Single device integration for process and factory automation.

FieldComm Group’s Strategic Integration Committee (SIC), composed of leading automation industry suppliers and Standards Development Organisations (SDOs), has announced the official timeline for releasing the updated Field Device Integration (FDI) Specification. This milestone marks a critical step toward unifying device integration across process, hybrid, and factory automation.

Following the transfer of FDT/DTM assets to FieldComm Group in 2024, the organisation has significantly accelerated its efforts toward unified device integration. The resulting roadmap is a product of coordinated work by the SIC and specialised working groups. Comprised of board-level companies from FieldComm Group along with key leaders from OPC Foundation, ODVA, and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), the SIC has led the harmonisation of FDI and FDT technologies. This collaboration aims to deliver a unified, intuitive, and scalable device integration standard that addresses the evolving needs of modern manufacturing, helping both end users and vendors.

Key enhancements in the updated FDI Specification:

• Compliance, incorporating the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
• Unified device integration standard for process and factory automation
• Support for legacy systems, enabling modernisation without infrastructure replacement
• Real-time OT/IT connectivity through a common information model (PA-DIM)
• Support for modern platforms and development tools
• Empowering intelligent device and lifecycle management with protocol tunneling support, also known as nested communications

FDI specification timeline for migration:

• End of 2026: Release of the updated FDI Specification
• End of 2027: Deployment of the updated FDI Developer Toolkit
• 2029: Market availability of registered FDI-enabled systems and devices

"Today’s industrial systems are more complex than ever, yet this complexity must not compromise interoperability," said Steve Biegacki, Chair of the Strategic Integration Committee and former Managing Director of the FDT Group. "Our goal is to deliver a unified device integration solution that enhances data interoperability with OT/IT systems while supporting innovative features for modern manufacturing. This approach also provides a practical migration path, safeguarding existing investments and preparing the industry for future advancements."

“As a co-owner of the FDI specification, the OPC Foundation is committed to robust and interoperable device integration for OPC UA users and fully supports the harmonization of FDI and FDT technologies to achieve this goal,” said Stefan Hoppe, President of the OPC Foundation.

“ODVA is pleased to support the harmonization of FDI and FDT technologies to enable enhanced device integration interoperability for users of EtherNet/IP,” said Al Beydoun, President and Executive Director of ODVA.

“PI appreciates that the FieldComm Group initiated the valuable discussions to determine the need for merging FDI and FDT, taking into account the needs of interested companies, as well as the technologies of the four participating standards development associations,” said Dietmar Bohn, Executive Director of PI.

This update will enable manufacturers to transition toward more intelligent, responsive operations, unlocking the full value of industrial data and modern automation architectures.

FieldComm Group encourages automation stakeholders, vendors, integrators, and end users alike, to engage in this transition and follow key milestones.

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@FieldCommGroup @FDTGroup @OPCFoundation @ProfibusUK #PAuto #Standard

Bob Squirrell, RIP.

The death of Bob Squirrell has been announced. He died in Cyprus on the 14th December 2023.

Bob was chairman of The PROFIBUS Group (PI-UK) for nigh on 30 years since its formation in 1993. As such he headed up the British Steering Committee responsible for membership (including many well-known companies such as BAE Systems, Siemens and United Utilities), and he served on the International Board for implementing corporate strategy, promoting the technology and managing the marketing, events and administrative affairs.

A statement from the group said, "Bob was an inspiration to us all, he was a valued friend, leader, a driving force and will be missed. 

 "He was a devoted evangelist for PROFIBUS and PROFINET and without his dedication to PIUK we would not be the successful group we are today. Both he and Ann (his wife) delivered a very high standard of professionalism to our community, but with passion and enthusiasm."

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 @ProfibusUK

Gateway for IoT integration.

Gateway to easy integration of Industry 4.0 applications into PROFIBUS & HART systems

The smartLink HW-DP gateway from Softing Industrial enables access to PROFIBUS DP networks independently of the controller. Version 1.30 offers extended functions for data transmission and connectivity.

The compact smartLink HW-DP integrates seamlessly without disrupting the operation of existing installations. It offers Industry 4.0 connectivity for both new and existing PROFIBUS DP networks and enables easy and scalable integration of device data into plant asset management applications.

This version provides the following additional features:

• Support for Endress+Hauser Netilion and FieldEdge SGC500 gateway. Option to operate in parallel with Endress+Hauser FieldCare.
• Providing an extended HART IP server to add information about the remote I/O level.
• Improved visualization of the physical network in Emerson AMS Device Manager.

For users in the process industry looking to upgrade their communications infrastructure, for modern IoT use cases, the smartLink HW-DP offers a simple and cost-effective solution. Relevant data for optimization processes are available for higher-level applications via open, standardized interfaces such as HART IP and FDT. This enables the use of any HART IP client, such as Emerson AMS Device Manager, to parameterize, monitor, and analyze field devices via these open communication standards.

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@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto #Communications

New chair for fieldbus organisation.

PIUK (PROFIBUS, PROFINET, omlox and IO-Link in Great Britain) has announced that Chris McComb, Managing Director of the successful Systems Integrator iTech, has been appointed as their new Chairman.

Chris McComb

“It has been a wonderful time for me in my role of Chairman” said retiring Chairman Bob Squirrell. “We launched in the UK in 1993 with just 7 member companies and now number around 50, having successfully weathered the storm of the Covid pandemic which brought about many changes in how organisations such as ours carried out their day to day business. But here we are, almost at the other side and ready to start another year of promoting the world’s most successful industrial networking standards.

“Even though retired, I will be keeping an eye on the networking world, with a great sense of pride in what PUIK and its members have achieved. I know that Chris is ready to carry on and extend PIUK’s influence in the networking world. He will do a great job, of that I’m confident.” 

“I will endeavour to continue in Bob’s footsteps. I have known Bob for over 20 years, and he has been a foundation to our group. His leadership has forged a fantastic team, who through collaboration, support and best practice continue to support manufacturers, end-users and support organisations, such as iTech, to deliver successful and fully certified industrial network solutions across all sectors.” commented Chris. “It’s my plan to continue building the group through new membership and increasing the value to members with informative seminars, webinars and focussed regional events. With continual developments in our technologies, there is an abundance of support and guidance we can give.”

@ProfibusUK @AllThingsPROFI #PAuto #Communications #Britain

IIoT gateway for Industrie 4.0.

Softing Industrial Automation provides controller-independent access to PROFIBUS DP networks with their smartLink HW-DP. Besides HART IP and FDT, data for optimizing processes can now also be made available via an OPC UA interface. In addition, the new smartLink DTM enables FDT/DTM parameter setting for HART devices.

The smartLink HW-DP allows access to process data from PROFIBUS devices and HART devices connected to PROFIBUS remote I/Os, as well as secure export to any system inside or outside its own network. Users in the process industry who want to adapt their communication architecture to modern IIoT use cases can integrate smartLink into existing plants in a simple and cost-effective manner. Until now, access to data relevant for optimization processes was possible via HART IP for HART devices and FDT for PROFIBUS DP.

The new version V 1.10 additionally provides an OPC UA interface. This means that any HART IP and OPC UA clients, such as Emerson's AMS Device Manager or the Android app DevComDroid, can now be used to configure, monitor, and evaluate field devices via these open communication standards. With the new smartLink DTM, FDT/DTM parameters can now also be set for HART devices.

@SoftingIA @mepaxIntPR #Pauto #IIoT

Multiprotocol support.

PROFINET, EtherNetIP und EtherCAT supported.

The connection of SoM modules (Stack on Module) has been extended by port to the STM32 MCU family from ST Microelectronics. With the firmware extension “µGOAL”, all derivatives of the STM32F, STM32G, STM32L and STM32H families can now be connected to the SoM (Stack on Module) via SPI. The user is now able to offer PROFINET (incl. MRP), EtherNetIP (incl. DLR) and EtherCAT for all named derivatives.

The firmware extension µGOAL describes a software package that enables the integration of the SoM module in applications without using a complete GOAL framework platform. As a result, for example. 8 bit CPUs with 2KB RAM can also be connected via SPI with the multi-protocol support technology SoM (Stack on Module). This makes it possible to enable low-cost or low-performance CPUs to be integrated into PROFINET, EtherNetIP and EtherCAT environments quickly and easily. µGOAL mimics the required functionality from the GOAL framework, which is specifically required by the application controller framework. It is configurable in a number of ways to ensure compatibility with a wide variety of destinations. Most of the CCM-specific examples for fieldbus applications can be reused without modification.

By using the module, no investment costs in the form of licenses are necessary. The module is cUL / CE certified. The PROFINET, EtherNetIP and EtherCAT protocols are “PRE-Certified” and therefore easy to integrate.

An extensive tool chain such as the ICE (Industrial Communication Explorer - is included free of charge) and the ICC (Industrial Communication Creator - optionally available) make integration much easier.

#port #PAuto #fieldbus

Fieldbus vs 4-20mA.

The 4–20 mA convention was born in the 1950s as electronics became cheaper, and the reliability met the automation industry’s requirements. 4-20 mA provided a low-cost, easy to use solution, not subject to major signal line losses. In the 1980s and 1090s, several organizations and device manufacturers started engineering the first fieldbuses. 

This video from Profibus Foundation explains one of the most dramatic evolutions in industrial automation: the transition from 4-20 mA to digital fieldbuses. It compares the two and highlights key benefits and new business models arising from the implementation of fieldbuses.

@AllThingsPROFI @ProfibusUK #PAuto #Communications

New competency centre recognised.

Control Specialists Ltd has been appointed as a ProfiBus & ProfiNET International Competency Centre (PICC). It is the second such centre in Britain. This comes in recognition of their consultancy and technical support skills developed over a number of years as a ProfiBus & ProfiNET International Training Centre (PITC).

PI Competence Centers (PICCs) are centres of technical expertise that work closely with the Regional PI Associations. They offer technical support to anyone who needs it and perform an essential role in supporting first-time developers of ProfiBus & ProfiNET devices and systems. PICCs often support local RPAs in the delivery of technical seminars and workshops.

PICCs can also act independently to provide a non-partisan service respecting commercial sensitivities all the while bringing the synergy of the global organization to bear on the development of ProfiBus & ProfiNET products. They are governed by ‘Quality of Services’ Agreements administered by PI to ensure the technical excellence of the service they deliver.

There are currently 60 PICCs worldwide

@ProfibusUK @control_spec #PAuto #Fieldbus

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Protocol translators.

A new Intesis™ protocol translator for communication between PROFINET PLCs on factory floors and Building Management Systems with BACnet IP/MSTP has been announced by HMS Networks. With this, full data integration, monitoring, and control is enabled between factory floors and building facilities.

In factories, it is essential that environmental dimensions such as temperature, humidity, and air quality are controlled and monitored automatically to ensure optimal conditions for manufacturing and working staff. And, by ensuring efficient control of facilities such as HVAC and lighting systems, factory owners can save a lot of energy and manage emergency situations in a safe way.

However, when system integrators plan for factory-to-building integration, they normally face a heterogeneous and challenging communication situation. BACnet is typically the protocol used in the Building Management System (BMS) to control the facilities inside the building, and PROFINET is one of the most used factory networks for controlling production processes.

Focusing on this situation, the new Intesis PROFINET - BACnet IP/MSTP protocol translator from HMS Networks is a cost-effective and easy-to-install gateway solution that offers bi-directional communication between PROFINET PLCs and BACnet controllers. Able to connect up to 1200 data points, the gateway is BACnet IP/MSTP server/slave on one side and PROFINET I/O device on the other, featuring independent Ethernet ports. The gateway has been BTL certified for BACnet and carries the UL mark in order to guarantee the highest communication and quality standards.
Thanks to its strategic placement between the factory and building systems, the gateway becomes an enabler of very interesting applications such as energy metering of devices and machines in the factory from the BACnet-based BMS system, HVAC monitoring, and control from the PROFINET PLC, as well as easy alarm definition and management.

Intesis MAPS, the common configuration tool for all Intesis protocol translators, offers a very intuitive configuration process for system integrators covering both sides of the gateway. MAPS help integrators further in their projects by providing valuable EDE files for the BACnet integration, as well as GSD files and TIA portal TAG files for fast configuration of any connected PROFINET PLC controller.

Extending the comprehensive range of existing Intesis BACnet protocol translators, the new PROFINET - BACnet version is the first product in a new line of Intesis gateways for factory to building integration that will be released step by step by HMS Networks. In these gateways, HMS combines its proven Anybus® and Intesis communication technologies for industrial and building-oriented communication respectively, trusted by customers in millions of installations worldwide.

@intesis @hmsnetworks #PAuto #Communications

Finding moving objects on-site easily.

The locating standard of the future.

Any manufacturing site has an incredible amount of moving objects. They have orders, material, carriers, tools, people, transport-equipment, and so on. How can we create a digital representation of these at a reasonable cost and based on a standard, which will allow full interoperability and secure any investments?

omlox started exactly with this target.

What is needed for any location transparency or any location-based service? These four elements are crucial:

I) The identifier: The moveable object needs to be identified. It could be done for unique objects by image recognition. But, since different orders often look similar, we need an unambiguous identifier. II) The infrastructure: The information of the moveable object has to be transported, and the location reference needs to be attached. There are different ways to handle it today, such as RFID-Gates, BLE or UWB beacons or land-marks, and a Wi-Fi network for SLAM based AGVs. III) The XYZ merging (Geo-Referencing): Location-aware objects come with their own coordinate-system. But they have to interact with other location-aware objects. As a result, there can only be one definition of the coordinates in the smart-factory. Talking the same language is essential. IV) The applications: There are applications for location data: navigating, tracking, routing, analyzing, warning, and so on. This layer will bring the final value of the location service.

omlox: The Industry 4.0 Location-based Service

omlox is defining standards in the cyber-physical location world: It is defining the interfaces between I) and II) as well as between II) and III) and III) and IV). All in all, omlox is the definition of three interfaces:

1. The air-interface between I) and II) for a physical reference.
2. The API between II) and III) to include any location data.
3. The API between III) and IV) to add any application.

With omlox, users can customize their location solution in a vendor-independent manner. Any mobile omlox device (I) from any vendor can be located by any omlox infrastructure (II) from any vendor. Any omlox hub (III) from any vendor can include any omlox core zone or other any complementary location zones (II) from any vendor. And any location application (IV) fulfilling the omlox specification can be connected to any omlox hub.

In the end, the complete factory design will change with smart location-based services.

@ProfibusUK @TRUMPF_News #PAuto

Security in communications.

ProfiBus & ProfiNet International (PI) recognized at an early stage that security is one of the most vital components of an industrial communication system. Since 2006, the ProfiNet Security Guideline has described the technical and procedural measures on the part of the manufacturer and users of ProfiNet devices. PI is now developing supplemental measures to also protect ProfiNet at the protocol level.

Within the scope of the far-reaching digitization of production processes, the IT security of production plants is gaining in importance. The integrated networking in companies, the vertical integration and the trend toward flatter system hierarchies require comprehensive approaches for IT security in production. Previous concepts, which relied primarily on isolating the production plants, must be supplemented with new measures that make provision for the protection of components. These include the protection of ProfiNet at protocol level. The basics for this were presented by PI last year (2019) in the white paper “Security Extensions for ProfiNet,” which draws on international standard IEC 62443.

Various security objectives play a significant role for ProfiNet in this process. One of the highest priorities is integrity – e.g. identifying and preventing data manipulation or the suppressing of alarms in devices. Changing the configuration of IO devices in day-to-day operations must also be secured by means of authorization. The robustness of the system, and thus its availability, also cannot be disregarded. The analysis of the security objectives yields various priorities, resulting in PI now having defined three security classes: robustness, integrity and authenticity, and confidentiality. For instance this allows for the authenticity of the ProfiNet nodes to be ensured through a cryptographically secured digital identity, e.g. in the form of certificates. But the integrity of the communication can also be ensured, e.g. through cryptographic checksums.

