The Hilscher Technology Concept
Empowering Industrial Communication – From the Chip to the Cloud
Our Two Core Technologies
At the heart of every Hilscher product lies netX. Setting new standards for interoperability, performance and reliability.
Your key to seamless connectivity, data acquisition and intelligent device management.
From a central edge management platform to gateways and ready-to-use software containers, we offer a comprehensive solution portfolio for your IIoT project.
netX - Setting Standards in Industrial Communication
In modern industrial automation, communication speed, reliability, and cyber security are key. netX 90, Hilscher’s latest-generation communication controller, sets the benchmark for industrial and IIoT networking by combining multiple protocols in a single compact, CRA and IEC 62443 compliant chip and eco-system.
Supporting numerous standards such as EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE Field Basic, and even classic fieldbus systems like PROFIBUS and DeviceNet, netX 90 ensures seamless interoperability across existing and emerging networks. Beyond traditional automation, its openness extends to IIoT communication protocols such as OPC UA and MQTT, enabling direct data integration into higher-level systems and cloud architectures.
Its deterministic real-time performance, built-in security functions, and minimal latency guarantee precise and protected data exchange – essential for synchronized processes in robotics, motion, and process control. Designed for robust and cyber-secure operation in demanding environments, netX 90 delivers long-term reliability while minimizing downtime and maintenance costs.
With maximum flexibility for today and the future, the platform already supports technologies such as Single Pair Ethernet, paving the way for next-generation connectivity. Combined with comprehensive development tools and strong support, integration is straightforward and time-to-market accelerated.
As industries move toward connected and data-driven production, netX 90 provides the foundation for scalable, cyber-secure, future-ready communication – bridging classic automation and modern IIoT.
Discover netX Generations and Their Protocol Coverage
Applications for netX
Cyber security for IEC 62443
Industrial production systems are targets for unauthorized access from the outside.
The security architecture of netX 90 and future chip generations from Hilscher keep you safe.
- On-chip security enables up to security level 2
- Authentication, integrity and data encryption
- Internal monitoring mechanisms
- Secure boot
Human Machine Interfaces
The netX 500 can provide user interfaces directly and efficiently, e.g., in operating panels, displays or weighing equipment.
- Flexible host interface
- Integrated controller for simple TFT panels
- All fieldbus and Real-Time Ethernet networks
Vision Systems
As a companion chip in addition to the camera host controller, the netX communication processors provide access to all networks for connection to various control systems.
- Flexible host interfaces
- Wide range of communication standards
- Diagnostic functions and IIoT interfaces
Field devices and I/O
The netX communication controllers replace old parallel cables with all field buses or with Real-Time Ethernet networks. High-precision synchronization and fast cycle times make it possible to create complex daisy-chain network topologies.
- Protection classes from IP20 to IP67
- Processing of digital and analog I/O signals
- Low latency and jitter
Encoders
Servo drives are often used for applications requiring high-precision positioning. The rotary encoders and encoders supply the corresponding signals to control the servo drive. The netX chips enable the necessary network connectivity.
- High integration with PHY and DC/DC for compact designs with netX 90
- Integrated Endat, BiSS and SSI interfaces
- Temperatures up to 105°C depending on the application
Controllers
Industrial controllers are the heart of a machine or a production system. netX is the communication system for the controller side of things.
- Master capability in many standards
- Master stacks
- Flexible host interfaces for connecting various host controllers
Sensors
Various sensors play a key role in monitoring and controlling production processes.
- Flexible on-chip peripherals in netX chips make connecting sensors easy
- Very compact network connection, especially with netX
Secure Industrial IoT
Ensuring secure access to networks for data routing and processing in IIoT infrastructures is the fundamental prerequisite for Industry 4.0 applications.
- netX 90 provides data access with OPC/UA
- Integrated security features for designs up to security level 2 (IEC 62443)
- Integrated diagnostic mechanisms
Drive technology
Fast and flexible communication solutions are especially important for machine drives and motors. And that is exactly what the netX communication controllers deliver: short cycle times and high-precision synchronization.
- 2 to 128 axes
- Scalable control performance
- netX 90 integrated drive peripherals for FOC-based control of PMSM and BLDC motors
Diagnostic functions
The netX 90 in particular enables reliable system monitoring through built-in diagnostic functions and improved data integrity thanks to the integrated hardware security functions.
- High reliability and very robust
- Integrated monitoring of voltage and time of the on-chip memory
- Enables and supports new services such as predictive maintenance
Functional safety
Ethernet communication in safety-relevant components must include a so-called black channel so that safety-relevant data is transmitted reliably.
