Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Multiprotocol solution for realtime Ethernet

February 2008 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Beckhoff has introduced the CU2508 port multiplier for realtime Ethernet networks. In addition to EtherCAT and standard TCP/IP, PROFINET and EtherNet/IP are supported. In this way, several Ethernet protocols can be operated simultaneously on one controller. Unlike an Ethernet Switch, the CU2508 enables precisely timed transmission and reception of Ethernet frames by means of distributed clocks.

The CU2508 realtime Ethernet port multiplier has a gigabit uplink from the PC and eight independent 100 Mbps output channels. Each of the eight different ports can support any of the realtime Ethernet protocols. The PC transmits data at high speed to the port multiplier. A multiprotocol driver has been implemented in the TwinCAT automation software for the CU2508 Ethernet multiplier. This driver allows the use of different realtime Ethernet protocols on one device. The port multiplier analyses each packet and according to the frame prefix transmits the data to the appropriate 100BASE-TX port in a time-controlled manner with μs precision. Received frames are also assigned a prefix including a time stamp and transmitted back to the PC on the gigabit port.

The CU2508 is primarily designed for large industrial Ethernet networks or for the use of different Ethernet protocols on one controller. For extremely high demands, an EtherCAT installation can, for example, be distributed to up to eight separate networks in order to multiply the performance. The distributed clocks of all of the EtherCAT networks are synchronised. EtherCAT cable redundancy can also be realised using two ports of the CU2508.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Dynamic control of industrial solar plants and energy storage systems
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice IT in Manufacturing
Spanish group, Power Electronics uses Beckhoff embedded PCs and TwinCAT software to achieve switching times of 110 ms across solar and battery storage systems, enabling the delivery of grid support services that command higher energy prices.

Read more...
PC-based control in surgery
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Researchers at the University of Basel are using Beckhoff PC-based control technology to develop a miniature laser robot for minimally invasive bone surgery.

Read more...
Remote I/O modules provide flexible options for distributed applications
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Dinkle International is now stocking the iO-GRID NEMO industrial-grade remote input/output modules, offering support for five leading industrial Ethernet protocols and a range of discrete channel configurations for distributed automation applications.

Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.

Read more...
Daudin expands fieldbus modular remote I/O series
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
: The Dinkle iO-GRID X modular remote I/O family is now available, offering fieldbus coupler modules for major industrial Ethernet protocols, and over 20 types of I/O modules to help integrators and equipment builders create flexible, efficient control systems.

Read more...
Siemens and HighByte partner to scale industrial AI
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Siemens is expanding its Industrial Edge ecosystem through a partnership with HighByte, enabling customers to connect, contextualise and transform data from operational technology and information technology sources to build AI models and applications at scale.

Read more...
Automotive Ethernet media converter
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
HMS Networks has introduced its first automotive ethernet product under the PEAK brand. The PAE-Media Converter is a compact device designed to connect automotive Ethernet (100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1) with standard Ethernet (100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T) networks.

Read more...
3D electrical systems design workflow for electromechanical innovation
Siemens South Africa Fieldbus & Industrial Networking IT in Manufacturing
Siemens has announced new 3D electrical design capabilities within its Capital software, enabling electrical and mechanical engineers to work concurrently in a shared 3D environment to reduce late-stage design changes and accelerate time to market for complex electromechanical products.

Read more...
Long-distance signal delivery is critical to rail safety
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A remote monitoring specialist explains why fibre optic technology is increasingly replacing copper cabling in safety-critical railway signalling systems.

Read more...
Building efficiency into cement production with SCADA and IIoT
Adroit Technologies Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
For decades, Adroit Technologies has worked alongside leading cement producers, helping them gain greater visibility into their operations through advanced SCADA and IIoT solutions.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved