The first known implementation of the PROFINET Community Stack as a toolkit has been announced by Wisconsin, USA-based Real Time Automation. This article provides a perspective on the PROFINET Community Stack, the reasons for it, how it works, and what their toolkit means for device developers.
PROFINET is a dynamic standard driven by an active community. New versions bring more features annually. In fact, I would be more concerned if our customers or community ran out of ideas for further development.
Virtual controllers and devices are a perfect example of the IT/OT convergence which plays a decisive role for PROFINET in automation technology. With the technical advancements being made in virtualization technology and the growing demand for virtual controllers and devices, PI has adapted the PROFINET certification process accordingly.
PROFINET users rely on the high quality and interoperability of devices used in their systems. Device manufacturers would like to have a flexibly implementable testing system offering easy and comprehensible operation. This is why PI is continuing to invest heavily to develop the PROFINET Tester –ensuring high quality for users and ease-of-use for device manufacturers.
New products to announce this month include: Coriolis and electromagnetic process flowmeters with IO-Link from Endress+Hauser; PROFINET cables from CTi; distance radar sensors with PROFINET from OndoSense; and displacement sensors with PROFINET from Micro-Epsilon.
The first rounds of Certified PROFINET Engineer trainings have occurred in the last few months, notably training participants on PROFINET PA. The PROFINET PA portion focuses on bringing PROFINET into hazardous areas via Ethernet-APL.
New products to announce this month include: mass flow and pressure sensors with IO-Link from Alicat Scientific; miniature photoelectric sensors with IO-Link from Turck; laser sensors with PROFINET from Micro-Epsilon; and inverters with PROFINET from NORD.
The omlox standard, which provides openness and interoperability for real-time positioning in industrial environments, is growing steadily and is increasingly established on the market. We are pleased to announce that omlox air 8 ready certification is now available for omlox Core Zone products.