Head of the PI Factory Automation Marketing Group, Xaver Schmidt, introduces Issue 139 of PROFINEWS with observations on adding PROFINET to automation devices. It's the theme of this issue, as well as the approaching Hannover Messe.
Hannover Fair will be held April 25-29 with the theme “Integrated Industry - Discover Solutions.” This year’s partner country is the USA and President Obama will be there for the opening ceremony with a large contingent from the US. PI will present PROFINET, PROFIBUS, and IO-Link at Hall 9, Booth D68 under the banner “PROFINET - The Backbone of Industrie 4.0.” Stop by to see how PI technologies can already fulfill the requirements of Industrie 4.0 and Industrial Internet of Things.
This is the second in our series on network management with PROFINET. It covers PROFINET device naming, PROFINET Discovery and Configuration Protocol (DCP), and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP).
There are over 200 training classes remaining globally in 2016. Visit the PI global training website to filter by country, technology, and target student. Of note is an IO-Link workshop in Italy. In North America, the training schedule is finalized for PROFINET free one-day training classes, PROFINET and PROFIBUS Certified Network Engineer classes, and PROFINET Developer classes.
There are so many choices of ways to add PROFINET to an automation device that it is difficult to know where to start. Where to start depends on the type of product, its existing design, quantity expected, and time to market needed. This article provides an overview of starting points plus a list of resources to help device makers through the process.
The new guideline, "Recommendation for Design and Implementation of PROFINET Devices," addresses technological aspects as well as organizational issues such as certification and marketing when developing a PROFINET device. It guides vendors through this process from initial questions to market launch of a product.
To assist manufacturers of automation devices in adding PROFINET to their products, many tools are now available. One is a PROFINET driver for controllers, and a second is a chip for devices. Both are from Siemens. A third, from Hilscher, also includes PROFIdrive controller functionality.
Did you know that IO-Link enables devices that were previously inconceivable? IO-Link sets new standards for the design of input/output modules. Whether integrated in the control rack or as a fieldbus module, one and the same module can process a wide range of signals. IO-Link masters can replace both binary and analog inputs and outputs. This facilitates spare parts management and enables flexible machine design. There is no longer a need for so many different types of modules.
