Advantage with PROFINET

Thanks to its openness, PROFINET creates the basis for a uniform machine/plant automation network to which automation devices and standard Ethernet devices can be connected.

No matter which components you want to use for your automation solution, PROFINET enables configurations that are independent of the type of controller and other nodes.

PROFINET also protects your existing PROFIBUS investments. For instance, you can easily convert a SIMATIC ET 200SP controller to PROFINET by replacing an interface module and adapting the configuration. Or seamlessly integrate entire PROFIBUS networks simultaneously into PROFINET via the IE/PB LINK PN IO.

This also applies to the future use of PROFINET with TSN. TSN combines existing IEEE standards, which largely affect the OSI layer 2 of communication. TSN is therefore not a communication protocol, but a basic technology that can be used by PROFINET and OPC UA as a kind of "turbo" in the next few years.

PROFINET is 100 percent Ethernet and supports TCP/IP. Among other things, this enables the use of Web technologies, such as access to the integrated Web server of the field devices and greatly simplifies commissioning and diagnostics. Taking into account security mechanisms, this approach allows the introduction of new remote maintenance concepts or even the rapid exchange of production. This is the correct path to digitalisation.

PROFINET characteristics such as deterministic responses, hard real-time capability in the microsecond range, and integrated diagnostic capability are the ideal foundations for Industry 4.0 communication. At the same time, PROFINET harmonizes perfectly with cutting-edge standards such as OPC UA. And thanks to PROFINET’s full IEEE conformity, you benefit from all further developments of Industrial Ethernet in terms of bandwidths, speed, security, and performance. PROFINET is a defined standard (IEC 61158/61784).

Safety-related communication via PROFIsafe reliably protects personnel, the environment, and plants. No special network components are required. You can use standard switches and gateways without restrictions. The existing network infrastructure will be optimally utilised as there is no need for separate cabling or additional safety controls. In addition, fail-safe communication is equally possible via Industrial Wireless LAN (IWLAN).

PROFINET also enables the use of star, tree, and ring topologies in addition to the linear topology. This results in a high degree of flexibility. The PROFINET network can be installed without specialist knowledge and meets all requirements relevant to the industrial environment. Even subsequent expansion of the topology is possible without any additional measures being required. The SCALANCE network components also able access to machines and systems via a secured VPN connection, for remote maintenance purposes for example.

With PROFINET, you can expand network infrastructures as desired – even during operation.

PROFINET offers a host of functions on one cable: Machine data and standard IT data run together. This creates integration and saves costs by reducing the overhead for cabling and training.

Extensive diagnostic data can be read out from the devices to locate faults quickly. HTML Websites are used for servicing PROFINET devices – locally and remotely.

Fault-free establishment of industrial networks in a short time and without specialist knowledge: PROFINET makes this possible with the FastConnect system.

When you replace a PROFINET device, the I/O controller detects the new device and automatically assigns its name

The use of switches even in field devices prevents faults in one section of the network from influencing the entire plant network. PROFINET enables the use of fiber-optic cables especially for areas that are critically sensitive to EMI.

Maximized productivity in high-performance applications

Fast motion control applications need high-speed data exchange. PROFINET’s short cycle times increase the productivity of machines and plants. In combination with drive technology from Siemens, it provides the necessary speed in your machine – combined with maximum precision. In conjunction with SINAMICS drive technology from Siemens, we ensure your equipment runs at the necessary speed while maximizing precision.

With PROFINET it’s also possible to configure nodes to meet any requirements. This enables optimum usage of bandwidth and available controller performance.

Communication via PROFINET is deterministic. A jitter of <1 μs results in maximum precision cycles and thus guarantees high product quality.

With PROFINET, up to 512 devices can be managed by one SIMATIC controller. Mechanisms such as I-Device allow simple configuration of hierarchical controller structures. PROFINET thus makes it easy to implement large network structures as well.

PROFINET achieves a significantly higher data transmission rate than conventional field buses. This enables problem-free transmission of even large volumes of data without affecting I/O data transfer.

Higher plant availability can be achieved by means of a redundant installation. This can be implemented both with the help of external switches and directly via integral PROFINET interfaces. The Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) as well as system redundancy are available for this purpose.

In modular plants, I/O controllers must detect new machines or plant sections quickly. With Fast Start-up, PROFINET can detect devices in < 500 ms and connect them with the I/O controller. Tool changers, for example, work faster and thus more productively.