Specialized software embedded in hardware that provides low-level control, manages essential functions, and enables communication between the device and other systems, stored in non-volatile memory.
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Firmware is a specialized type of software that is integrated into hardware devices. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and other software, providing the basic instructions required for the device to operate. Unlike regular software, firmware is stored in a device’s non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, or flash memory, ensuring it remains intact even when the device is powered off. Firmware's role is crucial in handling key tasks such as powering up the hardware, managing communication with other devices, and handling input and output operations. It essentially provides low-level control for the device, overseeing its most fundamental operations. For instance, in microcontrollers and industrial equipment, firmware initializes the hardware upon startup, abstracts the low-level hardware details, manages power and charging, and provides real-time input/output controls. It also offers security against vulnerabilities and malware attacks, which is vital in modern interconnected devices.
In the context of industrial communication, the so-called protocol firmware extends the core functions of the standard software with the ability to communicate via specific industrial protocols and technologies, including fieldbus, Real-Time Ethernet or IIoT standards. This type of firmware is responsible for managing the respective protocol stacks and ensures efficient and reliable operation of automation technology devices at field level.
In industrial communication, the protocol firmware is crucial for the integration and execution of communication in and between the various types of devices located at field level - from sensors, actuators, PLCs and HMIs to gateways or edge devices. The architecture of a protocol firmware should always be optimally coordinated with the underlying hardware in order to achieve maximum performance and the lowest possible latency. This is particularly essential in real-time environments. Special controllers with a dedicated communication CPU have proven to be the optimal solution in this area.
An important aspect for the firmware of industrial communication components - including communication controllers for master and slave devices as well as modules based on them, such as embedded modules or PC cards - is the ongoing maintenance of the software by the manufacturer. This is because the software must be constantly updated, for example with regard to security or the state of the art and functionalities. A certain proximity between the manufacturer and the numerous technical working groups and organizations that are responsible for the further development of the various communication protocols always has a positive effect on the up-to-dateness of firmware.
Flexibility plays an important role in industrial environments: if, for example, a component or device can be used in different settings without great effort, this minimizes both the development effort and the costs. Particularly in the field of industrial communication, which is characterized by a heterogeneous variety of different protocols, there is considerable savings potential through multi-protocol capable communication interfaces. These make it possible to implement a wide range of communication protocols with the same hardware by simply reloading the firmware.
Loadable protocol stacks in industrial communication offer many advantages for modern manufacturing and automation, such as
Loadable protocol stacks allow devices to switch communication standards by merely reloading the necessary firmware. This flexibility supports various protocols, including commonly used ones like Ethernet/IP, Profibus, Modbus, and OPC Unified Architecture. By enabling devices to communicate across different networks and standards, loadable protocol stacks significantly enhance interoperability, ensuring seamless integration in diverse industrial environments.
The implementation of loadable protocol stacks can reduce significant costs associated with information dissemination, training, and error rectification. These stacks streamline automation processes, making tasks more secure and efficient, thereby saving time and resources for companies. Additionally, using controller and device firmware versions with the same interfaces minimizes development costs and simplifies integration.
The use of multi-protocol-capable components, whose firmwares all use the same software basis despite different protocol stacks, makes maintenance and updating easier and more efficient. This ease of maintenance increases operational reliability and ensures that the devices work with the latest technical developments. The lower development costs associated with multi-protocol-capable components also have a positive effect on scalability.
Hilscher's netX product family not only stands for pure chip technology, but also for the idea of multi-protocol capability of a single communication solution consisting of hardware and software.
The protocol firmware for the netX communication controllers is the result of Hilscher's core competence and expertise in communication technology. Over the years, it has steadily evolved into a very broad portfolio of controller and device protocol stacks, including engineering tools for simple and certifiable integration of an automation device into a wide variety of networks. Hilscher benefits from its involvement in numerous technical working groups and committees, which ensures that the netX firmware is always at the cutting edge of technology and is continuously developed further.
