The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) and Profibus and Profinet International (PI) report they're collaborating to promote the use of open industrial networks. As more users prepare to adopt IIoT or Industry 4.0-based manufacturing systems, the two organizations explain it will be essential for them to easily integrate network protocols such as CC-Link IE and Profinet.
Digital communications via fieldbus or industrial Ethernet are already widely used, but the longstanding, heterogeneous landscape of industrial Ethernet standards poses a problem because devices and machines with different communication protocols are in themselves unable to exchange data. This forces machine builders to equip their devices with different networks and/or limits plant owners and operators in their selection of suitable equipment. As a result, there's been a growing need for manufacturer-specific transfer specifications and complicated bespoke converters.
Consequently, CLPA and PI aim to enable transparent and easy bidirectional communication between CC-Link IE and Profinet devices with standardized interfaces, and are establishing a joint working group to develop the necessary technical specifications. When work on the specifications is complete, it will be available to members of both organizations for implementation.
"With CLPA, we've gained a comparable partner, whose networks are being used in many industries worldwide," says Karsten Schneider, chairman of PI.
"This will give users more flexibility when building their IIoT, Industry 4.0, or e-F@ctory systems," adds Naomi Nakamura, global director of CLPA. "With the combined global network of CLPA offices and PI associations, and the large number of available devices from members of both organizations, together we can open up additional markets for our members, and use of CC-Link IE and Profinet will grow even faster."
