PROFINEWS 80

Carl Henning of PI North America spoke at the recent Freescale Semiconductor launch of its latest chip solution for PROFINET implementation. Freescale and Molex demonstrated the Molex PROFINET IO-Controller software running on the P2020 QorIQT multi-core processing platform during the Freescale Technology Forum (FTF) held in San Antonio, Texas in June. The combination enables the simultaneous use of PROFINET while a complex real-time process is being controlled. Molex offers licensed stack software, development tools and expert consulting services. FTF

AWL-Techniek in Harderwijk, one of the largest builders of welding machines in the Netherlands, has used PROFINET and PROFIsafe for the past four years in all their systems. Cor Witteveen, Electrical Engineer, explained that they build machines to commission for many European manufacturing companies, and a significant part of their work goes to the automotive industry.

He said: "PROFINET is the technology which links all parts of our machines together. To produce a product you often have multiple processes, for example welding, automatic insertion and retrieval, and quality control. A robot with a controller is often incorporated too, not to mention the sensors needed for positioning and monitoring. We often build entire lines with multiple robots, with integrated welding processes ranging from spot welding to Mig and Tig laser welding.

"PROFINET allows us the flexibility to build decentralized networks, which have several advantages. First, we have far less cabling to design and assemble and, second, we can build machines in modules that are easily connected and disconnected. This lets us fully test individual modules here in our factory and then quickly assemble the complete line at the end user's location." AWL also uses PROFIsafe to ensure the functional safety of all movements and actions around the welding process. Typical risks include touch, jamming, spatter, arc eye and possibly laser light. Said Cor: "The great advantage is that PROFIsafe works transparently within our PROFINET networks, and programming is all done over the same cable. Previously we had to work with separate equipment, independent cables, PLCs and drives. Now, safety and control are tightly integrated, so engineering takes much less time and programming is simple by comparison.

AWL also likes the powerful diagnostics of PROFINET. With PROFINET it is possible to find and resolve malfunctions very quickly using standard web browsers. It’s even possible to integrate a machine into a corporate IT system so everyone can be involved – providing of course they have the right permissions.

Cor adds: “For overseas customer we can even access our machines remotely over the internet via secure VPN connections, which allows us to diagnose faults from here in Harderwijk. We see remote diagnosis like this as a vast improvement on the services we can provide."

Story translated from the Dutch PI Annual.

FRITHJOF KLAASEN DETAILS HIS PROFIENERGY MEASUREMENTS

Prof. Frithjof Klasen, from the Institute for Automation & Industrial IT (AIT), Cologne University of Applied Science, presented the results of a comprehensive power load analysis undertaken on two automotive plants to more fully understand how energy is used, and therefore how PROFIenergy can best be applied.

The project focused on typical sections of production lines and involved the recording and analysis of energy profiles for individual consumers - including robotic systems - from plant level down to device level. It included a search for large energy consumers and an investigation of different energy types (e.g., pneumatics), together with an analysis of the frequency and duration of pauses and downtimes.

POWER LOAD PROFILE OF TYPICAL PLANT, WITH AVERAGE AND PAUSE CONSUMPTION FIGURES

Fifteen measuring devices were used to continuously record voltage, current, and power parameters over 7 days. Measured data was synchronized with plant/machine status, allowing energy consumption/load curves, maximum energy consumption, average basic energy consumption and energy consumption during unplanned and planned idle times to be determined. A typical infeed load curve is displayed above, showing the average power consumed during production (i.e. what is paid for) and that being used during planned and unplanned production pauses.

Klasen said that the potential for plant wide savings is high, with 33% savings in power and CO_² being achievable for a 2 shift line over 5 work days + 2 weekend days. However, what he called 'adequate plant concepts' are required: "Plant operators must clearly define their requirements for equipment and component manufacturers, as the standby mode is only useful if trouble-free startup can be ensured," he said. A White Paper on Prof. Klasen's results will be published shortly.

DENNIS VAN BOOMA PRESENTS THE NEW TRAINING POLICY TO DELEGATES IN LUCERNE Changes to the way PI Training Centers (PITCs) are allowed to operate globally were agreed at the Lucerne meeting (see story left). In the past, a PITC could only offer certified training classes in their own country or region - to avoid overlaps - but this has proved unworkable given that many organizations with PITC facilities already operate globally anyway. So, it was decided that, from now, a PITC can undertake training on PROFINET and PROFIBUS topics anywhere in the world, enabling certified courses to be offered in more areas and making attendance easier as engineers and installers will not need to travel long distances. Certain conditions must be met however. These are: that a PITC must be a full paying member of its parent Regional PI Association (RPA) i.e in the country where it is located as well as in the region where it wishes to offer its services; also that all training programs must be scheduled and approved by the local RPA. Certificates (right) will be issued by the RPA in the region where the training takes place. Pictured top is Dennis van Booma, Working Group Chairman of Training - PITCs, who helped present the new policy to training personnel attending the meeting.

XAVER SCHMIDT REPORTING ON PROFINET AT THE 2011 PI MEETING Xaver Schmidt, head of the PROFINET Marketing Working Group, attended the Lucerne meeting to explain the latest news and unveil the results of a recent market survey, conducted on-line and face-to-face at fairs and workshops. Topics he covered included the status of the PROFINET specification (it's complete, with V2.3 released some months ago) and security (a test spec. covering network load definitions and optional certification is now available). Schmidt pointed out that a complete set of free test tools are now available (Wireshark, GSDML-viewer, PN-tester and IRT-tester). Vertical markets are now being targeted via fairs such as embedded, CEMAT and MOTEK to cover market areas such as logistics and process measurement.

Schmidt summarized the PROFINET survey results with a set of slides indicating the scores from several questions. 595 responses had been received, he said, with some pleasant surprises. 'Speed' and 'innovation' are the attributes most associated with PROFINET, with diagnosis, safety, IT integration and security seen as the most important functionalities. Among a choice of networking standards, PROFINET and PROFIBUS were identified as the most efficient. Many users consider PROFINET to be a supplement to PROFIBUS, not a replacement. Asked why they use PROFINET, users said that it offers innovative functionalities, it meets future requirements, and it is fast.

Japanese PROFIBUS Organization (JPO) will hold an event named 'PROFIBUS & PROFINET Day 2011' in Osaka and Tokyo during July (see poster right, click for larger image). JPO has held this type of event for the past six years. 30 companies and two Associations will participate this year, and that means it will be the biggest event so far. Latest PROFIBUS and PROFINET products will be shown and JPO will demonstrate PROFIBUS and PROFINET multi-vendor systems. Nine seminars are planned. The engineering demonstration is new. Visitors will see how to connect five different PROFIBUS and PROFINET controllers to field devices. JPO expects more than 300 visitors to attend. A <link nc/downloads/downloads/the-easy-way-to-profinet-technology/display/ - external-link-new-window "Opens external link in new window"> EASY WAY TO PROFINET - JAPANESE TRANSLATION </link>PROFINET working group within JPO that started activities in May 2010 has translated 'The easy way to PROFINET' into Japanese (see left). Hilscher Japan, HMS Industrial Networks, Japan Molex, Phoenix Contact, KW Software, Renesas Electronics, Siemens Japan and Gailogic (Softing) worked together on the project. The demand to develop PROFINET devices is getting hot in Japan, says JPO. "We are sure this document gives a good idea of the easy and quick development of PROFINET devices for Japanese developers." <link nc/downloads/downloads/the-easy-way-to-profinet-technology/display/ - external-link-new-window "Opens external link in new window">Download</link> the Japanese translation. <link community/regional-pi-associations/japan/ - external-link-new-window "Opens external link in new window">JAPANESE PROFIBUS ORGANIZATION</link>

The EK9300 Bus Coupler permhttp://www.beckhoff.com/english/ethercat/ek9300.htm

IGNACIO ALVAREZ FROM SPAIN

The president of the new RPA in Spain, Ignacio Alvarez, introduced himself and his new RPA (Regional PI Association) at the Lucerne meeting (see story left). He explained how the group had been formed, from kick off in November 2009 to its formal foundation in June 2011, as well as its marketing plan for 2011. An event to celebrate the foundation is planned for October 2011. The RPA has seven Board members (ABB; Endress+Hauser, Harting, Logitek, Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, Siemens, SMC). Its headquarters and office are at the university in Barcelona. Forthcoming activities will focus on press and publications, in order to promote the new RPA and inform the Spanish market about PI’s technologies. SPAIN

The continuing growth of PROFINET and PROFIBUS is underlined by the large number of new and updated products now available via PI’s online product guide. With more than 2,100 PROFIBUS and about 500 PROFINET devices and services the guide includes a fast search function, enabling easy location of product types and technologies. You can limit the search for certified products only, or use the full text search if you already know the product name, or would like to enter special keywords. ONLINE PRODUCT GUIDE

Paula Doyle, Chairman of PI Middle East writes: “Paula Doyle, Chairman of PI Middle East writes: “PI Middle East was officially launched on June 29th 2011, sponsored by ABB, E+H, Phoenix Contact, Pepperl & Fuchs, ProSoft, Siemens, Stahl, Turck and Yokogawa. Over 130 people representing a variety of industial sectors attended the event, to learn more about PI and the benefits of PROFIBUS and PROFINET.

She said: “We were also delighted to welcome Jörg Freitag, who gave a 45-minute presentation as Chairman of PI. There was great interest in hearing his viewpoint and learning more about the global status of PROFIBUS & PROFINET.

“We also welcomed Wyn Owen from United Sugar Company who gave a presentation entitled ' Benefits of using PROFIBUS & PROFINET'. United Sugar Company is a Saudi Arabia-based company producing, processing, supplying and trading refined sugar. The company has been using PROFIBUS and PROFINET for many years and Owen shared his first-hand experiences of the advantages of the technology - including cost-savings and predictive maintanance.”

Paula added: “We are pleased to be bringing the PI vision of automation to the Middle East. I am grateful to our sponsors for supporting this initiative. Although the PROFIBUS & PROFINET market is already strong, we are focused on enhancing the overall end-user experience with our support network. We are planning a Water & Wastewater event in October and a Metals event in November and we have a number of other events in the pipeline for 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our three PICCs - in UAE, Lebanon and KSA - who recently became certified. They are an integral part of our organization and I would like to commend them for their well-deserved achievements.''

Jörg Freitag, Chairman of PI said: “This is a major step for PI as we are expanding the global PROFIBUS and PROFINET network into a particularly buoyant and interesting market. I know that PI Middle East will be a great success!" PI MIDDLE EAST

At the harbor of Rotterdam, Ertsoverslagbedrijf Europoort C.V. (EECV) runs one of Europe's biggest bulk handling installations. On an area of about 82 hectare, roughly 23 million tons of iron ore and up to 5 million tons of coal are unloaded annually, stored temporarily and then loaded onto smaller transport ships for transportation into the Ruhr area.

The facility has been updated consistently for the last 40 years but remains a challenge for the automation technology of the load cranes, conveyer belts and loading installations involved. Communication between the automated equipment components and the higher level control systems has to be very robust and reliable, so EECV relies on more than 20 PROFIBUS networks. Fiber optics lines have to cover distances of up to one kilometer, which makes the fieldbus susceptible to failures. Last summer, the general wish was expressed to monitor the PROFIBUS networks and all participants centrally, to recognize and avoid failures at an early stage.

During their research for a powerful surveillance tool, staff from the electrotechnical office discovered the Ethernet-PROFIBUS Interface, PB-XEPI, from Turck. The decisive factor was ITS diagnostics functionality: “The Ethernet-PROFIBUS Interface from Turck is ideal for us, because you can figure out where the mistake lies – down to single participants,” John van Hoorn, planning engineer, explained. So far, EECV uses five PB-XEPI

interfaces for diagnosis. Seven more are scheduled and a further eight could be in use for the coal facility soon.

The PB-XEPI

interfaces make an important contribution to the vertical communication and maintenance concept from the office to field components. EECV staff are also able to monitor their PROFIBUS networks simultaneously, constantly and centrally for the first time. Unlike local proprietary diagnostic tools, PB-XEPI allows remote maintenance over a PC browser. “You assign an IP address for the interface, connect the PROFIBUS cable and ... it works,” van Hoorn said.

At the PROFIBUS network of the huge bulk handling installation, PB-XEPIs are configured merely as listeners. Without a PROFIBUS address the diagnostic units monitor the data flow networks without taking part in the communication. If a malfunction occurs, the interface records an error message independently or sends it by e-mail. Maintenance staff can then access the interface and retrieve more detailed information and instructions.

Thanks to the system-independent communication via Ethernet and the integrated webserver, there is no special software or license needed to access the full diagnostic functionality – a web browser is all that is needed. “Some time ago, a PB-XEPI showed so-called 'repeats' from an old part of the facility. I could read the error report in my office and immediately replace a part of the cable before there was a bigger failure,” said van Hoorn.

PB-XEPI also supports FDT/DTM. Thanks to the license-free PACTware software and relevant Device Type Managers the user can easily visualize and manage the diagnostics of participants. Easy handling also supports future upgrades and turns the diagnostic interface into a future-proof environment for automation technology.

WAGO PROFIsafe modules Wago has a new 4-channel digital input and 1-channel digital output terminal supporting PROFIsafe for PROFIBUS and PROFINET. It features a configurable safe output of two semiconductor switches (24 V/10 A) and four stroke-sensitive inputs. Outputs are capable of switching inductive loads up to 2 A without additional external circuitry. Operating modes, the shutdown of the test pulses, discrepancy and filter times are parameterized using WAGO I/O-CHECK, which can be integrated into engineering systems via TCI (Tool Calling Interface). Parameters can also be automatically downloaded from an iPar server. WAGO

MAX FELSER 37 delegates from 23 out of the 27 Regional PI Associations (RPAs) met at the recent PI Chairman's Meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland, for 2 and a half days of technology and marketing discussions about PROFIBUS and PROFINET. Together with the Training Centers, Competence Centers and Test Labs meeting at the same time, this meant that over 115 people with special interests in PROFIBUS and PROFINET attended in all, the largest gathering in PI's history.

A significant part of the meeting was devoted to long term PROFINET strategy, from which came a series of tactical goals. Among them was to emphasize more strongly the 'solutions-oriented' benefits of PROFINET, which can easily meet all needs in automation with a technology that is modular and therefore simple to deploy even in small networks. PROFINET's ease of implementation and the strength of the PI community were identified as key points for further promotion.

Swiss RPA Chairman Max Felser (above left) welcomed delegates to the meeting and said as that Switzerland had been the first RPA to be established outside of Germany 19 years previously, so he was especially pleased to be hosting this event.

Other topics included a report about field data collected from real PROFIenergy installations. A report on the recent PROFINET Market Survey was also given. Both these are covered in more detail below.

This official group photo of the meeting was taken on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Who's who? Check this link.

GROUP PHOTO FROM PI MEETING, LUCERNE

ZMDI has announced the fhttp://www.zmdi.com/io-link

Bernie Anger, General Manager Control and Communication Systems for GE Intelligent Platforms, has been elected to the PI North America Board of Directors. The appointment follows GE Intelligent

Plug-based PROFINET proxy from Hilscher The dot marking system MARKER3000 made by ADT of Germany has been sold for years to the automotive industry with a PROFIBUS interface. But things are changing and most of the well known car manufacturers in Europe are switching to PROFINET.

This posed some challenges for ADT since MAKER3000 is a sophisticated device sold in small numbers - maybe 20 per year. A new bus interface would take about half a year of development and an investment of perhaps $40,000 including certification. Fortunately, Hilscher provided a handy alternative with its netLINK PROXY module.

netLINK PROXY is a device that turns any PROFIBUS slave into a PROFINET device in minutes. Like an ordinary fieldbus plug it is mounted directly on the slave’s PROFIBUS interface. The output is an RJ45 port for PROFINET.

“We are very happy to have netLINK PROXY as an interim solution," said Johann Krutsch CEO of ADT

. "It tides over the period required for our PROFINET development and, to be honest, with a price of just $150 it was hard to give our own PROFINET development a ‘go’ at all. To PROXY or not to PROXY was really the question”. HILSCHER

Paula Doyle of PI MIddle East Paula Doyle writes: "Greetings from the UAE! Interest in the PROFIBUS Association Middle East is growing and we have been getting great feedback from the region. A recent visit to one of the largest global Oil and Gas exhibitions, ADIPEC, showed the importance of PROBUS in this market with many vendors showcasing PROFIBUS products on their stands. Plans are going ahead to formally launch the organization in the near future and there are certified training sessions planned in Dubai for December, March and May. We plan to establish regional Competence Centers that can cover our large geographical area and I'm pleased to announce that we have three strong candidates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia & Lebanon. As always - if you would like further information, or would like to share some wisdom, please get in touch at middle.east(at)profibus(dot)com"

The 2011 PI Conference is to be hosted by PNO on February 15-16 at ZKM in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Conference will be dedicated to 'Automation and Energy Efficiency' and a full program has now been published covering technology sessions, panel discussions and the real world experiences of end users.

Specific topics include PROFINET in factory and process automation, PROFIenergy, drives with PROFIBUS and PROFINET, life cycle management with PROFIBUS PA, functional safety with PROFIsafe, sensor/actuator communication with IO-Link, wireless communications, and device integration and system engineering.

There will be a mini-exhibition running alongside the event and a series of live demos. The keynote speaker will be Prof. Dr. Klaus Töpfer, former German Federal Minister for the Environment. All sessions will be in German. For more information, and to download the program, please VISIT THIS PAGE.

The Genoa Fieldbus Competence Centre (GFCC) has been accredited as a PROFIBUS and PROFINET PI Training Center (PITC). GFCC is already a PROFIBUS and PROFINET Competence Center (PICC). GFCC http://www.gfcc.it/

The PROF SOUTH EAST ASIA MEETING IBUS/PROFINET Association South East Asia has successfully conducted a major seminar at the Petrofac Training Center on Jurong Island in Singapore. A total of 60 participants listened to the latest updates about PROFIBUS and PROFINET. Jurong Island is the home of the petrochemical industries so one of the main topics was process safety using fieldbus technology. The seminar was supported by Siemens, Pepperl + Fuchs, Endress+Hauser, Phoenix Contact, Leoni, Vipa and VEGA, who provided live demonstrations showcasing innovative products and solutions. The seminar was organized in three parts: news and market updates with the latest information about installed nodes; a PROFIBUS block with presentations on installations and best practices as well as process safety; and a PROFINET block on innovative Industrial Ethernet SOUTH EAST ASIA MEETING solutions as well as new PROFINET features for the process industry such as redundancy, shared devices and more. More locations will follow, including Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand. The Chairman of PI is expected to attend one of these seminars. SOUTH EAST ASIA

Joerg Freitag at a recent Standards meeting in China In November 2010, the Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China (SAC) adopted both PROFINET IO and PROFIdrive as Chinese national standards (PROFINET IO: GB/Z 25105.1–.3-2010 and PROFIdrive: GB/Z 25740.1–.2-2010).

The occasion was honored by an official ceremony at the offices of the Minister in Beijing in the presence of more than 50 high-ranking representatives. Experts have already begun preparing PROFINET IO, PROFIsafe and PROFIdrive for full GB/T Standard status. PROFIsafe is already GB/Z.

PROFIBUS achieved GB/T status in 2006 and is currently experiencing unprecedented growth in China. Rapid growth for PROFINET is now expected. Our picture shows PI Chairman Jörg Freitag speaking at the Standards meeting.

PROFINET for PROCESS

The 'PROFINET for Process Automation' application profile has been published, enabling PROFINET to be targeted at both manufacturing and process environments - just like PROFIBUS.

Four key aspects of Process Automation are incorporated: the integration of existing fieldbuses; configuration in run; time synchronization and time stamping; scalable redundancy.

With immediate effect manufacturers can implement these functions into PROFINET devices for process automation, smoothing the way for cost-optimized solutions and better investment protection.

The mechanisms underlying the profile have been included in Specification V2.3. This new PROFINET specification also includes functions for high performance applications.

PI members can download the specification HERE.

Non-members contact info(at)profibus(dot)com for a quote.

The PROFINET LinkedIn group now has 210 members and is fast becoming the place to be seen and heard on LinkedIn. It's now in 'open discussion' mode which means anyone can contribute and read what's being written; one of the latest posts is about how to use a chip solution to create a PROFINET device.

In North America

PROFIblog continues to make waves as Carl Henning reports on his travels to PI events around the world and provides stimulating commentary on what matters in automation.

Carl Tweets too; follow him @CHenning

.

PI h

as also expanded into TV production and is now publishing short films via YouTube where there are already two PI channels - profitelevision and profiblogger. Check this film about PROFIenergy, PI's radical new energy saving profile, or this one about the PI Booth at Hannover Fair. The videos can also be viewed on the PI web site here.

Finally, Webinars continue to be a useful medium to monitor; PI North America recently completed two - one about PROFIenergy the other about PROFINET in Process Automation. Find them and more here.

All Things PROFINET now has lots more Device Developer material, including a table showing which company can best help with your kind of PROFINET implementation.

www.profibus.com now has a completely revised technology section.

Jörg Freitag, PI Chairman

Brazilian PROFIBUS and PROFINET seminars During September and October 2010, RPA Brazil organized a series of seminars about PROFIBUS

/PROFINET for users, integrators and engineering companies. The goal was to present the fundamentals and principles of PROFIBUS such as interoperability and highlight that PROFINET is a leading protocol for implementing Industrial Ethernet that can help bring IT standards to the plant floor. There were three events - held in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Curitiba - with an average of 70 attendees. One aim was to present technological resources and development tools for PROFINET. The events were conducted by the RPA Directors and an expert in PROFINET from Germany. BRAZIL

In industry a large number of 4-20mA transmitters are compatible with the HART protocol and in some cases these devices are connected to the control system via a PROFIBUS networked remote I/O stations.

A remote I/O can diagnose whether the 4-20mA HART signal is within its limits - i.e. locate a wire break - however it does not in itself allow any real connectivity to the device. In the absence of a HART multiplexer, these devices are only configurable using a handheld communicator or a HART modem. Unlike PROFIBUS PA instruments that can be viewed in multidrop mode, this necessitates connecting to each device separately in order to set the desired parameters. The result is that the user must go into the field to do a job that can otherwise be undertaken from the control room.

The problem can be resolved however if the HART bypass capability of the remote I/O station such as STAHL IS1 is utilized. This is a commonly unused capability of HART devices connected to remote I/O stations. Gateways such as Endress+Hauser's Fieldgate FXA720 in combination with Fieldcare from E+H facilitate such a process and can be connected to the internet allowing communication with the HART devices over PROFIBUS network from any location in the world. For fuller details of this technique please email info(at)profibus(dot)ie

With PROFIBUS, the use of manufacturer-specific description files means that users have to replace a process field device with an identical one. The recent introduction of PROFIBUS PA Device Profile 3.02 changes all this as a new field device can now automatically assume the device version of an older device without any interruption to the process. The replacement device thus presents itself to the control system as its predecessor, even though it may be 10 years more advanced.

This brings some valuable benefits. During a subsequent planned shutdown, the new functionality can be integrated by updating the description file. The same applies to the integration of an EDD or a DTM during a device replacement. It is also possible with Device Profile 3.02 for a new device to assume the functionality of several predecessor versions.

Device Profile 3.02 has recently undergone tests at BIS Prozesstechnik in Frankfurt, where one of the world's largest multi-vendor fieldbus test installations (see right) is installed. The laboratory is also a test center for EMC and actuator technology (SIL, CE, TA-Luft), a PI Competence Center (PICC) for PROFIBUS, and a Fieldbus Foundation Center of Excellence.

In the Profile 3.02 tests, two scenarios were considered: first, the replacement of an existing device while the process was running and, second, the display of status signals according to NE 107. Two field devices – a Samson actuator and an Endress+Hauser head transmitter – were tested in combination with five different control systems from Siemens, ABB, and Schneider. Three types of segment coupler were also included in the tests.

To start, a PA device assembly was configured and commissioned for each control system. Each was then replaced with a newer version. The cyclic transfer of measured values and the status of the measured value were monitored. The tests also included the mapping of specific diagnostic information onto four standardized categories according to NAMUR Recommendation 107. Different error scenarios were simulated. All tests were successfully passed.

Profile 3.02 can also handle faster uploading of parameters for optimizing transmission times. Different quantities of data must be transferred depending on the phase in the life cycle of a field device. Thus, a portion of the parameters must be adapted during commissioning, another portion during subsequent maintenance activities, and a large portion during device replacement. Depending on the functionality of the device, it is not unusual to deal with 300 parameters. The new PA Profile 3.02 optimizes the transfer by grouping parameters. This allows the transfer times to be reduced many times over (5- to 10-fold, depending on the data quantity). These functions are not yet available in devices so further testing will be carried out later.

Take our survey and tell us what you think about PROFINET PI is undertaking a worldwide survey about PROFINET. We want to know what you think about it. Are you using it yet? How do you rate its efficiency? It will take you no more than 5 minutes to answer a few key questions on-line here, and in that time you could help us improve the relevance of PROFINET to your needs. (link to come here).

The special capabilities needed by PROFINET to make it fully acceptable to the process industries are being specified now by PI Working Groups and nearing review. They should be released early in 2011. PROFINET supplements PROFIBUS in hazardous environments by providing a high-speed, high-bandwidth backbone for PROFIBUS PA (and other networks) while providing immediate connectivity for drives and discrete IO. The specialist process automation requirements being addressed are: Proxies, 'Configuration in Run' (CiR), Time Sync / Time Stamping and Scalable Redundancy. PI North America member GE is participating in the Working Groups to help develop these capabilities.

Planning Guideline PI has published a 'PROFIBUS Guideline for Planning'. It's the third of a three volume 'Installation Guide'. The first two volumes - 'Cabling and Assembly Guideline' and 'Commissioning Guideline' - have been available for sometime. The volumes cover PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA. In addition to providing support for the plant topology definition, the guideline covers the selection of cable types and plug connectors, the planning of copper and optical transmission lines, tips for estimating bus cycle times and information regarding shielding and grounding. There's also a template for planning and documenting plants. A pdf is available here for free download.

A new White Paper from HMS gives a quick overview of PROFINET and points out what needs to be taken into account for a successful migration from PROFIBUS to PROFINET. It shows the main differences between the two and points out their common ground. It also gives a basic overview of the key functions and features of PROFINET without getting lost in bits and bytes. The White Paper is available in English here.

As the fourth biggest passenger-car seller in China, Chery Automobile China, is enjoying great success. It is upgrading its transfer press line and increasing throughput by adopting state-of-the-art safety systems. PROFINET with integrated PROFIsafe is being used for automating the feeders between the individual press stages, based on Siemens SIMATIC safety products. PROFINET IRT is employed to enable virtual real-time communication within the system and to synchronize the feeders within one millisecond. CBE 20 communication processors with integrated ERTEC chips ensure that the SINAMICS converters respond equally quickly. PROFIsafe meets the strict European safety requirements of SIL 3 (Safety Integrity Level 3). The PROFINET bus architecture is open and can be enhanced at any time. No separate bus structures or cable systems are required for the safety-specific functions or for the drive synchronization. Thanks to the uniform bus structure of the system controller, drives and peripheral systems, Chery is able to reap considerable savings. The whole system runs on a single platform, resulting in significant cost reductions for engineering, commissioning, maintenance and ongoing production. It has helped Chery increase throughput by 15% compared with manual systems. SIEMENS

STEINHOFF REAL TIME PROFIBUS DP STEINHOFF Automation & Fieldbus Systems now has a PROFIBUS DP Master implementation for the realtime-capable PREEMPT_RT Linux and Standard Linux, together with a Linux-based tool for configuring PROFIBUS DP networks. PROFIBUS DP board/software packages are offered together with PCI, PCIe, PC/104-Plus or PC/104 Boards from Softing. The PROFIBUS DP Master software is based on the UIO-interface, and is independent of the Linux kernel version. Only the sources of the related kernel module have to be recompiled for the individual v. 2.6.x kernel versions and the latest UIO support. The offered implementation avoids context switches in the operational mode of the master in order to minimize the requested CPU time. Additionally offered is the C-API also as function block library for integrating into DACHSview. STEINHOFF AUTOMATION

The Genoa Fieldbus Competence Centre (GFCC) is a new PI Competence Centre

(PICC) in Italy. GFCC is based in Genoa and is a spin-off from Genoa University. It has been founded by

Alberto Sibono

. In charge are Prof. Paolo Pinceti and Dr.Ing. Micaela Caserza Magro of Genoa University.

