Four Tips to Extend the Life of Your PROFIBUS Installation

During the last few years, industrial communication systems based on Ethernet (PROFINET mainly) have spread immensely. Transitions toward innovative technologies require huge investments: purchase of new field devices, new cabling and higher-performance processors. For many companies, the investment in new protocols is not a real necessity and can be postponed by investing in the existing plant. Here are four tips to extend the life of an existing PROFIBUS network.

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  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:5 mins read
Read more about the article PROFIBUS Early Warning System

PROFIBUS Early Warning System

Even modern fieldbuses like PROFIBUS are unable to maintain their perfect post-installation condition indefinitely. Some "aging" is inevitable and this could eventually lead to bus faults and costly production losses. These problems can be avoided by continuously monitoring the PROFIBUS networks. The Softing solution deployed at the Aschaffenburg paper mill delivers benefits that receive the “thumbs up” from its staff.

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Read more about the article Training – Focus on PROFIsafe

Training – Focus on PROFIsafe

PROFIsafe is growing rapidly and PI is providing multiple classes to educate users, machine builders, and device makers in the benefits of this technology. Educational opportunities range from webinars to certification classes. Two PROFIsafe-specific classes are scheduled in Germany with the certification class offered only in English.

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  • Post category:TRAINING / EVENTS
  • Reading time:4 mins read
Read more about the article IO-Link: Did You Know

IO-Link: Did You Know

Did you know that IO-Link is superseding the nameplate? Every IO-Link device contains all of the relevant details about the device. Not only are the item number, date of manufacture, and firmware or hardware edition stored but it is also possible with device profiles to distinguish the equipment type, e.g. whether it is a pressure switch or a proximity switch. Even the layout of the process data or the structure and thresholds of the IO-Link device-specific parameters are accurately described by the IODD (IO Device Description) file. In addition, machine or plant-specific information can be stored in the device by the user.

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  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:2 mins read

Social Media Survey

PI is active in social media. We are networking to the core. That means networking a manufacturing line, as well as networking with colleagues around the globe. PROFIBUS and PROFINET help network your factory, while social media helps network PI with our customers. What social media channels do you use? Take our short survey!

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  • Post category:PI NEWS
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Read more about the article Member News

Member News

PI North America members Beamex and HARTING are in the news this month along with Germany’s Indu-Sol. Beamex has scheduled two calibration-focused events for the process industry, one for technicians and engineers and one for managers and executives. HARTING’s new product MICA (Modular Industry Computing Architecture) won the HERMES AWARD at the opening ceremony of Hannover Fair. Indu-Sol presents an appraisal of the status of industrial networks across technologies and countries.

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  • Post category:MEMBER NEWS
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Read more about the article Product News

Product News

Molex has introduced its SST PB3-CPX Modules to connect Rockwell Automation CompactLogix L2, L3 and L4 controllers to PROFIBUS DP-V0 and DP-V1 Networks. Janitza electronics announces the UMG 96RM, a measuring device for energy measurement technology - certified for PROFINET and suitable for PROFIenergy. Finally, the Wieland Electric samos PRO COMPACT gateway now includes PROFINET and PROFIBUS DP.

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  • Post category:PRODUCT NEWS
  • Reading time:3 mins read
Read more about the article Global Networks

Global Networks

The only path to functioning networks in the context of Industrie 4.0 is by way of standards. They ensure a smooth information flow within the production process. That is why PI works closely with other organizations to advance usable and reliable solutions. This is illustrated by Peter Wenzel, Executive Director of PI Germany, with three examples from the past year.

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  • Post category:PI NEWS
  • Reading time:5 mins read