Communication Controller

A communication controller is a piece of electronic hardware equipped with software  that manages the flow of data between devices in a network, ensuring reliable and efficient communication. It performs tasks like error detection and correction, data packet routing, and network traffic management. In communication systems, such as telecommunication networks or computer networks, these controllers are crucial for maintaining data integrity and optimal performance. They can be standalone devices or embedded in network equipment like routers and switches. Communication controllers often include protocols for handling specific types of data transmissions, enhancing the overall network efficiency and reliability.

Communication control in the context of industrial communication and automation technology involves the implementation of protocols, standards, and technologies like fieldbuses or industrial ethernet. They enable real-time data exchange and coordination between various devices and software systems within industrial environments and pay particular attention to the reliability and safety of processes. These protocols are essential for establishing structured patterns of cyclic or acyclic data transmission.

Overall, communication controllers in industrial communication and automation are essential for ensuring efficient operations. By implementing advanced protocols and standards, industries can optimize their processes and enhance productivity while maintaining high levels of operational efficiency.

Industrial communication controllers are critical for managing data exchange in automated systems. Here are some of their important technical features:

1. Real-Time Data Processing 

   These controllers handle high-speed and real-time data communication, ensuring timely responses and synchronization critical for automated processes.

2. Multiprotocol Support

   They typically support various industrial Ethernet and fieldbus protocols, such as PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, and EtherCAT, providing flexibility for different applications. Support for IIoT standards such as MQTT and OPC UA is also becoming increasingly important.

3. Robustness

   Designed to operate reliably in harsh industrial environments, they can withstand extreme temperatures, electromagnetic interference, and mechanical wear.

4. Deterministic Communication

   Communication controllers must ensure that data is transmitted within a precise time frame, which is crucial for applications that require high precision, such as robotics and motion control.

5. Scalability

   These controllers are scalable, supporting a range of devices from small sensors to complex multi-node systems, making them adaptable to different industrial setups.

6. Diagnostic Capabilities

   Integral diagnostics help monitor network health, detect faults, and facilitate maintenance, thereby minimizing downtime.

7. High Integration

   They often integrate various functions, including data processing, protocol handling, and error detection (e.g., CRCs), on a single chip or module.

8. Compatibility

   They should offer a high level of compatibility with existing infrastructure and devices and thus ensure seamless integration into various industrial ecosystems.

9. Security Features

   Modern communication controllers support advanced security measures to protect sensitive industrial data from cyber threats.

In the realm of industrial automation and control, communication technologies and protocols are critical for ensuring reliable, real-time data exchange between various devices and systems. Below, we explore the key technologies and leading protocols that underpin modern communication controllers.

Fieldbus Technologies

Fieldbus technologies have been pivotal in industrial automation, providing a robust and deterministic communication framework for connecting sensors, actuators, and controllers. They are characterized by their ability to handle complex networks and facilitate precise control. The Key Fieldbus protocols include:

• PROFIBUS
• Modbus
• CANopen
• DeviceNet

Industrial Ethernet Technologies

Industrial Ethernet protocols are essential for integrating industrial systems with enterprise-level networks. Prominent Industrial Ethernet protocols include:

• PROFINET
• EtherCAT
• Ethernet/IP

IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) Technologies

These technologies support advanced data analytics, remote monitoring, and seamless integration with cloud-based services. Key IIoT protocols include:

• MQTT
• OPC UA 

In addition to the core technologies, there are other communication standards gaining traction in being utilized by communication controllers such as:

IO-Link

IO-Link is an industrial communications standard, short-distance, bi-directional and point-to-point, standardized as IEC 61131-9. It supports remote configuration, parameterization, and diagnostics, enhancing functionalities such as sensor status monitoring and device replacement. Utilizing a master-slave model, an IO-Link master can connect to eight devices via straightforward 3-wire sensor cables for seamless integration with control systems. This setup enables real-time data exchange for communication controllers, allowing remote configuration of parameters like thresholds and intervals for optimal performance.

Wireless Technologies

Wireless communication, including technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G and proprietary industrial wireless protocols, is increasingly used in industrial environments for flexibility and mobility. They are essential for applications where wired connections are impractical or impossible.

As a leading company in the field of industrial communication, Hilscher offers a broad portfolio of technologies and solutions for networking industrial environments.

This includes a wide range of interface solutions for connecting sensors, actuators and controllers to industrial communication networks. The communication controllers of the netX family form the basis for this. The multi-protocol-capable SoCs can be integrated into automation components as required and their extensive chip peripherals enable powerful, efficient and flexible solutions. A protocol change is achieved by simply reloading Hilscher's own netX firmware. Building on this, the company also offers embedded modules and PC cards in all form factors in order to realise the netX communication interface with less integration effort.

Hilscher also offers a comprehensive managed industrial IoT range under the netFIELD brand. This ranges from edge gateways as an application-oriented computer platform with integrated container management and the Edge OS Runtime running on it to the central cloud portal, via which the docker containers are deployed to the edge devices, through to turnkey containers for communication applications.

Gateways and switches, devices for network diagnostics as well as masters and bridges for the wireless connection of IO-Link sensors round off the automation portfolio.