Page 23 - EngineerIt August 2021

ICT

Are real-time, cloud-based

applications possible?

By Konrad Kern, Head of Project Management in the Systems Business Unit, Factory Automation Division, Pepperl+Fuchs

reventing unplanned process communication channel is not strictly deterministic and is used for communication with IPC
interruptions, maintaining an systems, which can be integrated into cloud-based systems.
Poverview and ensuring security are OPC UA is a high-performance, manufacturer-independent, standardised protocol that
key requirements in modern cloud-based can be easily integrated into applications. Pepperl+Fuchs combines this with powerful
applications. In addition to the holistic hardware to enable direct machine-to-machine communication.
approach of a perfectly coordinated The MQTT protocol enables simple, HTML-based communication with no need for
system, the performance features of the scores of communication overheads to establish connections to IPCs.
products are also key. The best, standardised IO-Link communication is increasingly used at the lower
S2 redundancy in the PROFINET communication level. This allows the transparent communication of data, diagnosis
segment ensures availability. Web server and parameters to the sensor/actuator. An integrated web server enables maximum
functionality enables direct access, transparency and a second access path in addition to the control system. The IO-Link
and configuration and servicing do not master ports are not limited to just IO-Link devices. These ports can be parameterised
require any tools or service programs. flexibly as standard inputs and outputs. IO-Link hubs can even be used to connect 16 IOs
Security mechanisms at different levels to a single master port, allowing for extremely low-cost wiring.
in hardware and software guarantee
protection against attacks. Networks, services and security
Cloud computing is so much more than just communication via the open internet. In many
Protocols and communication cases, applications are only connected via their own IT servers within company premises.
S2 redundancy is a function specified and Additional security mechanisms can be implemented for national networking in the form of
certified at PROFINET level. It enables firewalls and EDGE gateways.
devices in a network to communicate RocketLinx switches establish the Ethernet network as an infrastructure component.
directly with a second redundant control Unmanaged switches are a cost-effective solution for connecting end devices, and
system running in the background in managed switches offer configurability and diagnostics. The PortVision DX free diagnostic
the event that the first control system tool enables users to scan entire networks, parameterise and retrieve diagnostics using
fails. All parameters are maintained the appropriate security functions.
accordingly, so that a smooth changeover DeviceMaster devices operate as bridges or gateways to integrate other fieldbus
can take place. This prevents process systems or serial protocols into the network. This allows a complete, higher-level network
interruptions, which often result in high to be set up, in which our EDGE gateway represents the terminal end of the network.
costs. Ethernet redundancy protocols
(e.g. MRP) enable a ring topology that
prevents complete failure of the segment
even in case of a fault, and continues
communication via an alternative
connection channel - all in real time.
In addition to PROFINET, our IO-
Link masters support EtherNet/IP and
EtherCAT protocols in a single device
with the multi-protocol function. This
means one device can be used in various
applications, giving users a high degree
of flexibility.
Alongside the deterministic protocols
used for real-time communication with the
control system, parallel communication
can also be established. This MultiLink©
function is based on protocols such
as OPC UA, MQTT, MODBUS, JSON,
and REST API. Up to five protocols
can be mapped simultaneously. This

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