SafetyNET p in its RTFL structure is suitable in this case, as it offers high real-time capability within linear structures. Connecting mobile devices such as trucks or tool-changeover equipment can be done easily in SafetyNET p via switches. The same applies for service laptops and commissioning tools.
On SafetyNET p, safety signals that are encountered everywhere in factory automation are transmitted on the same medium. Interconnecting the individual production cells or manufacturing units is absolutely essential for the overall process. On SafetyNET p, the cells are connected via RTFN. This way, as in RTFL, each subscriber has access to data from all the other subscribers, even those on other manufacturing cells. At the same time, TCP/IP traffic is also possible for real-time and security data.
For plant design, therefore, SafetyNET p offers a universal platform on which all utilities can communicate, from sensor to control level. The ability to segment SafetyNET p also eliminates feedback from individual sections and maintains the availability of the overall plant.
The process industry’s requirements are determined partly by the structure of the plant and by signal quantity. Effective plant design demands flexible topologies, which can be represented in any type of tree structure using SafetyNET p. Branches can be made at any point using switches.
If branches are not required, the linear structure can continue or end on any device. Automatic mechanisms that identify the current topology simplify both commissioning and servicing. The ability to manage each subscriber with its individual cycle length permits the use of high-performance devices as well as low-power and low-cost devices. Having all the devices communicating via SafetyNET p guarantees access to each subscriber in the control room at all times.
Sub-networks available in other bus topologies can be incorporated via gateways. The openness of SafetyNET p ensures that gateways such as these can be supplied for all systems. Redundant cabling and devices can be used to optimize the availability of individual sectors or whole networks. A wealth of cables and connectors can also be accessed for outdoor use (IP65). Fibre-optic connections or radio links can be implemented via the familiar Ethernet components from office communication.
Fast, safe transport medium
SafetyNET p demonstrates that it is possible to meet all the user requirements of open, safe, and deterministic real-time Ethernet. The real-time performance with scan times of up to 62.5 ms is roughly 20 times faster than most other Industrial Ethernet versions.
With secure communication integrated from the start, SafetyNET p is an optimal transport medium for combined safety applications. SafetyNET p is open for any type of Ethernet traffic, even data traffic from other Industrial Ethernet versions, laptops, or video. Flexible connection technology enables a plant to have a linear, tree, or star structure. SafetyNET p can be used with other Ethernet versions if its particular performance features are required. This may be the case particularly in situations that demand special safety or real-time requirements or where existing plants must be expanded.
SafetyNET p features
• Each Ethernet device such as a PC, camera, or printer can be connected to a SafetyNET p network
• All Ethernet utilities based on the IP protocol can be used, for example, e-mail, the Internet, file transfer, or streaming
• The basic topology in RTFL is a linear structure, meaning that existing, evolved structures within industrial applications can continue to be used
• Branches can be created through switches, enabling the formation of tree or star structures
• Real-time communications with scan times of up to 62.5 µs in RTFL and up to 1 ms in RTFN
• The security protocol is integrated right from the start
• The publisher/subscriber principle enables direct communication from subscriber to subscriber without the need for a centralized PLC
• The network structure is identified during operation, which enables:
• Mobile devices to be connected
• Varying configurations as required for tool change
• Existing fieldbus installations to be incorporated using proxies
• SafetyBUS p networks can be incorporated using proxies
• Devices with real-time capability can be incorporated using special SafetyNET p RTFL protocol chips
• Applications with scan times > 1 ms can communicate with standard Ethernet interfaces via SafetyNET p RTFN
• The security protocol is incorporated as a software driver
