Aside from the mandatory characteristics in each PROFINET device, PI defines a list of optional features: Device Redundancy, Controller redundancy, Shared Device, I-Device, Dynamic Reconfiguration, Fast Startup, iPar Server, and much more...
PROFIsafe is a safety communication technology for discrete manufacturing and process automation systems. It was developed to meet the Functional Safety requirements for PI communication technologies. Read this overview of functional safety and PROFIsafe.
Even though PROFINET and OPC UA have some overlap in the automation and process industries, they complement each other very well in bringing the best horizontal and vertical integration possible. In the latter case, raw data from field devices turns into valuable information as expected by higher level decision-making systems.
![Read more about the article What are PROFINET I&M Records? [Tech Tip]](https://profinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/iM3.jpg)
Have you used I&M records during a PROFINET project? I&M records are data blocks stored internally in each PROFINET device. The records contain useful information about a particular device and might be expanded to provide further detail. Learn about PROFINET I&M data records with this article.
![Read more about the article In with the New, Out with the Old [Tech Tip]](https://profinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/logo-combined.jpg){kind=logo}
A facility was mid-way through a long-term project to gradually upgrade the industrial network that formed the backbone of their manufacturing processes when the engineers started noticing some issues. Read this Tech Tip and learn how they overcame the challenges of a migration project.
![Read more about the article HMI Design: The Key to Process Efficiency [Tech Tip]](https://profinews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hmi.jpg)
Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) are functional devices in automation environments. They provide graphics-based visualization for both monitoring and controlling machines. Generally, some HMI designs are more efficient than others. This Tech Tip covers important considerations to design a successful HMI interface.
This video is the final installment in the MinutePROFINET three-part series on Industry Foursight. APL is an exciting new technology enabling intrinsically safe Ethernet connectivity to instruments in hazardous areas. Watch this one-minute video and learn more!
Choosing the most suitable and efficient network topology is a crucial step during network design. This new White Paper offers detailed insights into industrial network topology options, their benefits, and challenges. Download the full document to learn more!