The necessary specification tasks have now been outlined, and initial measures for security class 1 (robustness) have been defined. These will be integrated in the specifications for ProfiNet and for GSDML, e.g. the signing of GSD files, access controls of network management services (SNMP), and a read-only function for configuration information such as the device name.

Parallel to this, further development is taking place on the other security classes. This ensures ProfiNet is equipped to face the demands of Industry 4.0 and will serve as a future-oriented platform for the industrial internet. PI is implementing the key subjects for the realization of digitalization in industrial production.

#PAuto #Cybersecurity, @ProfibusUK @AllThingsPROFI

TSN functionality.

Since the PROFINET specification V2.4 was released with integrated TSN functionality, PI (PROFIBUS and PROFINET International) has been working on the implementation of further components for a successful market launch – upholding the PI motto, “Go digital. Go PROFINET.” This makes it especially necessary to exercise close coordination and cooperation with partners from other organizations and the various stakeholders within the active PI community, so that the TSN technology and application can work smoothly together across all levels of industrial automation.

The Path from IEEE-TSN to the Application

Through the use of IEEE’s relevant Ethernet standards and on the basis of use cases, a joint working group in the IEC has partnered with the IEEE in developing the IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN Profile for Industrial Automation. The profile defines suitable functions of TSN but also the configuration mechanisms for a convergent TSN network. A first internal draft has already been prepared. Experts from PI member companies have been strongly involved in this process.

The experiences of various technology manufacturers have resulted in improvements and additions as well as normal maintenance work in the overlying layers of the PROFINET specification. Furthermore, the current version of the PROFINET specification is being populated within the framework of the initiated maintenance cycle of the IEC 61158.

This version of the PROFINET specification also creates the basis for the development of test cases and the implementation of the PROFINET tester for certification. After PI worked out a test concept for TSN at an early stage and is now working on the implementation of the first test cases, the planning of further tests for a convergent network is now also underway.

Using these technology bases, the manufacturers are working at full speed on the implementation of their PROFINET solutions. A cross-vendor TSN technology demo has been installed on the PI booth at trade fairs in order to demonstrate its interoperability. Experienced specialists are attending seminars and developer workshops in order to impart the details and background information as well as the next steps of the specifications. The strong interest among manufacturers is evident from the specific questions they are asking about implementing the technology.

But also the most crucial level – namely, the users themselves – are now much more involved than before. The focus of current consultations is not the TSN mechanisms themselves, but rather their application: How can a TSN network be constructed and configured? What does Gbps mean, and how can existing devices and system parts be connected? How can the increasingly necessary vertical communication with higher-level systems, e.g. cloud/edge, be installed in the same step?

On the whole, the many constructive conversations on the different levels reveal that PI’s clear I4.0 strategy has been accepted in the meantime. TSN can thus be advantageously utilized as a future-proof common Layer 2 technology for PROFINET communication in the field, and OPC UA can be used for both the horizontal controller-to-controller and vertical communication. Consistent implementation with the necessary steps is the logical conclusion. PI thus is and remains the reliable solution partner for industrial communication, which is the crucial foundation for the digital transformation of businesses.

#PAuto @AllThingsPROFI @ProfibusUK

Connected manufacturing and IIot examined.

PI UK will be present on stand E33 in the Connected Manufacturing zone and their  Deputy Chairman, Derek Lane will be presenting a paper in the technical sessions on the subject of PROFINET on IIoT/IND4.0 including an update on TSN and APL (Time Sensitive Networking and Advanced Physical Layer).

Connected Manufacturing is one of the key zones of the Advanced Engineering exhibition and conference. This exhibition, on of Britain's bestt attended engineering events, is scheduled for the end of October 2019 and if everything we read is to be believed, the last days of Britain as a member of the European Union after over 45 years.

“Now more than ever,” say the organisers, “industrial production is a key driver for innovation, productivity, growth and job creation. As we embark on this new revolution where disruptive technologies connect information technology and operational technology, Connected Manufacturing will catalyse the business and technology opportunities that exist between innovators, customers and suppliers – including those within IIoT, big data, automation and more …”

 #PAuto #AEUK18 @ProfibusUK @advancedenguk

TSN integration for Bus.

