CC-LINK

The inception of CC-Link (Control and Communication Link) dates to 1996 when Mitsubishi developed this fieldbus system, responding to strong customer demand and subsequently launching it as an open network in 1999. This technology has since become integral to connecting various devices across expansive industrial settings, allowing for the seamless transfer of substantial data volumes, and enabling communication between big numbers of devices. Since the founding of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) in Japan in 2000, the organisation has been responsible for the modern development of the CC-Link protocol family.

In 2007, CC-Link IE (Industrial Ethernet) emerged as an enhanced version, leveraging Ethernet technology for improved data rates and integration capabilities. The subsequent decade witnessed global expansion and standardization efforts, solidifying CC-Link's presence in key industrial markets and ensuring interoperability with other protocols. In 2012, the introduction of CC-Link IE Field further broadened its capabilities by seamlessly integrating field devices into industrial networks. As the industrial landscape evolved, so did CC-Link. Post-2015 developments have been particularly focused on performance, scalability, and ensuring compatibility with emerging industrial trends. One such development is CC-Link Safety, a specialized variant designed to meet the stringent requirements of safety-critical applications within the industry.

The network is known for its high-speed capabilities, being able to handle both control and information data simultaneously, with a communication speed of 10 Mbps, allowing a maximum transmission distance of 100 meters and the connection of up to 64 stations. This high-speed and deterministic input-output response is essential for real-time control in complex production lines.

The importance of industrial networks like CC-Link in automation systems cannot be overstated. They are the backbone that allows for the interconnection of devices such as sensors, actuators, PLCs, and other automation components, ensuring that data can be shared, and processes can be controlled with precision and efficiency. In essence, these networks are the conduits through which Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing become tangible realities.

As a cornerstone of modern automation systems, CC-Link embodies a comprehensive set of various aspects to provide a robust and flexible platform for industrial communication and automation

Communication Model 

CC-Link operates on a manager-device communication model where a central controlling entity, the manager station, manages one or more subordinate entities, the device stations. This deterministic communication protocol ensures precise timing and reliable data exchange in real-time, which is crucial for the demands of industrial control systems.

Communication method 

The frame format used in CC-Link communication includes distinct sections such as the header, data, and checksum fields. The header carries essential information like source and destination addresses, frame type, and control details. The data field contains the payload, while the checksum field is utilized for error detection to maintain data integrity during transmission.

Addressing Mechanisms 

Addressing within the CC-Link network is facilitated through unique node addresses assigned to each device, enabling clear identification and communication routing.

Error Detection and Correction Mechanisms 

CC-Link incorporates robust error detection and correction mechanisms to ensure reliable data transmission. Checksums and CRCs (Cyclic Redundancy Checks) are used to detect transmission errors and ensure data integrity. Retransmission and acknowledgment protocols are implemented to correct errors and retransmit lost or corrupted data packets.

Network Topology 

CC-Link supports various configurations, including star, line, and ring setups. The choice of topology is influenced by several factors, such as the size of the network, redundancy needs, and installation convenience. This flexibility allows for tailored network designs that meet specific requirements of different industrial applications.

A CC-Link network comprises of an entire ecosystem of devices and settings to operate within an industrial landscape as follows:

Network Manager / Controller 

The CC-Link network is managed by a network manager station or controller, which is responsible for initiating communication between devices and controlling data traffic to ensure the integrity of the data exchanged. This manager station can either be a dedicated hardware device or it may be integrated into a programmable logic controller (PLC). The network manager station oversees the central management of link devices and communication control, with no settings required for the device stations.

Device stations 

Can range from devices like PLCs, HMIs, I/O modules, drives, sensors, and actuators, all communicating through the CC-Link protocol for seamless integration across different manufacturers, all of which are connected via a network to perform coordinated tasks.

Connection 

The connection within a CC-Link network is established using cables and connectors that adhere to specific standards. ANSI/TIA/EIA compliant Ethernet cables (Category 5e or higher) are recommended for use in CC-Link IE Field Networks. These cables are designed to be flexible and easy to handle, minimizing stress on the connection area of the connectors.

Power supply 

Power supply within the network is critical for ensuring that all devices function correctly. Some cables have built-in power wires, allowing power to be supplied to the entire network with a single cable, which can further reduce wiring complexity.

Termination resistors 

In CC-Link Fieldbus network, they are also an essential component. They are used to maintain signal integrity by preventing reflections at the end of the transmission line. Connectors with built-in resistors are available for this purpose.

Network configuration tools 

Software applications are used to configure and manage CC-Link networks. They allow users to set up network parameters, assign device addresses, monitor network performance, and diagnose communication issues.

Additionally, CC-Link encompasses various types of networks such as:

CC-Link fieldbus

A high-speed network designed to handle both control and information data, with a communication speed of 10 Mbps, allowing for a maximum transmission distance of 100 meters and the connection of up to 64 stations.

CC-Link Safety fieldbus 

An extension of the CC-Link network that enables safety communications, ensuring that both safety and non-safety communications can occur on the same network. It allows for the integration of safety devices such as emergency stop switches, safety sensors, and safety controllers into the CC-Link network while ensuring compliance with safety standards such as SIL (Safety Integrity Level) and PL (Performance Level).

CC-Link IE 

CC-Link IE offers gigabit Ethernet capabilities for integrated networks, which is particularly advantageous for applications in Industry 4.0.

