According to the CC-Link Partner Association Europe, one of those will be time-sensitive networking, its set of ethernet sub-standards for OSI (open systems interconnection model) Layer 2 defined by IEEE 802.1. These aim to improve determinism and reliability in industrial Ethernet-based communications by creating accurate time synchronisation across a network, in addition to traffic prioritisation.
Therefore, businesses can combine multiple types of traffic on a single network, with no loss of performance for critical control-related tasks. The end result is an industrial Ethernet infrastructure that permits all kinds of traffic to coexist, regardless of whether it is critical safety or motion control-related data, general control information, video frames from inspection systems, periodic shift logs or even email.
This consequently delivers several technical benefits, according to the association: networks are able to fully leverage the benefits of gigabit bandwidth, their infrastructure is simpler and therefore less costly to design, implement and maintain. Ultimately, systems can be rolled out and start their operations in a shorter time.
By removing the need for physical separation of critical and non-critical networks, TSN also creates a convergence between information technology (IT) and industrial operational technology (OT). This convergence directly addresses the competitive pressure of Industry 4.0 in order to deliver corresponding business benefits. Key results include better transparency and management of processes, product quality improvements, increase in output as well as reduced downtime. In addition, the enterprise can become more responsive to customer demands and better able to support its business.
While many of the IEEE 802.1 standards are now complete, some are still under development. Moreover, the IEC/IEEE 60802 working group is still standardising TSN profiles for industrial automation. Hence, TSN is still evolving.
Specific examples of applications that can benefit from TSN include those that would profit from combining several types of control on one network. For example, a converting application such as a printing press could combine high precision motion control for registration with visual inspection of the process, along with systems related to operator safety. TSN allows them all to coexist on a single network, simplifying system design, reducing cost and increasing uptime.
Plant lifecycles are typically measured in decades. With this in mind, current TSN solutions are a safe bet. The technology is already able to address the demands of Industry 4.0 that are emerging now by maximising the use of the increasingly common gigabit bandwidth. In addition, it holds the promise of being able to evolve accordingly to meet future demands while protecting existing investments.
Its base technology, Ethernet, was first conceived in the early 1970s and has already proved its ability to remain relevant over time. Hence, TSN will likely continue to benefit from this ability and offer advantages during the current plant lifecycles and beyond.
The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has supported businesses with state-of-the art open automation network technologies for 20 years and, as one of the key players in the sector, is in a position to continue to do so for the next 20 years.
To support advanced industrial communications, the organisation has recently developed CC-Link IE TSN, the first open industrial Ethernet to combine 1Gbit bandwidth with TSN functionalities. Thanks to these key features, it offers an ideal migration solution that can address current manufacturing needs while acting as a gateway to the future of connected industries.
Note: this article consists of an opinion from a third party and is not the official position of Operations Engineer or the SOE.