Hanover, April 24th, 2006: With PROFINET, PROFIBUS International (PI) offers the leading open Ethernet solution for industrial applications in automation that ensures high-performance, real-time communication while at the same time, unrestricted IT communication in a network. PROFINET can synchronize remote, distributed automation systems in real-time without having to span a second network. The technical basis for this is the bandwidth reservation of PROFINET and the real-time synchronization of Ethernet switches by which a stable deterministic communication cycle is set (IRT, Isochrone Real-Time).

This capability of PROFINET is particularly significant in the area of demanding motion control applications. The performance of IRT has already been tried extensively in practice in prototypes as well as in series machines. In the mean time, ASICs are available that support the technology for implementing bandwidth control for network components and devices. Communication modules with this functionality are offered from various manufacturers.

Development kits are now available for rapid implementation of the technology. The PROFINET stacks for devices and controllers will also be available in the source code shortly.

Various PI member companies (e.g. Danaher, Danfoss, ESR, HMS, Lenze, Mesco, SEW, Siemens) are currently developing PROFINET devices or are offering corresponding development services. Several products will be shown at the Hanover Fair 2006 or introduced in the course of 2006.