PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) is purposefully driving the subject of Industrie 4.0 and is laying out the steps for future-proof further development of today's proven solutions. To this end, PI has started a working group with more then 30 participants from different member companies, whose first step will be to define use-cases relevant for Industrie 4.0.
Global manufacturers today demand simpler and more modular automation solutions that use open networks and interfaces. New business drivers require the seamless integration of production data with business systems to make better use of information originating from the plant floor.
The technologies of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) have been firmly established in process automation for years. PROFIBUS PA is recognized as the most powerful proven fieldbus solution. PROFINET has been expanded in response to specific requirements from users in the process industries.
What PI succeeded in doing with the M12 connector technology for the Ethernet network connection has now been transferred to the 24 V supply. With the M12 L-coded, there is now an M12 power plug connector available that covers the necessary power range with a current carrying capacity of 16 A in the size of an M12 plug connector.
The book “Industrial communication with PROFINET” by Manfred Popp is now available as an e-book. This work gives field device manufacturers, plant manufacturers, and commissioning engineers a comprehensive and practical introduction to the functionality and use of PROFINET.
Well attended IO-Link Workshops were held in Minneapolis, MN and Prague, CZ last month. The workshops highlighted presentations and panels from recognized experts on the use and deployment of IO-Link, and showcased manufacturers from all around the world.
... To be perfect is to change often. -Winston Churchill. With each PROFINEWS edition, the news changes and becomes ever more engaging. For example, later this month at the SPS/IPC/Drives tradeshow in Nuremberg, prepare for some exciting announcements from PI. In the meantime, I want to point out a few highlights in this issue.
Most of the talk surrounding the Industrial Internet of Things focuses on moving data upward and outward. Equally important is enabling your factory to handle incoming data.