Fieldbuses - Motion Control Tips

CC-Link IE TSN and motion-control applications: Technical update for engineers

February 27, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Time-sensitive networking (TSN) is not a protocol but an update to improve the IEEE Ethernet standard … and let engineers use general-purpose Ethernet for increasingly fast and sophisticated control and automation. It includes IEEE802.1AS defining its time-synchronization scheme and IEEE802.1Qbv defining its timesharing scheme. These make for punctual and reliable data and signal transmission to get synchronized and deterministic communications over Ethernet.

In a recent conversation about TSN, Design World asked CC-Link Partner Association for the Americas director Timothy Lomax as well as CLPA-Americas manager John F. Wozniak, P.E. several questions about CC-Link IE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) — a new network offering based on CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN supports integration of Operational Technology (OT) and IT while boosting the performance and functionality automated system communications.

Here’s what Lomax and Wozniak had to say when specifically asked about how CC-Link IE TSN supports motion designs.

How does time-sensitive networking (TSN) help motion applications?

Lomax: Over the last few decades, motion control has shown incredible advancement. Today’s designs include internal processing of motion-control commands and related functions … and other hardware driving ever-increasing performance. Consider high-resolution encoders: Now these are to 24 and 25-bit resolution … and we’re constantly seeing higher resolutions from encoders for motion applications. Here and elsewhere, the trend towards higher performance continues unabated for servo motion … and these benefit from components and networking (TSN in particular) to synchronize disparate motion axes.

Smart factories need to gather production information in real time; process it via edge computing; and transmit it onward to IT systems. Leveraging production-site data in this way necessitates a stable high-speed network such as CC-Link IE TSN.

What are networking challenges specific to motion control?

Wozniak: For motion applications, the biggest concern isn’t necessarily network speed. Rather, it’s jitter. So an engineer can have a slow motion control … but if it exhibits absolutely zero jitter (which means that latency is always the same amount of time) it’s an acceptable motion network. Unfortunately, traffic over standard general-purpose internet protocol (IP) Transmission Control Protocol and User Datagram Protocol (TCP and UDP) networks always exhibit jitter … and signals on that network can come nanoseconds (or more) sooner or later than expected.

TSN prioritizes signals and dedicates a lane and portion of the cycle time for prioritized messages. During a blockout time preceding the reserved cycle time, messages that threaten the prioritized messages’ timing are prevented from entering the TSN switch. CC-Link IE TSN also divides messages to ensure reliability. Set timeframes for set motion signals dramatically reduce latency (jitter time) and make the system predictable and deterministic.

In this CC-Link IE TSN application example, a servo motor is momentarily stopped during an alignment operation, and a vision system validates the quality of the workpiece. Here, a CC-Link IE TSN-compatible servo amplifier and vision sensor could enable time synchronization to let the vision sensor accurately scan and process the attributes of the workpiece while being moved by the servomotor. Such setups could boost cycle time and reduce wiring. The large volume of image data from the vision sensor can transmit via IP communication using the same single-network system — having less wiring and the same servo-control performance as traditional setups.

What other functions can CC-Link IE TSN support?

Lomax: TSN supports motion, sequence control, and safety functions and their related hardware offerings — including those for traditional I/O and safety, servo motion, CNC, and process functions. TSN even supports the challenging application of machine vision. As mentioned, the use of common Ethernet connectivity also means this TSN network supports IoT functionality.

How does CC-Link IE accommodate devices communicating at disparate speeds?

Wozniak: CC-Link IE Field runs off an ASIC and is fixed at 1 Gbps. CC-Link IE Field Basic (the general-purpose CC-Link IE) accommodates 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps networking such as TSN. But we recognize that not everybody needs 1 Gbps … and these engineers can execute slower software implementations while maintaining a path to motion and TSN. They can put lower-level software devices on TSN that may transmit messages once every five seconds, but that’s not going to affect devices sending messages once every millisecond. Other networks wait for the former to transmit; in contrast, TSN (and CC-Link IE-implemented TSN) proceeds with handling the every-millisecond signals and “works in” the every-five-second messages.

It’s a network that satisfies an array of applications, including those that have cost constraints … because it’s a software-based network that accepts slower devices … and it’s not expensive. In fact, CC-Link IE TSN lets engineers use hardware or software for masters or slaves (and not just ASICs) for one or the other or both. This is one of the few networks that lets engineers employ software-software, hardware-hardware, or any mixture of hardware and software to get a complete network.

