Industrial Ethernet is the use of Ethernet in an industrial environment with protocols that provide determinism and real-time control. It is a communication protocol that has become increasingly popular in industrial automation and control systems. In this blog, we will explore the concept of Industrial Ethernet, its characteristics, and its applications.
What is Industrial Ethernet?
Industrial Ethernet refers to the use of Ethernet networking devices in harsh industrial environments. It is a communication protocol that uses additional protocols to guarantee that data is delivered on time, in the correct sequence, and without loss. Industrial Ethernet devices are differently designed because they must survive excessive temperatures and harsh environments containing dust, moisture, vibration, and electrical interference.
Characteristics of Industrial Ethernet devices
Industrial Ethernet devices are designed to be rugged and reliable. They are built to withstand harsh environments and extreme temperatures. They are also designed to provide deterministic and real-time control, which is essential for industrial applications. Industrial Ethernet devices use additional protocols to guarantee that data is delivered on time, in the correct sequence, and without loss.
Applications of Industrial Ethernet
Industrial Ethernet is used in a wide variety of industries, including oil and gas, aerospace and defense, energy and power, electrical and electronics, automotive and transport, chemicals, and many more. It is used in manufacturing and logistics to carry out the management of data in real-time for tracking control. It is also used in outdoor applications, where data generated within a moving vehicle must be treated for devices that tolerate vibrations. Industrial Ethernet is used in industrial automation and process control to ensure specific manufacturing data is not only correctly sent and received but also sent and received on time when the data is needed to perform a specific operation.
Industrial Ethernet protocols
There are several Industrial Ethernet protocols, including TSN, OPC UA, EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE, and Modbus. Each protocol has its own set of requirements and certifications that apply. Therefore, it is critical to understand your application’s specific requirements to select the best solution to meet your needs.
Industrial Ethernet switches
Industrial Ethernet switches are purpose-built for industrial environments. They are designed to be reliable and rugged, with passive cooling that adds up to significant operational savings over the life span of an industrial Ethernet switch. Industrial Ethernet switches support practically all industrial automation protocols, including Profinet, CIP/Ethernet IP, Powerlink, SERCOS III, CC-Link, MODBUS TCP, and others. They are changing the way industrial Ethernet is used and transforming businesses.
Industrial Ethernet is a communication protocol that has become increasingly popular in industrial automation and control systems. It is designed to be rugged and reliable, with deterministic and real-time control. Industrial Ethernet is used in a wide variety of industries, including manufacturing and logistics, outdoor applications, and industrial automation and process control. There are several Industrial Ethernet protocols, each with its own set of requirements and certifications that apply. Industrial Ethernet switches are purpose-built for industrial environments and are changing the way industrial Ethernet is used and transforming businesses.