The goal set by PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) to integrate TSN as additional Layer 2 technology in the PROFINET architecture has been reached with the current PROFINET specification V2.4. The specification work has been completed and the three parts of the document are available for download on their website.

Manufacturers and users alike can interoperably implement the advantages offered by TSN, such as future-proof IEEE Ethernet technology with higher bandwidth, deterministic, flexible network configuration and a large range of chips already available.

The user interface remains unchanged, i.e., the use of IO data, diagnostics and parameterization, since the new TSN mechanisms act largely on the underlying communication layers. This makes it easier for users to get started with the new technology.

Through the dedicated work of experts from many companies, the specification was prepared in just over a year in an intensive development and review process. The open discussion and many years of experience of the expert contributors in the respective working groups ensure an accurate and complete technical description.

In addition, both the initial implementations as well as concepts for the certification were created early on in parallel. The stability of the specification could thereby be tested and also demonstrated at trade fairs. For easy understanding of the functionality, a guideline is also available that clearly explains the fundamentals of TSN.

PROFINET specification 2.4 and IEEE specifications are necessary fundamentals above all for the developers of the basic technology of hardware and firmware. The device manufacturers then simply use the corresponding stacks or modules and no longer need to understand the details or even implement them themselves. As a result, device manufacturers can simply expand their existing PROFINET portfolio with TSN.

Of course, the specification will continue to be maintained in the familiar annual maintenance process so that new customer requirements, experiences from the field or technological developments can be integrated in an open and easy-to-understand way. This process supports the “living” PROFINET standard, which has proven itself a million times over and is still developed continuously, according to user needs and compatibility.

@AllThingsPROFI  #PAuto

87 million nodes.

ProfiBUS & ProfiNet International (PI) has concluded its annual notarised count of the installed base of devices with interfaces using communication technologies from PI. As in previous years, the numbers from 2018 indicate a very positive trend.

ProfiNET Nodes 2018

In the case of ProfiNet, the 5.1 million devices delivered in 2018 represent an increase of 0.6 million over the previous year’s record. By the end of 2018, a total of 26 million ProfiNet devices were working to automate production. Even the number of ProfiBUS devices installed during the year – 2.4 million – represented a rise compared to the previous year. Reaching nearly 61 million, the overall number passed yet another threshold. The total of the two annual figures of 7.5 million also represents an all-time high.

ProfiBUS’s trend in process automation also remains stable. Though the actual number delivered in 2018 – 0.8 million – was slightly less than the previous year, a total of 12.3 million ProfiBUS devices (i. e. 20% of the overall total of 61 million) are now being used in process systems.

With 2.2 million PROFIsafe nodes brought to market in 2018, which corresponds to growth of nearly 25% as compared to the previous year, PROFIsafe also saw its highest annual gain ever. In total, PROFIsafe passed the 10-million hurdle by a considerable margin with its 11 million nodes.

3.3 million IO-Link nodes were brought to market in 2018. The overall count amounts to 11.4 million IO-Link nodes.

ProfiBUS devices in PA 2018

As in the previous years, IO-Link likewise achieved two landmark achievements in 2018. On the one hand, 3.3 million IO-Link nodes were delivered, which amounts to growth of more than 40% year-on-year. And the overall count of 11.4 million IO-Link nodes means that the 10-million hurdle was passed by a considerable margin.

“This motivates us to continue with resolve and to implement step by step the strategy presented at the PI Konferenz in Frankfurt (March 2019)," said Karsten Schneider, Chairman of ProfiBUS & ProfiNet International (PI). "The record-setting PI Konferenz attendance also confirms the broad acceptance of our technologies today and the trust in our organization to make the right decisions in the future as well, which in turn will be a crucial element for the economic success of our member companies. "

@AllThingsPROFI  #PAuto #Fieldbus  @ProfibusUK 

Low-cost connection to powerful Industrie 4.0.