How does CC-Link IE TSN enable IIoT functionality?

Lomax: CC-Link IE TSN supports IT systems and where edge processing and computing executes — acting as one network to bridge all systems together. Key here of course is having hardware architecture to enable that — with intelligence for diagnostics, safety, and security.

Consider the automotive industry, which requires capacity and bandwidth. Many of this industry’s operations already have diagnostics to make troubleshooting machinery across vast facilities easier — because remember, these are operations so big that employees literally ride bicycles from one end of the plant to the other. So it’s helpful to know whether a problem is next door or all the way on the other side of the plant. The semiconductor industry — including teams developing the smartphone hardware of tomorrow — also needs built-in connection and connectivity from the machines in its facilities … as does the packaging industry.

Look for manufacturers developing TSN-compatible products in this realm — for sequence control, safety, robotic applications, and HMIs, and the rest of it — with not just talk about TSN but actual hardware for engineers to connect and try.

CC-Link IE TSN combines Gb bandwidth with time sensitive networking to deliver open networking for smart factories.

CC-Link IE Field Basic Certification is no cost when Partner completes the Conformance testing

January 9, 2019 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

CLPA now offers CC-Link IE communication using 100 Mbps general-purpose Ethernet. Via software implementation only, cyclic communication can be established for visualization of production facilities through IIoT.

In addition, CC-Link IE Field Basic can now be certified by the partner at no cost. By completing the CC-Link IE Field Basic CLPA Conformance testing, the CLPA partner can certify any CC-Link IE Field Basic product at no cost; the partner is only needed to complete the CLPA certified testing and submit the test results to the CLPA for certification.

Founded in 2000, the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is an international open network organization dedicated to the technical development and promotion of the CC-Link family of open automation networks. The CLPA’s key technology is CC-Link IE, the world’s first and only open gigabit Ethernet for automation and a suitable solution for Industry 4.0 applications due to its unmatched bandwidth. Its main activities include the development of CC-Link IE and CC-Link technical specifications, conducting of conformance tests, development support, and promotion of the CC-Link technologies. The CLPA boasts more than 3,400 members. CC-Link is the leading open industrial automation network technology in Asia and is becoming increasingly popular in the Americas and Europe.

Details from CLPA-Americas Manager John Wozniak, P.E. For more information, visit am.cc-link.org.

CC-Link IE and CC-Link installed base on target to reach 24 million during 2018

December 14, 2018 By Miles Budimir Leave a Comment

The number of devices communicating via the open CC-Link IE Ethernet and CC-Link Fieldbus networks passed the 22 million mark in 2017, confirming their position as one of the fastest rising industrial network technologies globally. Having posted an increasing annual growth figure of over 2 million every year for the past four years, the governing body – the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) – is predicting that number will comfortably exceed 24 million sometime during 2018.

The number of devices installed annually, equipped with CC-Link fieldbus or more recently the increasingly popular CC-Link IE gigabit Ethernet, has been constantly expanding since the foundation of the CLPA, back in 2000. By 2017 the annual growth rate had reached over 15% adding nearly 3 million nodes when compared to the previous year’s figures.

A key feature that has made CC-Link IE and CC-Link industrial automation network technologies so popular is their open status. Users are not limited to one single automation hardware vendor or a small number of control and automation equipment suppliers. Instead, machine and system builders can select components from an ever-expanding pool of CLPA partner companies and be sure that these products are compatible and easy to integrate.

John Wozniak, P.E., Manager of CLPA-Americas, explains: “The increase in the number of CC-Link IE and CC-Link devices is a result of the growing number of CLPA partners.” Currently, there are over 3,400-partner companies worldwide and more than 1,800 certified products available from over 300 manufacturers.

The CLPA’s solutions are a de facto standard in Japan and other parts of Asia which helps boost the total figures. However, usage is not limited to this market and adoption is growing here in the Americas as well as Europe. Acceptance has been helped recently by an interoperability specification developed between the CLPA and PROFINET & PROFIBUS International (PI).

By 2017 the annual growth rate had reached over 15% adding nearly 3 million nodes when compared to the previous year’s figures.

An additional development that has benefited CC-Link IE end users is a collaboration between the CLPA and the OPC Foundation (OPCF), which resulted in the development of an OPC UA companion specification for the CLPA’s CSP+ for Machine technology. This increases process transparency and simplifies the configuration and maintenance of plant systems by treating complete machines as single devices.

John Wozniak adds: “The Partner Association is committed to providing its users with access to solutions that help with achieving the goals and objectives required by Industry 4.0. The CLPA has been leading the way in industrial networking cooperation, which has allowed our users to benefit from a wide range of open and flexible solutions from many manufacturers, developers and integrators. We firmly believe this is one of the main reasons why we are continuing to attract more and more support for our technologies from industry.”

The new CC-Link IE TSN — for time-sensitive networking for open industrial Ethernet

December 5, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The CC-Link Partner Association (based in Nagoya Japan), the organization promoting the Ethernet-based integrated network CC-Link IE, has announced the completion of the specification for CC-Link IE Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) – a next generation network based on the current CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN was developed to meet future market demands and has added Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology, which are additional standards related to IEEE Ethernet, to integrate Operational Technology (OT) and IT while strengthening performance and functionality.

CC-Link IE TSN combines industry leading gigabit bandwidth with TSN to deliver open networking solutions for smart factory construction.

Plus with the diversification of development methods, it has enabled flexible implementation for various types of equipment and also achieved mixed usage of information communications by using Internet Protocol (IP) and control communication technology. It is expected that these will improve efficiency and reduce time for the construction of smart factories using the IIoT. More details of the CC-Link IE TSN specification will be published on the CLPA Members Site.

Click to enlarge.

The CC-Link IE specification was released in 2007 as the first 1-Gbps Ethernet-based open industrial network and has expanded its function and scope of application to motion and safety control after starting from general input-output control. Its features reach a mixture of high-speed and large-capacity control communication (cyclic data) that combines with non-control communication (transient data). The two can coexist thanks to the 1Gbps bandwidth. Furthermore, it is easy to diagnose the cause of network errors. Since it is simple to build not only the system that controls and monitors a production site but also the system that collects and analyzes information on the production site, it is expected to bring benefits to a range of different industries.

But as IIoT systems have progressed to the practical stage in recent years, market demands for utilizing a wide range of devices implementing general purpose Ethernet communication have increased. Moreover, requests for high function motion control equipment and protocol implementation for various types of equipment have increased.

So to meet these demands, CC-Link IE TSN was developed — a network that significantly improves the performance and functions of the current CC-Link IE. Plus it’s increased openness through use of TSN technology.

CC-Link IE TSN includes:

• Flexible IIoT system construction for faster time to market and reduced downtime

• TSN Ethernet communication technology as a time-sharing method; collection of information from end devices by IP communication while securing real-time control communication

• Easier network diagnosis by using general-purpose Ethernet diagnostic tools compliant with SNMP

• Time synchronization of compatible devices, for simpler investigation into problem root causes; supports both 1 Gbps and 100 Mbps

• Top communication performance for best-in-class motion control operation cycle times … of better than 31.25 µsec

• Segregation of high and low performance device communication, for optimized performance on all network stations … and the system as a whole

• Diverse development methods; hardware (ASIC and other device based) and software (protocol stack) development methods

What’s in development for CC-Link IE TSN-compatible products

The detailed specification of CC-Link IE TSN will be released to CLPA partner companies through the website. Those partners who were involved in formulating specifications are considering product development and compatible products are expected to be released from 2019.

Endorsements for CC-Link IE TSN

The CLPA partner companies that have considered development for CC-Link IE TSN compatible product as of November 2018 are listed below. Following are endorsement comments from the Board of Directors and partner companies.

“Recently, industrial networks that control various manufacturing equipment, robots and sensors are expanding rapidly with the demands for visualization of manufacturing processes and production improvement efficiency. We welcome the release of CC-Link IE TSN to achieve more evolution with the integration of IT and control. We will promote provision and development of network connectors and cable assembly products that realize high transmission reliability and robustness, and will support “CC-Link IE TSN” promotion activities globally.” — Akiyoshi Funayama | Senior Manager, Interconnect Sales and Marketing Dept. Electrical Interconnect Solution Division • 3M Japan Limited

“We, Advantech Japan Co., Ltd, believe that CC-Link IE TSN will be the key product to ensure the construction of a flexible IIoT system, which is the basis of the new Ethernet technology and we would like to actively contribute to it.” — Takaaki Furusawa | Director, Industrial-IoT Group iFactory Sector • ADVANTECH Japan Co. Ltd.