GFCC operates in the fieldbus and industrial automation sector, providing high added-value services ranging from audit and certified training to the on-site diagnosis of industrial networks. Some of its activities are oriented towards research, as its academic origins suggest.

GFCC is a PI Competence Centre for PROFIBUS, PROFIBUS PA and PROFINET and is staffed by three Certified PROFINET Engineers, three Certified PROFIBUS Engineers and one Certified PROFIBUS PA Engineer having more than 20 years of experience in fieldbus communications. GFCC can operate in Italian, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese languages.

The Swedish PROFIBUS/PROFINET Group is now preparing for the Scanautomatic Fair in Gothenburg 26-28 October. With help from PI Chairman Joerg Freitag the aim is to show Scandinavian industry how PROFIenergy can save money and the environment! With seminars and a product display in a large booth the Group expects visitors to attend from Norway and Denmark too, thanks to the short distance between Gothenburg, Oslo and Copenhagen. SWEDEN

France event held at GDF SUEZ 60 people attended PROFIBUS and PROFINET workshops in Paris and Lyon recently. Members of the French Association presented the latest innovations offered by PROFIBUS & PROFINET in terms of interchangeability of instruments, the PROFIBUS PA 3.02 profile, energy savings with PROFIenergy, isochronism using PROFINET IRT and safety with PROFIsafe. Q&A sessions allowed participants to leave with a good understanding of these topics. Participants in Paris also visited a PROFIBUS installation at GDF SUEZ (where the event took place). PowerPoint presentations are available at FRANCE. If you want to be informed of future exhibitions and workshops please email: france(at)profibus(dot)com

The PROFIBUS organization Czech Republic, together with Deutschmann Automation, profichip and Foxon, held its first PROFIBUS Developer Workshop in May, in Prague. Basic information was provided for product development using ASICs and modules. Participants were able to decide whether a PROFIBUS integration with an ASIC from profichip or the universal gateway module UNIGATE-IC series from Deutschmann Automation offered the best solution for their applications. With the PROFIBUS tools from PROCENTEC, Foxon presented appropriate analysis techniques for product development and troubleshooting. Each participant received from profichip a free DP-V0 protocol software stack and from Deutschmann Automation a UNIGATE starter-kit. CZECH REPUBLIC

ANYBUS GATEWAY CONNECTS MODBUS TO PROFIBUS Modbus TCP-enabled devices can now be easily connected to PROFIBUS using the latest Anybus X-gateway. The X-gateway works as a translator between the two protocols and is configured through a web interface with no need for programming. Acting as a client (master) on the Modbus TCP network and a slave/adapter on the PROFIBUS network, it provides fast transfer of data, typically with a delay of less than 5ms. X-gateways have been re-designed (see photo) and now enable easier cable connection, backplane stacking possibilities and a wall-mount option for harsh industrial environments. HMS

Balluff RFID systems based on IO-Link Balluff BIS M series RFID systems now feature an IO-Link interface. Up to four read/write heads can be integrated into the control level "plug and play" using an IO-Link Master, with no additional managing unit. With a large variety of rugged data carrier types and read/write heads systems operate without contact and are wear-free. They are ideal wherever low data amounts are needed for traceability. Specially designed for harsh environments, the systems provide virtually unlimited read/write cycles for flexible, fast communication even over long distances. BALLUFF

Softing Evaluation Kit for PROFINET Softing has a new evaluation kit for integrating PROFINET into devices. The hardware consists of a base board and an Altera Cyclone III FPGA module which provides huge flexibility. Various peripheral interfaces are available to test different integration possibilities. Today, the product supports PROFINET IO Device Conformance Class A and B. Support of Conformance Class C will be available next year. A PLC program for communicating with the Evaluation Kit, example programs and documentation are included. The protocol software is portable and can be used in other environments. SOFTING

Endress+Hauser has a new UV sensor and Memograph transmitter with built-in PROFIBUS connectivity for the in-line measurement of UV absorption. A built-in reference channel and an optimized measuring filter permit extremely precise, linear and reproducible measurement. The Easycal sensor system and the precision optical path length adjustment tool allow liquid-free in-line calibration. Available are FM and ATEX approved lamp housings for hazardous area applications. ENDRESS + HAUSER.

tREBING + hIMSTEDT Diagnosis for PROFINET and PROFINET This software package enables PROFIBUS and PROFINET networks to be monitored with one solution. The concept is comprised of a web-based software tool and a network access point which is available for fixed installation or for mobile use. Intuitive handling, protocol-independent diagnosis functionalities and uniform views make using the package really simple. An automatic alert allows short reaction times in case of failures. Diagnosis information is available directly or can be integrated into higher-level applications via OPC. The package will be presented at SPS/IPC/DRIVES in November. TREBING + HIMSTEDT

IVG PLUG TESTER IVG-Göhringer's PQ-T 10 PROFIBUS

Quick Tester is an easy-to-handle and favorably-priced PROFIBUS diagnostic tool. It’s sized like a

general PROFIBUS

plug and can be plugged into any position within a PROFIBUS network. Critical conditions like retries, illegal response, sync and diagnostic messages are signaled by an LED and a potential-free relay output delivers a status signal to the control system. Optimizing a network with this tool can assist with the purchase of further ‘measuring tools’, or even a complete PROFIBUS analysis. IVG-GÖHRINGER

PROSOFT COMPACTLOGIX MODULE ProSoft Technology’s PROFIBUS DP-V1 Master Communication Module for CompactLogix platforms (MVI69-PDPMV1) now supports CIPconnect technology. With CIPconnect, users are now able to access the module by utilizing the Ethernet port of a CompactLogix processor, such as the L32E or L35E. This feature utilizes the backplane bridging capabilities of the CompactLogix system to enable remote configuration and diagnostics of the module via EtherNet/IP. CIPconnect also enables asset management software that supports FDT/DTM to connect to PROFIBUS DP devices through the same Ethernet connection. PROSOFT TECHNOLOGY

On 12. March 2010 the first ever PROFIBUS Product Developer Workshop took place in Shenzen, in the south of China. The event was organized by profichip China one day after the SPS Industrial Automation Fair in Guangzhou. In the one day sessions over 30 engineers were trained how to start developing a PROFIBUS product. Main topics were: the software and hardware structure of an integrated PROFIBUS interface, the differences between DP-V0, DP-V1 and DP-V2 protocols, PROFIBUS ASIC's from profichip GmbH, the RS485 physical interface design, and PROFIBUS tools. PROFICHIP

profichip GmbH from Germany has received an award for its proficonn chip – the smallest PROFIBUS DP Interface module worldwide. The award was the Innovation Prize 2010 in the hardware category of the prestigious ‘Initiative Mittelstand’ awards presented at the recent CEBIT fair.

proficonn interface modules enable easy and immediate hardware integration of a PROFIBUS DP slave interface. The module contains the PROFIBUS protocol and the complete RS485 interface including DC/DC transducer, dc decoupling and RS485 driver.

