PROFINET - Industrial Ethernet Protocol

With its real-time communication capabilities PROFINET is the leading Industrial Ethernet protocol for communication between devices in industrial automation systems. It ensures reliable data transmission, supports various network topologies, and provides device configuration and diagnostics.

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PROFINET Website

Find out everything you need to know about PROFINET technology. Get an overview of it's benefits, performance, diagnostics, safety and more.

PROFINET Technology

PROFINET V2.5: Ready for Tomorrow's Demands

The new PROFINET V2.5 specification enhances the power, security, and flexibility of industrial communication. This update addresses the growing demands of modern automation systems by focusing on IT/OT convergence, integrated cybersecurity ("Security inside"), and optimized real-time communication, even with concurrent TCP/IP traffic.

New features, such as a transport channel, allow for the secure and efficient implementation of use cases, including parameterization, firmware updates, and tool access. Meanwhile, scalable security mechanisms, certificate management, and expanded device and asset management ensure greater transparency and control within the network.

Integration into IT structures is also simplified, allowing devices to be connected more easily and enabling specific data collection and analysis. All collected information is accessible throughout the entire lifecycle.

Despite these innovations, proven backward compatibility is maintained so existing systems can continue operating and expanding.

PROFINET V2.5 thus lays the foundation for scalable, secure, and future-proof automation solutions from the field level to the IT world.

Ready for a deep dive? Find out more about PROFINET's information models, profiles and real-time and connectivity technologies.

Information Models

FDI, a tech outlined in IEC 62769, is a joint effort by process and automation tech leaders. It streamlines field device integration across diverse host systems.

GSD (Generic Station Description) standardizes field device information, enabling smooth integration and configuration in automation systems.

UPC UA enables seamless communication between devices, machines and systems, regardless of manufacturer or platform.

PA-DIM is a standard framework for sharing info about field devices in process automation, ensuring smooth integration among different manufacturers.

Profiles

PROFIdrive is a mature, manufacturer-independent drive profile suitable for many applications. Its modular design makes it flexible and easy to use.

PROFIsafe is the leading technology for exchanging safety-relevant data in discrete manufacturing and process automation, proven by millions of installed nodes.

PA Profile 4 streamlines and accelerates the management of field devices, making tasks such as device replacement easier.

PROFIenergy offers interoperable interface and standardized information models for POwer Consumption Management in production.

Realtime Communication Technologies

IRT

TSN

PROFINET RT is a variant of the PROFINET industrial protocol developed to provide deterministic, reliable real-time communication for industrial automation systems.

PROFINET IRT enhances PROFINET RT, offering precise and synchronized real-time communication for critical industrial applications.

PROFINET TSN merges industrial Ethernet (PROFINET) with Time-Sensitive Networking, ensuring precise real-time communication.

Connectivity Technologies

SPE

APL

Wireless

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) uses one twisted wire pair to transmit data and power at up to 10 Gbit/s with minimal cable and connector space.

Ethernet-APL is an enhanced SPE physical layer based on 10BASET1L, enabling full-duplex communication at 10 Mbit/s over cables up to 1000 m.

PROFINET Wireless extends PROFINET for wireless communication in industrial automation, promoting flexibility and efficiency.

PROFINET: The future of industrial communication

PROFINET is the leading Industrial Ethernet for automation technology and a key element of PI. Our vision is to create a seamless, reliable and future-proof communication infrastructure for industry that meets the requirements of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

With PROFINET, we offer a powerful and flexible platform that enables companies to make their production processes more efficient, secure and sustainable. PROFINET integrates seamlessly into existing networks and offers end-to-end communication from the field level to the control level. It supports real-time communication, highly available systems and robust data security, making it the ideal solution for modern industrial applications.

Our goal at PI is to drive the continuous development of PROFINET to meet the growing demands of digital transformation. We are committed to setting global standards, ensuring interoperability and promoting broad acceptance and implementation of PROFINET IO in all industrial sectors.

With PROFINET, we are shaping the future of industrial communication - for networked, intelligent and sustainable production.