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Ethernet Powerlink-Router
guarantees transparency and continuity
Problem-free access from anywhere
Ethernet is becoming more and more established, also in the field of automation as a powerful communication system in different versions. Ethernet Powerlink is an Industrial Ethernet system that has proven itself in many cases already. The Ethernet Powerlink Router by Deutschmann Automation takes care of the seamless integration of Ethernet Powerlink into superior Ethernet TCP/IP-networks. Ethernet Powerlink is a protocol extension to the Ethernet standard according to IEEE 802.3, in order to transfer real-time data in the time range of microseconds. It was developed considering standard conformity and it extends Ethernet by a mixed polling- and time slice-mechanism: With it the transfer of time-critical data is guaranteed within short isochronous cycles with configurable runtime performance as well as the time synchronization of all network nodes in the time range of sub-microseconds. The transfer of the less time-critical data traffic takes place in the reserved asynchronous channel. Current implementations of Ethernet Powerlink achieve cycle times of less then 200µs and a time accuracy (Jitter) of less then 1µs. Collisions on the Ethernet have to be avoided in order to guarantee the real-time. For that purpose the data transmission is controlled by means of a special node, the „Managing Node" (MN). The other devices, the so-called „Controlled Nodes" (CN) are only allowed to send if the MN asks them. Each cycle starts with a special telegram, the „Start of Cyclic" (SoC). After that each node is prompted by the MN with a „Poll Request" (PReq), whereon the CN replies with a „Poll Response" (PRes). The PRes are sent by Ethernet-multicast. That way all others can also hear the response. A crosswise data-traffic between the CNs is possible. It is not necessary to poll every device in each cycle. Telegrams can be transferred by PDO and SDO.
Seamless integration of Ethernet Powerlink and Ethernet TCP/IP
The Ethernet Powerlink, originally developed by B&R was disclosed in 2001 and it was introduced to the user and vendor group EPSG (Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group). There it is being further developed and specified as open standard. In 2003 it achieved series-production-readiness. Currently throughout the world thousands of end users have more than 210000 nodes installed in more than 28000 machines. More than 200 mechanical engineers bank on Ethernet Powerlink. Soon Ethernet Powerlink will be part of the standards IEC 61748-2 and IEC 61158. The original physical level is 100Base-X Fast Ethernet (IEEE 800.3). Since the end of 2006 Ethernet Powerlink supports with Gigabit Ethernet a transfer rate which is ten times as high (1000 Mbit/s). The migration to Gbit-Ethernet does not present a problem - Ethernet Powerlink does not require proprietary ASICs. Ethernet Powerlink is mostly used, where a fast machine communication is required. It is suitable for all critical control-oriented requirements. Ethernet TCP/IP is mostly used as superior industrial network. Since Ethernet Powerlink also allows the less time-critical asynchronous transfer of additional information, it is suggested to use it also for the information transmission, for instance for diagnosis- and parameterization means. Consequently the machine and plant engineer only needs communication medium based on standard components. The Ethernet Powerlink-Router by Deutschmann Automation was developed for the seamless integration of an Ethernet Powerlink segment within a machine into the industrial network and with it being able to access the real-time controllers transparently from a remote station with Ethernet Powerlink. For this reason it is an important component to create a complete continuity on basis of Ethernet.