Broad Portfolio
The automation landscape in the process industry has often been characterized by rigid systems, which has meant that the introduction of new technologies or changes has progressed slowly. However, a wide range of technologies are now available for entry into a modern automation world.
The past few years have been extremely exciting from the perspective of users of PI technologies. A comprehensive technology portfolio for the digitalization of process engineering systems was launched. Communication technologies (Ethernet-APL) and profiles (PA Profile, PROFIsafe) have been extended. Technologies for the modularization of production systems (MTP) and the NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA) have also been extended in addition to other information models (PA-DIM). This was not achieved alone! To pick one example: PI cooperates with eight other organizations in the area of information models for consistent vertical data exchange. The stated goal is to provide users with a practical solution with the further development of FDI and PA-DIM.
Each of these solutions is a building block to simplify entry into the PROFINET world.
And this is achieved regardless of whether the devices are using conventional 4…20 mA technology, a classic 2-wire fieldbus like PROFIBUS PA or PROFIBUS DP, or modern Ethernet-APL technology. To give an example here: With the PA Profile for PROFINET, a new device only needs to be connected to the same port as the old device. The core configuration of the old device can be used and transferred to the new device without the use of an engineering tool. Compared to 4…20 mA technology with HART, the complex workflow when replacing devices is drastically reduced.
Field devices can now also be certified in conjunction with FDI (Field Device Integration) packages for integration into higher-level systems. If the test packages are considered correctly in the development phase, it is possible to obtain successful certification of a field device including the FDI package within two to four weeks. Licenses for FDI packages, which are becoming more important with Ethernet-APL, can be purchased from the PNO. The PNO also offers to sign the FDI packages to add a layer of cybersecurity. Another component was the updating of the GSDML specification. Corresponding profile GSDs and FDI profile packages were provided here to support users in easily exchanging devices across manufacturers.
PA-DIM Reduces Complexity
By using PA-DIM (Process Automation Device Information Model), users receive a uniform and standardized description of device functions and properties (including semantic IDs according to IEC 61987), which leads to improved interoperability and seamless integration of devices into automation systems. The user benefits in several ways: This enables faster commissioning, simplifies maintenance, and increases flexibility in the selection and integration of devices from different manufacturers. Above all, PA-DIM reduces complexity in automation, improves the transparency of device information, and thus lowers the total cost of ownership. In addition, PA-DIM forms the basis for future developments in the field of digital twins and predictive maintenance in the process industry as well as other NOA use-cases.
PROFINET over APL
Without a doubt: Ethernet-APL is the enabler for Ethernet down to the field level in process automation. It took some time before Ethernet-APL was launched –but now devices are here. This development is also a successful example of how a new technology can be successfully implemented together. In recent years, not only industry giants such as BASF, Evonik, and Bayer have exchanged ideas with each other, but associations such as NAMUR, ZVEI, VDMA, ODVA, FCG, OPC, and PI have also clarified open questions about the physical layer, intrinsic safety, semantics, security, conformity tests, and certification. This standardized communication technology now allows a two-wire high speed of 10 Mbit/s right into the field along with power, intrinsic safety (2-WISE), and a barrier-free connection of field devices to Ethernet-based higher-level systems.
This means that the Ethernet-based connection of field devices via a two-wire connection can now also be implemented in hazardous areas. Shortly after the adoption of the Ethernet-APL specification, the first field devices and field switches with PROFINET were introduced. Many other manufacturers have since joined in.
PROFIsafe is also exciting. PROFIsafe is a TÜV-tested SIL3 safety protocol that is based on the black channel principle and ensures maximum system availability. It has been used successfully in the manufacturing industry for many years. Experts from PI are currently coordinating with experts from NAMUR on the requirements for the PROFIsafe amendment for process automation devices, in which integration and engineering aspects are to be defined. With PI technologies, users in the process industry not only benefit from increased efficiency of their systems, but also from reduced costs for maintenance and repair.
Flexible Plants with MTP and NOA
Modular systems are the key to responding more quickly and flexibly to changing market requirements. MTPs (Module Type Packages) play an important role in this, as they help to orchestrate process engineering modules, machines, or package units more efficiently. The MTP technology was placed in the hands of PI last year to drive the technology forward worldwide. And the NAMUR Open Architecture is completely new in the PI portfolio.
Conclusion
PI provides a comprehensive technology portfolio for digitalization in the process industry, which considers the diverse requirements of users in the industry. This means that future-oriented solutions are available to master the challenges of modern process automation and at the same time open new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Now it is up to the users to implement the solutions quickly.
Dietmar Bohn