason gateway manufacturers have also started releasing their core tech- nologies in the form of chips and dedi- cated board (brick) based solutions. These are ideal for high volume and PCB level integration.
Without investment or risk In manufacturing, high performance industrial automation networks are increasingly in demand to meet the need for faster control, reduced cycle times, and to support higher levels of secure data transfer. This demand is rising as producers seek to optimise and integrate their automation systems. Whilst the hardware manufacturers promote their proprietary systems for speed and reliability, open networks have gained in popularity because no single producer provides a range of con- nected devices for every application. The benefits to users of open net- works include being able to select best in class products, a multi-vendor plat- form and the opportunity of joining a user group.
Earlier problems such as who is responsible if a device connected to a network under performs have largely abated as leading network gateway man- ufacturers certify their gateway devices with the open network associations. Gateway communication devices are particularly attractive to third party manufacturers seeking to integrate net- working into their devices. Previously there were a number of considerations before the development of network compatible versions of their products, such as which of the 70 or so networks are most important to your business? Because of this, equipment makers
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have turned to established, specialist companies that develop, produce and market intelligent communi- cation technology for automa- tion equipment.
They work closely with both manufacturers and the open network associations to ensure their gateway products are fully compatible, and routinely conformance test all such devices.
There are many considerations in selecting a suitable gateway device. For example, in higher volume appli- cations an embedded device may be more appropriate whereas connecting a smaller number of disparate devices may require a different solution.
Embedded fieldbus/Ethernet interfaces Module: A typical embedded interface module utilises a plug-in design in which the different network interfaces can be plugged into the product’s con- trol board by way of a standard CompactFlash connector. Different plug-in modules provide device makers with interfaces allowing connectivity to the leading industrial networks. As the modules’ software interfaces are network protocol independent, automation devices with a suitable slot can use any compatible plug-in module. This allows the host application to sup- port all major networking systems using the same software driver.
These devices use a custom devel- oped network communication proces- sor to deliver a flexible interface. The performance and flexibility provided by them offers a fast time to market of between one and three months and are ideally suited for automation device manufacturers. Typical applications include HMIs, robot controllers, drives, micro-PLCs, valve manifolds, instru- mentation, weigh scales, temperature controllers and barcode scanners. Modules are categorised into two types - active modules that support the fieldbus and Ethernet networks, and passive modules that provide the physical layer network interface and transparent pass through for serial data between the network and host. These are available for RS-232, 485,
USB and Bluetooth. Chip (pictured bottom): The recipient device uses a single chip high perfor- mance network processor. This ASIC has a high performance, low power RISC processor including Profibus, Ethernet, CAN and other communica- tion interfaces as well as inter- nal RAM and Flash memories. The device is for mounting in the PCB and requires the customers to supply a few add- on components for integration with the host processor. Brick (pictured above left): The brick type interface is for device manufacturers who are looking for a semi-integrated solution where connec- tor flexibility, size, cost and time to market are key elements, and gives users the flexibility to add their own connectors on the network side (DSUB, RJ45, M12 etc). It incorporates the net- work processor and com- ponents required for a fast, cost effective fieldbus or Ethernet connection for the industrial device. The brick includes network functionality and is ready to communicate, which results in a reduction of effort and a fast time to market.
Industrial Ethernet made easy High performance versions are also available for high end industrial Ethernet and fieldbus applications requiring fast network cycles. They use a flash-based, single chip network processor that includes a high perfor- mance ARM core and an FPGA (field programmable gate array) fabric. The FPGA fabric is used to imple- ment the various real time Ethernet interfaces while the ARM core is used to run the protocol and application stacks. Since they are flash-based, the devices can be re-programmed for several differ- ent industrial Ethernet networks by simply downloading new firmware. This reduces system development time because there is no need for redevelop- ment for each additional network. These faster processors are ideal for high performance, synchronised appli- cations such as servo drive systems. Dedicated technical support is avail- able for implementers, and the fact that millions of embedded network gateway devices are already in use is a clear sign that the solution can’t be wrong.
HMS Industrial Networks
www.anybus.com T: 01926 405 599
Enter 217 APRIL 2013 Automation
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