“Analog Devices has a rich history of providing industrial communication solutions – from the early days of 4 to 20mA and serial fieldbuses to today’s Ethernet-enabled protocols for the factory of the future. Through this evolution, CC-Link has played a vital role solving customers’ most complex automation challenges. ADI strongly supports CC-Link with a robust portfolio of products that includes a roadmap of Ethernet solutions for CC-Link.” — Brendan O’Dowd | Automation Energy Group, Industrial Automation, General Manager • Analog Devices, Inc.

“Balluff, as a CLPA board member, has supported CC-Link and CC-Link IE for many years. the slogan “Innovating Automation” expresses that we are a specialist in sensor and automation application, offering also solutions beyond the sensor core business. As a leading company in conveying IO-Link Data from intelligent sensors to the control, Balluff is a partner for digitalization and the IIoT strategy of the customers. The CC-Link IE IO-block family gives high-speed data access in nearly any application. Balluff is looking forward to continuing the excellent relationship with the CLPA and will expand the portfolio with new solutions and products.” — Jürgen Gutekunst | Senior V.P. of Mobility • Balluff GmbH

“Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH is a pioneer in TSN. We’ve helped develop the technology since the early start in the IEEE 802 standardization years ago, and we are excited to see its adoption into the CC-Link IE TSN networks. By using TSN technology, CC-Link IE takes the next step to supporting the applications of the IIoT and the smart factory of today and tomorrow. Hirschmann Industrial Ethernet Switches provide extremely high synchronization quality and high-precision transmission functions and we are looking forward to enable CC-Link IE TSN networks with the TSN portfolio.” — Oliver Kleineberg | Global CTO Core Networking • Hirschmann Automation and Control GmbH (a Belden brand)

“Cisco supports digital transformation that brings creative disruption to business. CC LINK IE TSN serves as a robust platform that helps manufacturing customers digitalizing their systems … by integrating OT and IT at factories and promoting data trading, which will lead to creating business value.” — Kazuhiro Suzuki | Chairman • Cisco Systems G.K.

“CC-Link IE TSN, which enables high-speed I / O communication and information data transmission at the same time, will provide a lot of value to customers. We welcome this release and will contribute to the promotion of CC-Link IE TSN through product development and sales.” — Hiroyuki Mizuno | General Manager, Network Engineering Department, Components Business Division • CKD Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN is a breakthrough in interoperability and performance in network technology. Cognex vision sensors help automate the manufacturing process and communicate critical Industry 4.0 data. The flexibility of this network architecture will make it easier to collect this data by a variety of existing data management, diagnostic, and monitoring systems. In addition, the high speed, high precision synchronization feature enables advanced vision – motion solutions leading to improved productivity. Cognex sees CC-Link IE TSN as a significant advancement in network technology that will help create smarter factories.” — Justin Testa | V.P. of In-Sight Business Unit • Cognex Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN is a major innovation that evolves machine tools and robots. We expect that with the integration of motion control and the combination of TSN technology support with Contec’s IPC and IIoT solutions, it would bring new value creation to customers.” — Katsutoshi Fujiki | President and CEO • CONTEC Co. Ltd.

“We have had a close partnership with the CLPA since we started to develop the first CPV valve terminal with the CC-Link fieldbus in 2001. During the development of these and following products like CC-Link for CPX and CTEU, we’ve received excellent support from the CLPA Testing Center and also from CLPA who helped us to establish the network in Asia between the subsidiary there and the colleagues in Japan, Korea, China. We’re pleased that based on increased demand for the next generation gigabit-capable fieldbuses we’ve started a CC-Link IE Field project. We know we can also count on good cooperation and support in this project.” — Lale Hübner | Product Management IO Terminals • Festo AG & Co. KG

“I am very pleased about the completion of the CC-Link IE TSN specification. As IIoT is becoming common in manufacturing industry, this network based on TSN technology will play a key role in accelerating use of IIoT. Fortinet continues to support efforts conducted by CC-Link Association and contribute to industrial security.” — Kubota Norio | Country Manager & VP Sales for Japan • Fortinet Japan K.K.