PROFICHIP

The online Product Guide of PROFIBUS and PROFINET products has been revised to improve usability. By reducing the selection criteria, products can be found much more easily. For vendors product data can also be entered faster. In addition the presentation of certified products has been improved, to facilitate identification. The Product Guide is a free and well-proven benefit for members and users. The Guide is kept fully up to date by vendor members themselves.

PRODUCT GUIDE

A completely new marketing brochure for PROFIenergy has been published, along with four other updated brochures covering PROFINET, PROFIBUS PA, PROFIdrive and PROFIsafe. All comply with the latest corporate design of PI and are available for download in pdf format

FROM HERE

Attempts to establish Regional PI Association (RPA) in the key Middle East area have not so far proved fruitful ... but that’s all about to change! Paula Doyle from Ireland has recently taken up a new job in Dubai with Siemens and part of her mission is to set up an official RPA (Regional PI Association) as soon as possible. Paula is from Limerick in Ireland, where she gained her PhD. For the past four years she’s been in Scandinavia developing new control products for ABB. Her position with Siemens in Dubai is firmly centred on PROFIBUS and will allow her to focus her marketing skills on helping PI expand in the Middle East, a key area that deserves more support from the PI community. Her presence at the 23rd PI Meeting in Rome (see full report left) gave her the chance to meet current RPA Chairmen and to find out 'how they did it'. We’ll keep you informed of Paula’s progress.

Among the many presentations given on the PI booth was one about FDI technology. PI is actively working as part of the FDI Cooperation to help develop FDI, which will lead to a big reduction in the costs of maintaining plant assets. It enables both FDT- and EDDL-based host systems to manage field devices using a single engineering package, so it will make different engineering solutions for different devices obsolete

. It also provides a scalable alternative in applications ranging from simple configuration to the complex management of sophisticated field devices.

PROFINEWS is published by PI, a global community supporting technological excellence in industrial automation. It represents PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link and actively collaborates with other leading automation groups such as ECT, HART, FDI, FF, OPC and WCT.

www.profibus.com or www.profinet.com

IO-Link Technology Days are being organized by MSC Gleichmann Schweiz, HMT microelectronic and MESCO Engineering in September and December. An overview of the IO-Link Consortium will be presented along with hardware and software elements of IO-Link and the testing requirements for conformity. Component manufacturers will present products for developing IO-Link devices.

If you're interested in a blogger's view of the PI world, visit PROFIblog. Carl Henning has just uploaded his take on the PI Conference in Lucerne (see story above) in which a swan made a magical appearance. Or, jog over to the latest PI YouTube channel where The Profiblogger

is showing off his talents. Meanwhile, the nationwide program of PROFIBUS and PROFINET training classes continues without let up. The first PROFINET training classes were corkers and seats at some events are now in short supply so early reservation is recommended. Keep up to date with these free training classes here. The All Things PROFINET web site has been expanded by lots of great new information for device developers. NORTH AMERICA

In June there will be a one day course showing how a PROFINET or PROFIsafe network can be securely and reliably deployed over an Industrial Wireless LAN. This hands-on course covers configuration of Industrial Wireless LAN equipment and explains how to avoid the common pitfalls to successfully deploy an industrial wireless network. More Information from Ann on +44 207 193 8018. The next opportunity to get fully PROFIBUS-trained and certified to Engineer level is in the week of 16th May when MMU presents its Certified PROFIBUS Training Week. UK EVENTS

UL Group, which hosts the Indian PI Competence Center (PICC) and is a lead member of the Indian PROFIBUS, PROFINET Association (IPA) held a series of technology seminars and training sessions over the past three months in Pune. Courses covered ‘PROFIBUS Basics’ and ‘PROFIBUS Maintenance & Troubleshooting’. The plan is to extend these throughout the country. The sourses are devised and conducted by the PICC team and attended by end-users, OEM’s , System Integrators, designers and maintenance personnel. Courses start with a pre-evaluation of the participants - to better understand their level of knowledge - and concludes with a post-evaluation which indicates the enhancement of their knowledge. According to feedback, by attending the course participants have become confident PROFIBUS engineers. profibus(at)ulepl(dot)com

It was a good start to 2011 on the training front. An agreement was finalized for conducting PROFIBUS Maintenance and Troubleshooting Training Workshops of 2 days duration for Siemens' engineers every month. Three such workshops have taken place in Mumbai already, conducted by PROFIBUS Centre at UL Group with the technical team of the PICC. In all, 43 engineers were trained on how to plan, commission and maintain PROFIBUS networks. Practical sessions in diagnostic techniques took place which helped attendees expand their knowledge beyond Siemens systems, practices and products. One workshop was conducted in Delhi too, attended by system integrators, project consultants, process industries, automation, and end users from the automotive sector were present. Main topics were: Basics of PROFIBUS, PROFIBUS

network planning guidelines, PROFIBUS

network installation guidelines, maintenance, grounding and shielding, usage of different PROFIBUS tools and hands-on experience. A technology discussion forum has been started in the magazine 'A&D'. Known as ‘Technology Talk’ this answers technical queries from PROFIBUS users. UL Group is the first PROFIBUS&PROFINET International Competence Centre (PICC) in India. INDIAN PROFIBUS & PROFINET ASSOCIATION

To support the rapid worldwide dissemination of its unique point-to-point connection solution for smart actuators and sensors, the IO-Link consortium has created a new infrastructure. Accordingly, IO-Link is now part of Technical Committee (TC6) within PI and is also represented on the Advisory Board.

Working Groups (WGs) in the areas of technology, marketing, network integration, and profiles make up the infrastructure for further technical development and efficient dissemination of IO-Link technology. A new Steering Committee (SC) has been formed, to include representatives of all IO-Link interest groups (master manufacturers, device manufacturers, system providers, service providers, and chip manufacturers).

Perhaps the biggest change is the elimination of the membership entrance fee of EUR 10,000. Membership in a Regional PI Association and acknowledgement of the IO-Link System of Rules now provides access to the specifications, participation in WGs, and use of the "IO-Link" logo.

IO-Link enables quick and easy expansion or simplification of PROFIBUS and PROFINET networks. An IO-Link expansion module attaches directly to the network as a node, allowing up to four intelligent sensors to be connected. This cuts costs by up to 40% claims Balluff because one expander and 4 discrete sensor hubs can replace 5 discrete PROFIBUS modules. Further, up to 76 sensors per node are possible.
BALLUFF

India ran a series of workshops in December for engineers from the cement and electronics industries. About 55 people attended. The event was a great success says Dileep from UL.

PI has abolished the certification fees for PROFINET products for PI member companies, now that the certification process has been fully developed. Certification nows covers the entire functionality of PROFINET, extending from IO devices with RT functionality and IRT functionality to IO controllers.