IO-Link was originally developed in order to provide easy standardized wiring of intelligent, complex sensors and actuators using a simple three-core sensor cable. As the issues surrounding Industry 4.0 grew more specific, it quickly became clear that IO-Link is the key in implementing powerful Industry 4.0 concepts, since a wide variety of field information is required from production plants.

Besides the control of automated production and device configuration, this information is increasingly needed for remote maintenance, asset management, predictive maintenance, condition monitoring, and data analytics in order to optimize production and make it more flexible. These tasks are based on open sensor-to-cloud communication. Having completed IO-Link’s safety and wireless technological features, the IO-Link Community undertook this new challenge and – in cooperation with the OPC Foundation – began working on a companion specification, “OPC UA for IO-Link.” The decision in favor of OPC UA was the result of the widely accepted standardized semantic description of the data to be transmitted as well as its relation to the “language” of automation.

In an initial step, main application cases were defined in an IO-Link working group that represented over 20 companies. This formed the basis for drafting the companion specification, in cooperation with experts from OPC UA. The contents were derived from the OPC Foundation specification “OPC UA Device Interface,” which contains the generic model of a field device. The underlying architectural model guarantees conformity with all other field devices that are based on OPC UA.

This companion specification passed a review by the IO-Link Community and the OPC Foundation; the final version V1.0 was then drawn up and adopted.

An IO-Link Community working group then began the task of defining the JSON data-interchange format for IO-Link; defining this internationally recognized data format would allow for configuration tools to be connected independent of manufacturer and for lean sensor-to-cloud applications to be implemented.

#IOLink @OPCFoundation #PAuto @ProfibusUK

Second generation bridges!

A new range of Anybus .NET Bridges for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, EtherCAT and EtherNet/IP has been introduced by HMS Industrial Networks. Bridging the gap between Operational Technology (OT) and IT, the .NET bridge family enables data from industrial machinery to be presented to .NET-based IT applications. The result is that .NET programmers can build a PC program which exchanges live data with a PLC system — for statistics, analysis or maintenance.

“This is the second generation of our .NET bridges,” says James Kime, Product Manager for Anybus gateways. “The existing versions for PROFINET and PROFIBUS have been updated with new functionality, and we can now also offer connectivity to EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT. The .NET Bridges are truly ‘edge gateways’ in the sense that they establish a bridge between IT and OT. IT programmers get access to data from industrial machinery, while PLC programmers can rest assured that the data access does not interfere with their critical industrial applications and systems.”

The basic prerequisite for Industrial IoT is that IT systems get access to data from industrial applications. However, the fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks of the factory floor are designed for real-time communication – by default separated from the IT-infrastructure. The Anybus .NET Bridges address this situation by acting as translators between OT and IT — sending and receiving data between the factory networks and IT platforms using .NET as a framework.

The communication is set up in a couple of minutes and the .NET Bridges are therefore a very fast way to realize IIoT.

Thanks to the data bridging capabilities of the Anybus .NET Bridges, IT systems get unprecedented access to real-time data from the factory floor which enables predictive maintenance, KPI-follow-up, machine analytics, data mining, big data processing, production statistics and much more – without interfering with the industrial processes.

The solution can be used for a wide range of use cases, from simple transfer of KPI values, advanced messages with structured data types, or ultra-fast transfer of I/O data for “big data.”

The information exchange between the OT and IT is defined in a spreadsheet template which defines how the data is mapped, tagged and presented to IT-applications. The spreadsheet is uploaded to the HMS code generator which automatically creates a customized high- level C# API (events and Post methods) that is easy to integrate directly into a .NET application. It also generates a customized GSDML or XML file for the PLC.

@HMSAnybus #PAuto #IIoT @hmsnetworks

Access all major protocols!

Softing is the first company to offer access to the major process automation protocols HART, Foundation Fieldbus and PROFIBUS PA with one single interface. mobiLink communicates via USB or Bluetooth and is perfectly suited for commissioning and maintenance with handheld host devices.

“In the past, customers had to care around an interface for each protocol. Now with mobiLink, Softing is the first company to offer access to three protocols with one single device. Thanks to mobiLink, our customers can access field devices with maximum flexibility and mobility and carry out a large number of configuration tasks,” says Thomas Hilz, Program Marketing Manager at Softing Industrial.