“Hilscher is one of the key technology suppliers for industrial communication solutions. We have been supporting the CC-Link technology portfolio over the years, following up with the innovative standards CC-Link IE and CC-Link IE Field Basic. Therefore, it is a must for us to stay on track with this success story for CC-Link IE TSN within the Product portfolio. With this new technology we see the enablement of devices for IIoT, with Sensor to Cloud Communication.” — Sebastian Hilscher | Division Manager, Development • Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH

“HMS Industrial Networks, world leading provider of connectivity solutions to the automation industry, is taking the next step to provide industrial grade communication from factory floors all the way to Enterprise and IT levels worldwide. With the announcement of CLPA’s latest network at SPS/IPC/Drives 2018, we are excited to continue the journey together … which began with the collaboration on reliable Anybus products enabling communication for CC-Link and CC-Link IE Field. This collaboration between HMS Industrial Networks and CLPA has been a great success and will continue to be so.” — Christian Bergdahl | Product Marketing Manager • HMS Industrial Networks AB

“We are pleased to see that the market-leading software development toolchain IAR Embedded WorkbenchⓇ for Arm has been selected as a reference tool for enabling CC-Link IE TSN because of verified sample protocol stacks from various companies. We believe that this joint activity will help to expand the industrial network market as well as boost the use of the powerful toolchain.” — Kiyofumi Uemura | APAC Director & Japan Representative Director • IAR Systems

“As the trend of IIoT expands globally, we welcome the release of CC-Link IE TSN, which will be expected to spread globally with the collaboration with other industrial networks. We will contribute to the expansion of CC-Link IE TSN through compatible product development and sales of network equipment, code reader and switching devices.” — Hiroki Matsumoto | General Manager, Automation Solutions, Products & Markets Strategy Division, Sales & Marketing Headquarters • IDEC Corp.

“MESCO is a partner for innovative software and hardware development in the field of process and factory automation with unique knowledge in industrial communication, functional safety and explosion protection. CC-Link IE TSN fulfills high performance requirements for industrial communication. CC-Link IE Safety enables the technology for safety critical implementations. A MESCO CC-Link Software Development Kit makes the technology available and facilitates development. The kit includes CC-Link IE TSN Stack, CC-Link Safety IE Stack, evaluation board for safe and non-safe applications. Additionally, MESCO provides coaching and service for customized hardware and software development with use of CC-Link IE TSN SDK.” — Peter Bernhardt | Head of Sales & Marketing • MESCO Engineering GmbH

“We have been supporting CC-Link and CC-Link IE for many years, as well as developing and selling a variety of FA products and proposing FA Integrated Solutions e-F@ctory. We will adopt TSN technology … which will become the mainstream of future industrial networks as soon as possible … and will lead to the expansion of CC-Link IE TSN. We will contribute to the development of the FA industry by providing solutions using CC-Link IE TSN.” — Takayuki Tsuzuki | General Manager, FA Systems Div. • Mitsubishi Electric Corp.

“CC-Link IE TSN realizes high-speed computing, motion control and visualization that integrates IT and OT to accelerate the construction of the IIoT. We will also contribute to the popularization of CC-Link IE TSN through product development and collaborations such as network I/O, safety system and edge computing related products.” — Riky Comini | Director, Industrial Automation, Transportation and Industrial Solutions • Molex Inc.

“We believe that expansion of CC-Link IE TSN will more strengthen cooperation of existing IT and FA, and bring new business opportunities to both industries. We will not only enhance interoperability and security of IT and FA systems, but also promote technological development enabling wireless CC-Link IE TSN.” — Yoshimitsu Okayama, Digital Platform Division, Senior Manager • NEC Corp.

“We are focusing the attention on CC-Link IE TSN as one of the core networks of the future. We will consider development of stepping motors/actuators that will lead to CC-Link IE TSN as the control for networks that contribute to the construction of IIoT systems.” — Ryuta Sugimoto | Chief Product Planning Department Sales Headquarter • ORIENTAL MOTOR CO. LTD.

“As the trend towards implementing the IIoT is accelerating, network compatibility is strongly needed for control devices. We will develop CC-Link IE TSN compatible products for sensing and safety products and contribute to IIoT for FA industries.” — Jun Kasugai | General Manager Product Planning Department Sensing Division • Panasonic Industrial Devices — SUNX Co. Ltd.

“Industrial networks are one of the most important technologies in the digitalized Factory Automation industry. CC-Link IE TSN is a leading-edge technology that integrates control and system networks, and Renesas sees this technology as a key driver for the evolution of the industry. Renesas has been providing products supporting the CC-Link Family and we plan to continue to expand the line up to support the next- generation standards.” — Yuji Mori | Director, Industrial System Solution Department, Industrial Automation Business Div. of the Industrial Solution Business Unit • Renesas Electronics Corp.

