A closer look at today’s diagnostics concepts for serial field busses (eg, Profibus), Ethernet-based field busses (eg, Profinet) and industrial Ethernet networks reveals principal differences between the systems as well as advantages and disadvantages of existing diagnostics products. A parallel analysis of customer requirements for efficient network diagnostics shows that a lot is left to be desired. This is why Trebing + Himstedt have developed a trendsetting, unified diagnostics concept that features a combination of remote monitoring and central analysis.
Diagnostics of serial field busses
Field bus systems such as Profibus, Interbus or CAN using RS485 bus physics have been analysed for more than 20 years. The basic principle is identical for all protocols: a passive station monitors all telegram exchange and evaluates the recorded telegrams based on the respective protocol stack. This information forms the basis for a status display of the entire network and all connected stations. Most tools focus on complex telegram analysis with extensive trigger and filter functions which are highly useful for experts and service providers when troubleshooting, but are far too complex for the user. Bus physics may be tested with easy-to-use wire testers; however, this has the drawbacks of plant downtime and the fact that many failures are missed because they occur only temporarily, maybe even for only a few milliseconds. Taking account of the limits of these tools, Trebing + Himstedt already focused on ease of use with their first diagnostics tool, the Profibus Scope. With the xEPI 2 diagnostics unit, a solution for permanent, stationary monitoring of entire networks was launched for the first time. All key diagnosis information is available via a web browser at any time; an alert function notifies of problems even before they actually occur.
The formula for success for efficient network diagnostics
1. Permanent network monitoring instead of reactive troubleshooting.
2. Automatic alert in case of failures – ‘The network notifies the user in case of problems’.
3. Use of intelligent devices (managed components such as switches).
4. Traffic light principle for diagnostics.
5. Permanent documentation and inventory taking of network and devices.
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...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...Loop signature Part 2-5: Interactive control systems Michael Brown Control Engineering
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control was explained in the previous loop signature articles. One of the examples used was feedforward control of load changes on a heat exchanger when variations occurred in the flow of the process fluid through the exchanger.
Read more...Reliable connectivity for the food and beverage industry LAPP Southern Africa
Enclosures, Cabling & Connectors
The food and beverage industry operates in one of the most demanding industrial environments where hygiene, efficiency and reliability are critical to daily operations. To support these growing industry demands, LAPP has introduced a new generation of sensor cordsets designed to perform in challenging food and beverage environments.
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.
printer friendly version