CC-Link IE TSN 

A cutting-edge network technology that combines gigabit Ethernet bandwidth with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), enabling precise time synchronization across the network and supporting real-time communications.

CC-Link Fieldbus is an open industrial network that facilitates communication between devices from various manufacturers, commonly used in industrial automation applications at the machine, cell, and line levels. In automated assembly lines, CC-Link plays a crucial role by providing a high-speed field network capable of handling both control and information data, thus facilitating efficient and synchronized operations across various control devices It is also part of the CC-Link Open Automation Networks family, which includes different types of networks such as CC-Link Safety Fieldbus, CC-Link IE, and CC-Link IE TSN. These networks are designed to meet the demands of manufacturing automation and process automation by enabling high-speed data exchange and interoperability with Ethernet systems. The CC-Link Safety Fieldbus is part of safety instrumented systems (SIS), which are designed to provide necessary safety functions in an industrial environment. In manufacturing environments prioritizing worker safety, CC-Link Safety Fieldbus facilitates dedicated communication channels for transmitting safety-related data among emergency stop buttons, light curtains, and safety interlocks, ensuring swift detection and response to potential hazards, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Similarly, in industries like oil and gas, where operations entail high-risk activities, CC-Link Safety Fieldbus ensures adherence to stringent safety regulations and standards (e.g., SIL certification), providing redundant communication paths and diagnostic capabilities to enhance fault tolerance and reliability in safety-critical systems.

In robotics and motion control, CC-Link IE Field Network's Motion function allows for synchronous communication with servo amplifiers, facilitating high-speed and high-accuracy positioning, synchronous control, and cam control. This capability is crucial for modern manufacturing processes that require precise and coordinated movements. For machine vision systems, the high-speed data exchange provided by CC-Link networks enhances the performance of image processing tasks, which are integral to quality control and automated inspection processes. Moreover, CC-Link IE TSN technology targets smart factories by enabling time-sensitive networking over Industrial Ethernet, which is essential for synchronized and deterministic communications over Ethernet. In manufacturing environments CC-LINK IE TSN utilizes machine vision for quality inspection and defect detection and offers precise timing and synchronization capabilities, ensuring synchronized data capture and processing across multiple vision sensors and cameras.

In summary, CC-Link networks play a pivotal role in manufacturing automation, process automation, machine safety systems, and safety-critical applications. They provide high-speed data exchange, interoperability with Ethernet systems, and support for advanced robotics, motion control, and machine vision systems, thereby enhancing the efficiency and safety of industrial operations.

CC-Link offers a plethora of advantages that propel automation systems towards enhanced efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, such as:

Integration with SCADA Systems and MES Platforms 

The integration of CC-Link with SCADA and MES systems offers significant advantages for centralized monitoring and control of manufacturing processes. This connection allows manufacturers to access real-time data, enabling them to streamline operations and make proactive decisions that enhance productivity and efficiency. 

Scalability and flexibility 

CC-Link's ability to support extensive applications and reduce the amount of cabling and installation of devices offers high scalability and flexibility. The network can extend to 1.2 km at reduced speeds, with the use of repeaters enabling even greater distances. This open network architecture facilitates interoperability, allowing devices from different manufacturers to communicate seamlessly with each other, which is a testament to its openness and global adoption. 

Robustness and reliability 

CC-Link networks offer high reliability, robustness and performance in industrial environments through various functions. For example, error handling and redundancy are managed through cyclic and transient transmission, dual communication and redundant loop topology, which enable continuous communication even in the event of power interruptions or cable failures. Aspects such as these enable reliable operation of CC-Link under harsh industrial conditions. 

Cost-effectiveness 

CC-Link reduces the amount of control and power wiring needed in complex production lines, thereby minimizing wiring and installation costs and drastically improving maintenance operations. The ease of implementation and maintenance is further enhanced by the network's use of standard Ethernet physical layers with added diagnostic functions, simplifying system construction. 

Safety integration 

Thanks to CC-Link Safety as a serial-based safety field network and the Safety Communication Function for CC-Link IE networks, all protocol variants also cover the requirements for safe system architectures 

Futureproofing 

CLPA ensures that the CC-Link protocol family and its users are also equipped for future requirements through ongoing further developments. The latest major innovation is the CC-Link IE TSN variant, which supports Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) and enables the combination of real-time control communication with non-real-time information communication. This feature ensures that the network remains relevant as the convergence of IT and operational technology evolves. 

Thanks to its extensive benefits, CC-Link enjoys worldwide acceptance and support, as demonstrated by its widespread use in a wide range of industrial automation applications.

As a member of the CC-Link Partner Association, Hilscher has extensive expertise in the CC-Link protocol family, its special features and specific requirements to enable seamless industrial communication solutions. Based on this knowledge, Hilscher has an extensive product landscape for networking controllers, sensors and actuators via CC-Link and establishing connections to other protocol networks.

In the field of CC-Link interfaces for components, machines or even controllers, Hilscher has its multi-protocol-capable netX chips for controller and device functionalities as well as an extensive ecosystem of firmware including protocol stacks, development boards, comprehensive product support and development services.

For solutions that require less development effort, Hilscher also offers solutions based on the netX SoCs with additional peripherals. These include PC cards in various form factors - from the widely used PCI or PCIe format to the smallest multi-protocol capable fieldbus cards in M.2 format. In addition, the interface portfolio is complemented by a range of embedded modules and various gateways are available for the interoperability of CC-Link networks with other protocols.