“As a CLPA board member, we plan to manufacture CC-Link IE TSN compatible products that will offer real-time extensions supported by world standard technology. Pro-Face HMIs are planned to be part of an extensive line up of compatible products.” — Minoru Yoshida | Strategy & BD Director • Schneider Electric Japan Holdings Ltd.

“SecurityMatters has over 15 years of experience ensuring mission-critical industrial cyber-resilience. We have a proven track record of protecting industrial environments from undetected threats, process flaws and maintenance issues. In this context, CC-Link IE and CC-Link have always been vital components. The secure, open, and complete specifications have allowed the most advanced network analysis. This enables better cyber protection and preventative maintenance of complex industrial automation networks. CC-Link IE TSN will provide a strong foundation for Smart Factory applications and Industry 4.0. On this solid foundation, we will work together to develop even better protection capabilities.” — Damiano Bolzoni | Chief Executive Officer • SecurityMatters B.V.

“SMC welcomes CC-Link IE TSN. We will contribute to disseminate CC-Link IE TSN by product development and sale of it in the market. We cultivate advanced technology trusted by customers, and strive to develop products that meet customer needs.” — Fumio Morikawa | General Manager, Product development division • SMC Corp.

“As global trend of smart manufacturing using IIoT is accelerating, we expect CC-Link IE TSN from Japan will bring customer productivity and profitability to a new level. ZUKEN ELMIC has been actively developing products ranging from protocol stacks to software packages, based on networking, video streaming technology, and CC-Link as well. We will continue active marketing and development efforts on CC-Link IE TSN.” — Takashi Fujii | General Manager, Development Division • ZUKEN ELMIC INC.

“With the CC-Link IE TSN support for the STM32 family, developers of CC-Link IE devices have access to the industry’s most popular variety of Arm Cortex -M core microcontroller to accelerate Industrial IoT development with optimized cost and higher flexibility.” — Paolo Oteri | Director, Microcontroller & Digital ICs • STMicroelectronics K.K.

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is an Intl. organization with over 3,400 member companies worldwide. The partners’ common objective is promotion and technical development of the family of CC-Link open network technologies, helping their joint customers reach their integrated manufacturing aspirations. The CLPA organization is the driving force behind developing new standards in industrial communication while also supporting the device development activities of its members as well as certification of those devices. For more information, visit am.cc-link.org.

POSITAL Motor Feedback Kit Encoders — now with open-source BiSS interface

January 25, 2018 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Rotary encoder specialist POSITAL has expanded its interface offerings for its magnetic Kit Encoders with support for the nonproprietary open-source BiSS Line communication protocol. This enables the practical implementation of single-cable technology, which is becoming increasingly popular with motor and robot manufacturers. POSITAL’s easy-to-install motor feedback kits, which feature 17-bit electronic resolution, bridge the gap between simple resolvers and more complex and expensive optical encoders for servomotors, robot joints and other applications where absolute rotary position feedback is required.

POSITAL’s magnetic Kit Encoders support open-source BiSS Line communication protocol, enabling Single-Cable technology.

Single-cable technology involves the transmission of power and encoder signal in a single cable. The one-cable approach offers significant benefits for smaller motors where the placement of two connectors has always been awkward because of the lack of space. What’s more, reduced cabling reduces costs, while reducing the number of connectors reduces susceptibility to connector failures. A special feature of the BiSS Line interface is the implementation of the Forward Error Correction function (FEC), which improves availability of data communications, even with faulty cables and plug connections.

“All in all, BiSS Line is a suitable interface for servomotors … and not just for cost reasons, but also for optimized performance,” says Christian Fell, POSITAL’s V.P. of Technology and General Manger for the Americas. A four-wire setup (with separate conductors for communication and power supply) or a two-wire variant (with combined communication and instrument power supply on a wire pair), are also available, based on the same communications protocols.

From their original introduction, the new motor feedback kits were available with vendor-neutral digital communication interfaces such as BiSS-C or SSI for absolute measurements. “A number of optical feedback systems on the market make use of proprietary interfaces such as Hiperface or Endat, which means an ongoing dependency on the encoder manufacturer. We deliberately took a different approach,” emphasizes Fell. “We are whole-hearted advocates of open-source interfaces – and stick to them consistently.” POSITAL’s commitment to the open-source strategy is affirmed by the fact that the encoder manufacturer is a founding member of the BiSS Association e.V. This new user organization (founded at the end of September) will promote the distribution of the free-of-charge BiSS family of open-source communication protocols worldwide.

