Industrial Ethernet

Industrial Ethernet represents a pivotal adaptation of standard Ethernet technology, tailored to meet the rigorous demands of industrial environments. Unlike its commercial counterpart, Industrial Ethernet is fortified with protocols that ensure determinism and real-time control, essential for automation systems where timing is critical. For this reason, industrial Ethernet is also referred to as Real-Time Ethernet (RTE).

It has become an important communication technology in industrial automation and control systems and offers specific modifications to standard Ethernet to ensure timely and accurate data transmission for industrial processes. Industrial Ethernet comprises several protocols that have been developed on the initiative of various automation manufacturers and fieldbus organizations. These protocols enable reliable communication and seamless integration into industrial automation systems.

In terms of hardware, Industrial Ethernet necessitates more robust components than standard ethernet, including cables and connectors, to withstand the harsh conditions typical of industrial sites. These environments may expose network infrastructure to extreme temperatures, vibration, liquids, dust, chemicals, and electromagnetic interference, necessitating the use of specially constructed cables and connectivity solutions.

Industrial Ethernet offers a range of technical functionalities that make it particularly suited for industrial automation and communication. It incorporates real-time protocols, prioritization mechanisms, and Quality of Service (QoS) techniques to ensure timely and predictable data delivery, which is critical in applications where precise timing is required.

The deterministic behavior of this technology guarantees that data packets are transmitted and received within predictable timeframes, ensuring consistent performance even under heavy network loads. Industrial Ethernet protocols achieve determinism through mechanisms such as time synchronization, prioritized communication channels, and cyclic data exchange, which are essential for time-critical applications in industrial communication and automation technology.

Support for high-speed data exchange is another hallmark, enabling rapid transfer of large volumes of data between devices and systems. This capability is essential for applications such as motion control, machine vision, and high-throughput manufacturing processes, where real-time data acquisition and processing are required for optimal performance.

These networks further employ redundancy and failover mechanisms to enhance reliability and fault tolerance. Redundant network paths, link aggregation, and redundant power supplies ensure uninterrupted operation and minimize the impact of network failures on industrial processes.

Flexible scaling with the number of network nodes is a key feature of Industrial Ethernet, which is particularly beneficial in industrial settings where the network may need to expand or change configuration over time.

• Machine-to-Machine Communication

  Industrial Ethernet acts as a facilitator for machine-to-machine (M2M) interaction, allowing multiple machines on the factory floor to communicate directly without human intervention. This enables seamless collaboration between different machines and subsystems within a production line or manufacturing cell, improving efficiency and productivity.

• Real-time Communication

  Industrial Ethernet enables real-time communication between PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), sensors, actuators, and other automation devices. In automated environments, precise timing and control over equipment are necessary to maintain high-quality standards. 

• SCADA Systems

  With the implementation of Industrial Ethernet, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems can efficiently monitor, gather, and process data from sensors and actuators, PLCs, and other devices, spread across vast geographical locations. It provides operators with insights into process variables, alarms, and historical trends for decision-making and process optimization.

• Distributed Control Systems (DCS)

  Industrial Ethernet supports distributed control architectures, where control functions are distributed across multiple devices and systems within a manufacturing facility or industrial plant. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility, scalability, and fault tolerance in industrial automation systems.

• Safety Systems

  In automation, it's imperative to have reliable emergency stop systems such as emergency stop circuits, safety interlocks, and safety monitoring systems. Industrial Ethernet supports integrated safety protocols that ensure instant communication if a risk is detected, prompting immediate actions to safeguard personnel and equipment.

• Integration with Enterprise Systems

  Industrial Ethernet enables integration with enterprise IT systems, including MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems, and supply chain management systems. This integration facilitates data exchange between production systems and business processes, enabling better coordination, visibility, and decision-making across the entire value chain. 

• Integration with Industry 4.0

  Industrial Ethernet also provides a way to integrate older equipment and protocols into modern, more sophisticated networks, facilitating the transition towards Industry 4.0.

Industrial Ethernet protocols such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP, EtherCAT, CC-Link IE and Ethernet POWERLINK play crucial roles in industrial communication, enabling reliable and efficient data exchange. They address the need for consistent and synchronized automation, integrating real-time control with device interoperability and diagnostics, essential for industries like automotive and material handling.

The various protocols differ both in terms of their technological structure and their performance characteristics. More detailed information on the individual protocols can be found on the corresponding subpages.

Hilscher offers a wide range of products for industrial communication in Industrial Ethernet networks. The netX technology and the multiprotocol-capable SoCs (System on Chips) based on it are at the forefront. These can be integrated into industrial components - such as controllers, sensors or actuators - as highly integrated communication interfaces. Thanks to the associated firmware, which can be loaded onto the chip as required for the required protocol stack, Hilscher supports component manufacturers and automation specialists in the development of flexible solutions for use in a wide variety of Industrial Ethernet networks – for example for PROFINET, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE or Ethernet POWERLINK.

Based on the netX communication controllers, Hilscher developed different embedded modules and the PC and fieldbus cards of the cifX family (which are available in all common form factors - from PCI and PCIe to the smallest multiprotocol-capable PC cards on the automation market in M.2 format). These communication interfaces already include the necessary chip peripherals and are therefore faster to integrate.

In addition, gateways, switches and network and communication diagnostic devices support the smooth operation of fieldbus networks.

Next to conventional Industrial Ethernet systems, Hilscher's components for industrial communication networks also support the most common fieldbus protocols - such as PROFIBUS, Modbus, CC-Link or DeviceNet.

The portfolio is rounded off by the netFIELD ecosystem for Managed Industrial IoT. From the edge gateway to the cloud platform for centralized container and device management, netFIELD offers everything you need to develop modern applications in line with Industry 4.0.