When Coopers Brewery - Australia's third largest brewer - took the opportunity to install an entirely new brew house in 2001, international brew house designers Briggs of Burton proposed linking all measuring points with PROFIBUS.

Today, this brew house remains one of Australia's most modern brewing facilities. It uses both PROFIBUS DP (to link the PLCs and SCADA), PROFIBUS PA (for level, temperature, flow, pressure and valves) and AS-i (for digital I/O). Also installed at the time were power meters, temperature, pressure and level transmitters and flow control valves.

According to David Medlyn, Senior Process Control Engineer, with PROFIBUS process managers are now obtaining immediate and more accurate feedback on every measured parameter and measuring point at all process stages. Better process control has increased the efficiency of subprocesses.

Brew houses are typically harsh environments whose high temperatures, aggressive processes and caustic cleaning materials can be hazardous for workers and machinery and damaging to cabling. By radically reducing the amount of cabling needed and enabling process instruments to be added quickly and easily into the network, PROFIBUS significantly reduces the potential for cable damage and the time, costs and dangers associated with maintenance.

Furthermore, PROFIBUS

enables ‘plug and play' commissioning. The programmer simply obtains the relevant GSD file, adds the new node onto the segment and, with an update to the control logic, it's 'ready to go'. Medlyn is particularly impressed by the robust performance of PROFIBUS PA, and the simplicity and convenience of its troubleshooting capabilities. When an instrument is damaged, the PROFIBUS network does not fail and the source of the problem is instantly identifiable from the control room. Process managers can also proactively prevent instrument failure by detecting incipient problems where attention is required.

Having experienced the benefits of using PROFIBUS PA and seen the resultant increase in product quality, Coopers has continued to introduce PROFIBUS PA throughout the plant as it expands to meet growing market demand. “We find that the 4-20 mA loops in our plant require more calibration work and are not as reliable or as accurate compared with those on the PROFIBUS network,” concludes Medlyn. The Coopers team has deployed ProfiTrace as its predictive maintenance tool. This enables technicians to check and troubleshoot the entire PROFIBUS network and thus plays a significant role in plant asset management. PROFIBUS ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

Certification

PI has decided to abolish certification fees for PROFINET devices developed by member companies.

Another Story

This is another news brief telling you what happens in PI

Comtrol has added TCP/IP to PROFINET IO connectivity to the Devicemaster UP line of Industrial Ethernet gateways. The device provides connectivity to both serial and Ethernet TCP/IP raw/ASCII devices and provides detailed diagnostics. It configures in minutes. Supported PLCS include ET-400, S7-400 and S7-300, the Omron CJ Series, and Bosch Rexroth IndraControl types. COMTROL

The latest Subcon-Plus-Profibus/90° family of connectors offers the option of insulation displacement technology, allowing PROFIBUS cables to be used with solid or flexible copper conductors and reducing assembly times significantly. The high-grade shielded connector housing permits excellent interference immunity even at maximum transmission rates.
PHOENIX CONTACT

The AnyBus X-gateway is a configurable stand-alone module that allows plant-floor PROFIBUS devices to communicate with a Modbus-TCP network and vice versa. Typical applications are installations with mixed usage of Siemens and Schneider Electric, ABB or GE PLCs. The X-gateway is DIN rail mounted and functions as a server (slave) on the Modbus-TCP network and as a master on the PROFIBUS side. HMS INDUSTRIAL NETWORKS

The latest version of the PROFItrace troubleshooting & maintenance tool contains an OPC server, offering a standardized way to get data into other applications. Procentec says "the opportunities are vast!" For example, ProfiTrace tags can be displayed in a SCADA/HMI package, or linked to an SMS/email client; reports can be generated in Word/Excel.
PROCENTEC

A new set of free Windows7 drivers is available for Softing PROFIBUS PC interface boards, including PCI Express, PCI, PC/104plus and USB types. These drivers support 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows7, Vista and XP. This allows 32 bit applications to run on 32 bit and 64 bit operating systems and native 64 bit programs to be built.
SOFTING

Version 3.1 of ProfinetCommander, the PROFINET development and test tool that makes it easy to build a PROFINET network without PLC programming skills, now includes the option to display I/O data in hex, binary, or decimal, GSDML file parsing support for UNIX or Windows and added decoding of PROFINET port data change notification alarms. PIC

A new ERTEC200-based PNIO Starter Kit is available, offering an easy way to add PROFINET to automation devices. It includes all the hardware, software and debugging tools needed to setup a PROFINET IO device prototype, including an Evaluation Board, ERTEC200 samples, the PNIO Stack and real time examples in source code. SIEMENS

PROFINET INSPECTOR PN-INspektor is a passive data logger for PROFINET networks. An integrated TAP makes it an intelligent measurement point for online analysis. By storing data in the device events on the bus may later be traced and evaluated. The network condition can be displayed on any PC using a browser in the form of a subscriber-related matrix, thus obviating the need for additional software. Pre-defined trigger functions respond to changes in the network and an integrated potential-free contact raises an alarm if pre-set thresholds are exceeded. This information reflects the current condition of the communication quality in the network and provides information on random events. It can serve both as an acceptance and test method for new systems as well as providing essential information for maintenance and remote servicing. INDU-SOL

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in devices such as compact IOs.“

PROFIenergy takes off: Phoenix Contact has also become one of the first companies to introduce PROFIenergy devices (see product story right). The goal, said Bibelhausen, is to make the company's entire PROFINET portfolio available in PROFIenergy-compliant versions.

Siemens has also introduced a PROFIenergy-enabled ET200S (right). Ruttkamp said: "For I/O, there will be downloadable PROFIenergy modules, as with our PC-based solutions. PROFIenergy technology is an important part of our “green” portfolio which underlines our contribution to sustainable environmental protection and energy savings.”

As the Chinese "Year of the Tiger" was being celebrated in February, Phoenix Contact formally announced its new PROFINET chip - the TPS-1. Known as 'TIGER' it is a highly integrated single-chip ASIC for easy implementation in low end compact devices and drives. The chip supports existing PROFINET RT and IRT specifications.

Volker Bibelhausen, Director of the Automation Business Unit of Phoenix Contact Electronics said: "With the TIGER chip, even small and simple field devices can be connected to PROFINET cost-effectively."

Siemens collaborated with Phoenix Contact in the development of TIGER and Uwe Ruttkamp, Director Product and System Management SIMATIC, confirmed that: "We plan to use TPS-1

PROFINET, PROFIsafe, PROFIBUS node counts rise significantly

In 2010 nearly twice as many

A comprehensive offer of products and services is now available from a wide range of providers to aid with the design and development of PROFINET devices. As well as sophisticated SDKs, firmware based on Standard Ethernet interface, PROFINET ASICs, and ready-to-install modules can now be easily purchased to support fast and effective deployment of PROFINET devices. A brochure entitled “The Easy Way to PROFINET Technology" has been published and is now available for download HERE. This includes a full overview of all providers. With the release of the new TPS1 (TIGER ASIC) by Phoenix Contact, yet another PROFINET chip is now available to assist device implementers. TIGER has been designed especially for compact devices (e.g. compact IO modules or drives).