- Protocol stack extension for functional safety (FuSa)
- Easy connection of netX and FuSa controllers for SIL 3 applications
- Diagnostic functions for system integrity
Industrial PC
netX communication controllers are the easiest way to integrate your industrial PCs (IPCs) and robots into industrial networks.
- Supports all relevant communication protocols
- Different interfaces to the host system
- Standardized API for host access to a network
- Linux and Windows drivers for netX and our netX-based PC cards
netFIELD – The IIoT solution for Connected Machines and Smart Operations
Industrial connectivity and data-driven operations are now core requirements in automation netFIELD makes this capability practical and accessible for customers.
The platform converts complex requirements into measurable value through robust, scalable device management and efficient, reliable data acquisition, providing a solid foundation for optimized operations and new digital services.
netFIELD fits both greenfield and brownfield scenarios: it supports the design of new natively connected machines and enables straightforward retrofitting of existing equipment, so customers can modernize their installed base without disruptive rebuilds.
Device Management – Keep Control of Every Connected Asset
Monitor, manage, and update your devices across the globe – securely and in real time.
With centralized fleet management, you gain full transparency over your connected infrastructure.
netFIELD enables you to:
- Onboard devices easily and securely
- Monitor status and performance continuously
- Deploy updates and applications over-the-air
This reduces maintenance effort, ensures consistent configurations, and minimizes downtime.
Your machines stay connected — and under control.
Data Acquisition – Unlock the Value of Your Machine Data
Your production data is valuable — netFIELD makes it usable.
The platform collects, preprocesses, and forwards machine and sensor data directly from the edge to higher-level systems or cloud services.
This enables:
- Real-time visibility of machine conditions and KPIs
- Predictive maintenance and performance optimization
- Easy integration into analytics and MES/ERP systems
With secure and standardized data access, netFIELD transforms raw information into actionable insights that drive efficiency and innovation.
In-depth information about netFIELD technology
In un contesto industriale, il termine Edge Management si riferisce alla gestione centralizzata ed efficiente di un grande numero di Edge Gateway che sono usati nelle macchine o nei sistemi di produzione. Gli Edge Gateway svolgono vari compiti, come accesso remoto, aggregazione dei dati ed gestione di diagnostica. Ulteriori informazioni sono disponibili qui.
Cos’è netFIELD Cloud e in che modo abilita l'Edge Management? Leggete di più sull’uso di netFIELD in applicazioni Industrial IoT e su come vi aiuti a implementare le vostre soluzioni per l’Industria 4.0 in campo.
netFIELD Edge abbraccia il portfolio Hilscher di Edge Gateway – data router intelligenti tra il livello operativo (OT) e il livello informatico (IT) dei sistemi automatizzati. Leggete di più sul loro funzionamento.
Nello sviluppo e nella distribuzione di software moderni, la tecnologia dei container è emersa come una forza rivoluzionaria. netFIELD utilizza applicazioni containerizzate, per esempio per raccogliere i dati di produzione. Le applicazioni containerizzate sono facili da gestire e distribuire. Ulteriori informazioni sono disponibili qui.
Due dei principali protocolli di comunicazione all’interno di IIoT sono OPC UA e MQTT. Questi protocolli vengono utilizzati anche nella nostra infrastruttura edge netFIELD. Ulteriori informazioni su queste tecnologie chiave sono disponibili qui.
Open Industry 4.0 Alliance è un’associazione di settore senza scopo di lucro con oltre 100 aziende associate e partner con una vasta conoscenza di Industria 4.0. L’associazione IIoT OI4 è stata fondata nel 2019 con l’obiettivo di creare un quadro per l’interoperabilità, la trasparenza e la collaborazione nel settore industriale.
Managed Industrial IoT Success Stories by Hilscher
La startup IIoT iDOO utilizza la piattaforma di gestione edge netFIELD di Hilscher per collegare digitalmente in rete le macchine dello specialista dell’estrusione iBA. Ciò rende disponibili i dati di produzione in tempo reale, consentendo di analizzare e ottimizzare i processi in modo tracciabile. Il risultato è una maggiore trasparenza, un minore sforzo e un funzionamento stabile del sistema. Leggete di più nelle nostre storie di successo.
Il Flagship Store di Hilscher per la community Open Industry 4.0 Alliance (OI4) porta nel mondo industriale la comodità degli app store. Basato sul sistema di licensing CodeMeter di Wibu-Systems, lo store consente agli utenti di accedere a una libreria di app e soluzioni per le esigenze di automazione delle loro aree di produzione.
Surface solution specialist Oerlikon Metco AG uses netFIELD to enable real-time data collection from industrial applications, such as thermal spray painting machines, from around the world.