Softing’s mobiLink simplifies mobile access to field devices for plant operators, system integrators, device developers and other users in the process industries. In combination with the relevant software, e.g. Softing’s Communication Configurator, it is suitable for configuration, commissioning, diagnostics and monitoring. mobiLink supports FDT Frame Applications and major engineering tools. It allows access to HART and Foundation Fieldbus devices such as transmitters or valves. Access to PROFIBUS PA devices will be possible on July 1st, 2018.

mobiLink is battery-operated, extremely robust and suitable for use in explosive areas. It communicates with handheld host devices like smart phones and tablets via Bluetooth and has a USB interface for bench host operation.

 @SoftingIA #PAuto

Smallest PC-interface for Industrial Ethernet and Profibus.

With the new IXXAT INpact M.2 interfaces, users can implement PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus-TCP, Powerlink and PROFIBUS slave connectivity with the smallest footprint ever. The compact form factor M.2 2260 (Key B-M) makes INpact M.2 suitable for small and mobile devices, typically used for service, configuration, data analysis or process data visualization purposes. INpact M.2 also fits well in modern embedded computer-based controllers, where it enables direct and easy connectivity to desired industrial networks.

Like all IXXAT INpact cards, the INpact M.2 comes with a comprehensive driver package for Windows, Linux, INtime and QNX, offering an easy and fast development process. A uniform programming interface allows customers to switch seamlessly between different INpact cards and protocols without changing the software. The effect is increased flexibility and a significant reduction of development costs.

The multi-network capability of the INpact is based on the proven Anybus® CompactCom™ technology, in which the FPGA-based Anybus NP40 network processor provides all functionality required to handle communication between the Industrial Ethernet or fieldbus network and the customer application. The solution features real-time performance, making it ideal for demanding industrial applications.

INpact M.2 is available as finalized product with pre-installed network protocol, but it also features a flexible, multi-protocol Common Ethernet version which enables users to save storage cost. Economy of scale is achieved since users can simply select and upload the desired Industrial Ethernet protocol to the INpact by themselves depending on end customer networking needs.

The connection of INpact M.2 to the fieldbus or Industrial Ethernet network is done through a special bus interface board, connected via cable to the IXXAT INpact M.2. The INpact M.2, bus interface board, cable and mini bracket comes in a ready-made kit, but can also be purchased separately, if desired.

@HMSAnybus #PAuto

OEM Lifecycle – The Past, Present and Future.

A new keynote address entitled “OEM Lifecycle – The Past, Present and Future” will set the scene for this highly topical seminar addressing the key practical issues arising from the use of digital communications technologies in automated manufacturing and process industry applications, with particular attention to Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Draft Agenda

Covering key application areas such as mechanical handling and logistics, robotics, automotive engineering, electrical and electronics assembly, control systems and energy management, pulp & paper, chemical, utilities, pharmaceutical, packaging and printing, it focuses on the practical aspects of using PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link, from system design and safety considerations through to fault-finding and maintenance.

Supported by an exhibition with demonstrations of actual tools used in configuration and maintenance, the seminar will be of great value to Designers, Production/System Engineers, Instrument Technicians/Engineers, and C&I Engineers involved in the design, operation and maintenance of modern automated factories and process plant.

With nearly 80 million nodes installed worldwide, PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link are truly market leaders, providing state of the art digital communications addressing all the needs of manufacturing and process industries, significantly lowering capital expenditure on installation, commissioning and maintenance. They offer unprecedented integration of automation, control, monitoring and safety systems using standardised and widely supported communications and networking solutions.

This seminar is ably presented by specialists from PI UK member companies. Attendance is free of charge to pre-registered delegates from the User community, i.e. companies that own, operate, design, build or maintain automated plant. The event will provide delegates with an excellent networking opportunity and the ability to speak to experts.

PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link Glasgow seminar

AFRC, Catapult Centre, Inchinnan, April 17th, 2018

@ProfibusUK #PAuto #Britain