EtherCAT and Powerlink, which focus mainly on drive technology, were estimated to have market shares of 4% and 11% respectively (see graphic).

IMS Research forecasts PROFINET to grow the most between 2008 and 2013, with +8.7% (CAGR). It predicts EtherNet/IP will grow more slowly (by +7.1%) and Modbus TCP/IP will decline (by about -0.4%). IMS RESEARCH

In a new market study called “The World Market for Industrial Ethernet – 2009 Edition”, IMS Research in UK estimates that with a market share of 28% PROFINET is amongst the top most-used Industrial Ethernets worldwide. The study particularly notes that PROFINET offers an Industrial Ethernet solution for a comprehensive range of applications, including high-speed motion control. PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and Modbus TCP/IP fill the top slots, accounting for 80% of the total market.http://www.imsresearch.com/index.php

Having just returned from the 23rd PI Chairman's Meeting in Lucerne, Switzerland, I must say how invigorating it was to be among such a highly motivated group of people. You'll read below that this was the largest gathering of its type in PI's history and I think it underlines why, technology aside, it's the strength of our global PI community that is a principle driver of our success. I happen to believe that, having passed the 3,000,000 node mark, PROFINET has reached critical mass and is 'breaking through' right at this moment. Thus, we are now well on our way to achieving the same status for PROFINET that we did with PROFIBUS. Over the course of the meeting a great many valuable decisions were taken that will drive us further towards that goal. I was delighted and honored to be re-elected as PI Chairman and of course I will continue to guide and support the organization to the best of my abilities in coming years. If you are not yet part of our PI community, I hope the articles below will illustrate the potential we and our technologies offer. Perhaps they will be enough for you to contact one of the offices listed below left, or one of our 1,400 member companies around the world. In which case maybe I will be fortunate enough to meet you sometime soon, perhaps in Dubai where we gather again next year. In the meantime, I wish you 'all the best' in automation, from the best in automation - PROFIBUS and PROFINET!

Jörg Freitag, PI Chairman

Harting Fast Track switches favor PROFINET IO datagrams to enhance determinism. Now, thanks to Ha-VIS pre-Link, an innovative connection technology, today’s 4-pole M 12 d-coded connectors can easily and quickly be exchanged for 8-pole x-coded connectors, without requiring new data cable connections. “With Fast Track Switching and Ha-VIS preLink as PROFINET solutions we have advanced our vision of an Ethernet communication platform for all applications," says the Company. HARTING

The new

GHS 12G/8

Gigabit Modular Switch from Phoenix Contact allows 12 Gigabit ports to be installed on a mounting rail. It is therefore especially suitable for use in a powerful automation backbone and for connecting to the higher-level IT network. It supports all commonly used Gigabit and Fast Ethernet data transfer standards, standard IT protocols as well as PROFINET.

The modular concept allows expansion to 28 ports. Twisted pair and fiber options are available.

The switch includes diagnostic and configuration functions Important parameters can be read and set at the device using an operator console. S

upport for the energy management of automation systems via the PROFIenergy profile is incorporated

.

The new

GHS 12G/8

Gigabit Modular Switch from Phoenix Contact allows 12 Gigabit ports to be installed on a mounting rail. It is therefore especially suitable for use in a powerful automation backbone and for connecting to the higher-level IT network. It supports all commonly used Gigabit and Fast Ethernet data transfer standards, standard IT protocols as well as PROFINET.

The modular concept allows expansion to 28 ports. Twisted pair and fiber options are available.

The switch includes diagnostic and configuration functions Important parameters can be read and set at the device using an operator console. S

upport for the energy management of automation systems via the PROFIenergy profile is incorporated

.

Of those 31.4 million PROFIBUS devices, 5.4 million are now used in process automation so it's clear that PROFIBUS has assumed the dominant fieldbus role. The latest PA Profile V3.02 is expected to accelerate this since it contains a set of important asset management features specifically requested by end users.

In the Functional Safety market, PROFIsafe continues to lead as well. The 220,000 purchased PROFIsafe devices in 2009 equals the number purchased the previous year. The installed base of PROFIsafe now exceeds 850,000 devices.

NB: PROFINET market statistics are collected by an independent and fully neutral third party. Only end devices are included in the count; infrastructure devices are excluded.

Paula to set up Dubai office

Attempts to establish Regional PI Association (RPA) in the key Middle East area have not so far proved fruitful but that’s all about to change. Paula Doyle has recently joined Siemens in Dubai and is planning to set up a formal RPA there shortly. Paula is from Limerick in Ireland, where she gained a PhD. For the past four years she’s been in Scandinavia developing new control products for ABB. Her move to Dubai means she can now focus her marketing skills on helping PI expand in the Middle East. She told PROFINEWS that legal requirements in Dubai mean that some kind of PI Competence Centre (PICC) will have to be established first. Her attendance at the 23^rd PI Meeting gave her the chance to meet many of the other RPA Chairmen and to see how they did it. We’ll keep you informed of Paula’s progress.

PI and its members were strongly represented at the recent Hannover Fair in April, with a new booth design reflecting the latest corporate design standards. Multi-vendor demonstrations, a host of new products and many educational seminars gave visitors a full insight into PI activities. Major topics included PROFINET, PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive, and of course the new PROFIenergy profile which promises to cut energy consumption dramatically.

Automation users try when they can to minimize energy consumption, responding to pressures to cut costs and comply with increasingly stringent ‘green’ obligations.

Methods range from switching off equipment manually to installing semi-automated shut-down systems. Both are usually crude, expensive and hard to manage. To maximize energy savings a single, standardized, approach supported by vendors and users industry-wide is required – hence the PROFIenergy Profile.

The idea for PROFIenergy came from AIDA, the Association of German Automotive Manufacturers, who asked PI to develop a way of intelligently managing the energy consumed by power-hungry equipment such as robot cells. If these Energy Consuming Units (ECUs) could be switched on and off in an open, consistent and managed way, they argued, substantial cost savings could be achieved.

The PROFIenergy Profile enables control devices (e.g. PLCs) to send signals such as Begin Pause and End Pause over PROFINET to each ECU, in accordance with production circumstances such as lunch breaks, holidays, random line stoppages and even maximum load conditions. On receipt of the PROFIenergy commands, software ‘agents’ in the ECU firmware initiate ‘sleep’ modes that are pre-defined by the equipment vendor.

PROFIenergy can operate either alongside existing automation processes on a single controller platform, or a separate, dedicated, energy management controller can be used. PROFIenergy is applicable to single devices such as actuators and remote IO, as well as sub-systems such as robot cells and paint lines.

PROFIenergy is thus an ‘enabling technology’ that allows intelligent energy management strategies to be deployed over existing PROFINET networks. Vendors support PROFIenergy by implementing the required functions in their devices or sub-systems, thereby making PROFIenergy available ‘on tap’. Actual energy savings depend on how end users choose to adapt PROFIenergy to their automation networks.

Early estimates by one automotive manufacturer suggest that savings of up to €60,000 per annum could be achieved for a robot cell through the use of PROFIenergy.