Support for the high-speed Ethernet-based CC-Link IE newtork is now available from Mitsubishi Electric. The company launched its first products for the new network standard of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) at last year's SPS/IPC/Drives trade show in Nuremberg, Germany. Using the latest technologies, the new system builds on the standard Ethernet protocol but adds determinism and redundancy along with many other useful enhancements for industrial applications. CC-Link IE (Control and Communication Link Industrial Ethernet) is the first fully-integrated gigabit network technology for industrial automation to be offered as an open standard.
CC-Link IE is an optical industrial network system with a redundant architecture that enables extremely high-speed and reliable data communications between controllers via Ethernet links. The high data transfer rate of one gigabit per second is more than enough to cater to the realtime communications requirements of modern industry, with bandwidth reserves for future developments.
Integrated communications
The CC-Link IE architecture and protocols are based on international specifications and standards. No additional components or equipment are required. This significantly simplifies integration in existing IT structures, ensuring a seamless flow of information throughout all levels of the organisation from the shop floor to company management.
This new generation network developed by CLPA is based on industrial Ethernet, but it has also benefited from Mitsubishi Electric's tried and tested networking and Ethernet technologies. Mitsubishi is one of the founding members of the global organisation and has very extensive experience in the development of networking technologies and solutions that have proved themselves over many years of use in heavy-duty industrial environments. CC-Link IE represents a significant leap forward in technology compared to the copper-based Ethernet networks that are currently used in industrial applications, which are currently limited to maximum data transfer rates of 100 megabits per second.
Redundant double ring fibre-optics topology
The new gigabit Ethernet technology has a redundant architecture and connects all stations in the network with robust fibre-optics cabling. The double-ring topology ensures that local network interruptions such as cable breaks or the failure of individual stations do not have any negative consequences. And if both conductors are severed in a network segment the data traffic is automatically re-routed so that communications can continue normally. Integrated diagnostics monitor all network functions, enabling fast error localisation and correction. All these factors provide more security and reliability, increasing the availability of plant and machinery.
In addition to its reliability, the ring topology allows very large total network lengths of up to 66 kilometres. Up to 120 stations can be integrated in each network and up to 239 of these networks can be linked with one another. The maximum cable length between two stations is 550 metres.
In addition to supporting cyclical data communications with consistent cycle periods that are independent of the current load, CC-Link IE also transfers event-based information like messages and alarms in realtime. Data can be sent from any station to any other station and read by the other station, even across multiple networks. This means that any controller can be programmed and monitored from any network station. In addition to this, the network also supports multitask and broadcast functions.
Simple installation and configuration
The cabling and connectors in the new Industrial Ethernet system are also firmly based on international standards, facilitating fast and simple installation. The standard multimode fibre-optics cabling and LC connectors are immune to electromagnetic interference, ensuring reliable operation. No programming is required - configuration is plug-and-play using simple communications modules.
At the launch of CC-Link IE, Mitsubishi Electric is offering the basic components for this future-proof gigabit technology, consisting of a network module for the MELSEC System Q automation platform and a network interface card for personal computers.
Leading network standard
The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is an international organisation with over 900 member companies. The common goal of the members is to further the development and dissemination of the standardised network technologies CC-Link, CC-Link Safety, CC-Link/LT and CC-Link IE. CC-Link is already the leading fieldbus protocol in Asia and it is now also becoming increasingly popular in Europe and America.
For more information contact Shaun Loesch, CBI-electric, +27 (0)11 928 2000, [email protected], www.cbi-electric.com
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