POSITAL is a supplier of advanced industrial position sensors used in a wide variety of motion control and safety systems. The company is also an innovator in product design and manufacturing processes and a pioneer of Industry 4.0 (Industrial Internet of Things/IIoT), offering customers the benefits of built-to-order products combined with the price advantages of mass-production. POSITAL is a member of the Intl. FRABA group, whose history dates back to 1918, when its predecessor, Franz Baumgartner elektrische Apparate GmbH, was established in Cologne, Germany to manufacture relays. Since then, the company has played a trendsetting role in the development of rotary encoders, inclinometers and other sensor products. POSITAL has a global reach with subsidiaries in Europe, North America and Asia – and sales and distribution partners around the world.

CANopen interface on precision magnetic encoders from POSITAL

June 5, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

POSITAL’s IXARC high-precision magnetic absolute rotary encoders are now available with CANopen interfaces. These new interface option is in addition to the previously announced SSI, EtherNet/IP, EtherCat, Powerlink, Profbus DP and Profinet interfaces. Together, this range of interface choices makes the rugged and compact IXARC encoders one of the most versatile devices of its type on the market.

With improved magnetic field measurement sensors and advanced signal processing techniques, POSITAL has been able to offer devices with accuracy and dynamic response characteristics that rivaled traditional optical encoders in smaller, more robust, more cost-efficient packages. Single- and multi-turn models are available. For multi-turn versions, the rotation counter is self-powered, with no need for backup batteries. Since the original rollout, POSITAL has worked to enhance the performance of these devices and expand the range of available communication interfaces.

CANopen interface on precision magnetic encoders

IXARC encoders with the CANopen communications interface are an excellent choice for applications in vehicles, mobile machinery, cranes, lifts and offshore equipment. The communication interface features the autobaud function, so these encoders can be directly connected to a CANopen network without the must manually set transmission speeds. Diagnostic LEDs show device status. A variety of connection options are available, including cables of various lengths and radially or axially oriented M12 or M23 connectors. Housings with bus-in/bus-out connectors are available for applications where it is convenient to connect several devices in series (daisy chain).

Finding the right IXARC sensor for a particular application is straightforward. At electromate.com/posital-fraba a powerful product finder tool lets users specify the product features required for each application and then quickly select the best available products.

New networked safe torque off option module helps simplify machine design

April 27, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Rockwell Automation has introduced a networked safe torque off option module, allowing safety and nonsafety functions to share the same EtherNet/IP network. Designed for the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 and PowerFlex 755T AC drives, this safety option helps protect personnel and equipment by removing rotational power from the motor without removing power from the drive. This functionality allows a quick restart after a demand on the safety system.

“The ability to integrate safety into a control system over EtherNet/IP reduces wiring and equipment redundancies associated with hardwired safety systems,” states Punita Chawda, product specialist, Rockwell Automation. “It also provides access to real-time data that can help customers improve application productivity.”

Compatible with both Allen-Bradley GuardLogix and Compact GuardLogix controllers, the option module allows customers to leverage one IP address for the safety and control functions, reducing the number of ports required. The networked safe torque off option module is compliant with global industry standards, providing a SIL 3/PLe Safety Integrity Level rating, and can be used for hardwired and networked safe torque off applications.

Additionally, with the safety functions integrated over EtherNet/IP, customers experience reduced hardware and installation costs, improved productivity and a reduced panel footprint. The networked safe torque off option module has the flexibility to be field-installed when the functionality is required.

Appropriate for a wide variety of applications requiring safety, the option module is well-suited for almost any industry.

EtherCAT Technology Group releases EtherCAT P specification documents

April 26, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) published a first draft of the official EtherCAT P technology specification last autumn. Now, the documents have been released to coincide with the last ETG Technical Committee Meeting. The specification provides device manufacturers with an official, reliable foundation to implement EtherCAT P technology, which enables data and power transmission on a single, standard cable.

Shortly after Beckhoff Automation introduced EtherCAT P as an extension of EtherCAT, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) initiated similar discussions on the topic. In a first step, the organization published a first draft of the official EtherCAT P technology specification last autumn, as well as the extension of all corresponding documents last autumn. In the frame of the recent ETG Technical Committee Meeting, these documents have now been officially released, with all corresponding documents now stable and available for ETG members. The Application Note which was published in conjunction with the specification draft, and further developed by Beckhoff, will continue to serve as additional support for EtherCAT P implementations.

In the upcoming weeks and months, the ETG will continue to develop EtherCAT P Testing documentation. Work on the corresponding test specification (as well as test cases for the EtherCAT Conformance Test Tool) are nearly complete.

The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) is an association in which key user companies from various industries and leading automation suppliers join forces to support, promote and advance the EtherCAT technology. With over 4,200 members from 65 countries, the EtherCAT Technology Group has become the largest fieldbus organization in the world. Founded in November 2003, it is also the fastest growing association of its kind.

EtherCAT is the fastest Industrial Ethernet technology and stands for high-performance, low-cost, ease of use and a flexible topology. It was introduced in 2003 and became an international IEC standard and a SEMI standard in 2007. The EtherCAT Technology Group promotes EtherCAT and is responsible for its continued development. EtherCAT is also an open technology: anyone is allowed to implement or use it. For more information, visit www.ethercat.org.

ETG at Hannover demonstrates how EtherCAT supports Industrie 4.0 and IoT developments

April 26, 2017 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

There is nothing new about the suitability of EtherCAT when enabling the concepts of Industrie 4.0. The technology has, by design, all the tools necessary to support the digital transformation. As the world’s largest fieldbus user organization, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) strives to be actively involved in the developments surrounding Industrie 4.0 and IoT.

Visit the ETG at Hannover Messe 2017 to see EtherCAT technology demonstrations with 63 co-exhibitors in Hall 9 stand D18. The ETG Joint Booth impresses with more than 400 products and solutions with EtherCAT.

The success of EtherCAT has always been based on the outstanding characteristics of the technology, including exceptional performance, high flexibility and open interfaces. As a result, EtherCAT is inherently well-suited to meet and exceed the requirements of the digital transformation. Thus, the leading performance of the technology achieves an important prerequisite for adding big data applications to control networks.

In addition, the high flexibility of EtherCAT makes it possible to establish cloud connectivity in existing systems without having to alter the control system or manually update the slave devices. The open interfaces permit the easy integration of any IT-based protocol within the master or directly into the slave devices. Ultimately, this enables direct connection from the sensor to the cloud without protocol discontinuities.

The fact that all of these properties were already part of the technology from the outset highlights the long-term sustainability of the EtherCAT architecture. Should further features become relevant in the course of development, these can be easily integrated without changing the basic protocol: EtherCAT has been and remains stable as version 1 since its introduction in 2003.

The ETG has also contributed to the development of TSN (Time Sensitive Networking) from the very beginning. Years ago, when TSN was still known as AVB, EtherCAT experts were already actively involved in the TSN working group within IEEE 802.1. This was logical considering that EtherCAT, due to its unique functional principle, provides leaner and faster access from controls – including those based in the cloud – to networks on EtherCAT slaves when compared with any other fieldbus or industrial Ethernet technology.

HMI with CODESYS 3 PLC and visualization (from Turck)

November 18, 2016 By Lisa Eitel Leave a Comment

Turck now offers an HMI with CODESYS 3 PLC — the TX500 HMI PLC. With high-end touch displays and fast processors, these HMIs are ideal for use in small- to medium-size machines whose processes have to be controlled, displayed and operated locally. Each TX500 is equipped with a Profinet master and EtherNet/IP scanner, as well as a Modbus TCP and Modbus RTU master. The HMIs can also be run as field devices for both Modbus protocols. More after the jup.

CODESYS 3 allows the lean and simple programming of the PLC and visualization functions. The latest processor technology of the units guarantees the smooth handling of computing intensive processes such as moving image visualizations. The high resolution TFT display with 64,000 colors enables attractive and high performance display of graphics and animations. The front panel of the TX500 series is protected to IP66.

Two RJ45 Ethernet ports, a serial interface for RS232 or RS485 as well as two USB ports are provided on the terminal side. An additional SD card slot makes it possible to expand the 128 MB internal data memory. Turck is offering the TX500 series in three variants with different display sizes and resolutions — two 16:9 displays with 7” or 13” (TX507 and TX513) diagonals and one 10” device in 4:3 format (TX510). The two smaller displays offer 800 x 400 pixels, while the large TX513 comes with 1280 x 800 pixels.

Turck is a pioneer in industrial automation technology, providing customers with a comprehensive line of quality and advanced technology products in a fast, flexible and accurate manner. With more than 4,000 people working in 28 countries, Turck has built global partnerships with customers based on engineering expertise, flexibility and our willingness to take on engineering challenges that others won’t. For more information, visit www.turck.com.