Higher performance for the process industry with Profinet
September 2015
News
In production automation, Profinet forms the technological basis for extremely high performance of processes and diagnostics and for the integrated nature of the data flow. The process automation sector now wants to reap these benefits too. That is why Profibus & Profinet International (PI) is working energetically on standards for the purpose of optimising Profinet for the special demands of process automation.
The first Profinet applications are already being used in the process industry, such as connection of remote I/Os and motor management systems. However, the combination fieldbus system consisting of Profibus DP coupled with Profibus PA is still predominant. Here, specifications and guidelines such as the PA Profile V3.02 provide the necessary standardisation. The many resulting products from a wide range of manufacturers give users a lot of freedom in their use of instrumentation.
In the future, the PA profile is to be usable in Profinet as well as Profibus systems. The revised profile version is thus being specified independent of the physical layer, thereby producing a device profile that can be used uniformly in Profibus and Profinet systems. As a result, the strengths of Profibus PA with regard to diagnostics, parameter assignment, life cycle management, and the like, will be raised to the level of Profinet. The intended additions to the profile are aimed at simplified handling, time savings, and reduced error possibilities when handling field devices throughout the system life cycle.
As the final step, it is now important to develop a solution so that Profinet devices can also be made available for use in hazardous areas and in two-wire technology for power supply via the cable. In the planning stage for this is a physical layer for Ethernet-based communication that will enable integrated Ethernet communication on an individual protocol. Through use of this technology, Profinet can become a uniform solution for the process industry that enables integrated automation based on industrial Ethernet.
For more information contact PI SA, +27 (0)11 548 9960 or 061 340 0681, dee@sasisa.co.za, www.profibus.co.za
Further reading:
John Thompson secures order for bagasse-fired boiler
News
John Thompson, a division of ACTOM, has secured an order for a 320 t/h bagasse-fired boiler for what is set to become the world’s largest greenfield sugar mill development in Indonesia.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Consistently not stupid
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Over the years I’ve followed Charlie Munger. He’s considered to be one of the greatest investors and thinkers on decision making in the past century, and spent six decades as Warren Buffett’s business
...
Read more...
South Africa’s space balls
Editor's Choice News
South African engineers are preparing to take low-frequency radio astronomy to the Moon with three locally developed B.A.L.L.S. spheres aboard China’s Chang’e-8 mission. This could pave the way for a 55-antenna lunar array and marks another step in the country’s growing space engineering capability.
Read more...
RS South Africa announces 2026 Student Project Fund winners
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa has awarded 13 engineering students with R10?000 worth of products each through its 2026 Student Project Fund, supporting projects spanning renewable energy, robotics, warehouse automation and STEM education.
Read more...
Certified gas meter module
News
Sensirion’s next-generation SGM5304 gas meter module has completed certification to the harmonised EN 17526 standard, simplifying MID approval and speeding customers’ route to market.
Read more...
Trafo Power Solutions expands market share
News
Trafo Power Solutions is expanding its market share in mining, industrial, infrastructure, data centre and renewable energy applications through technical expertise, application-specific engineering and responsive customer support.
Read more...
Engineering solutions to keep coal power plants viable in a renewables-driven grid
News
Steinmüller Africa showcased engineering solutions at Enlit Africa 2026 that let existing coal-fired power stations run efficiently at much lower loads, helping the grid absorb a growing share of variable renewable energy.
Read more...
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.
Read more...
SAIMC INSPIRE conference extends abstract submission deadline
SAIMC
SAIMC News
Following requests from our sponsors, the SAIMC INSPIRE conference has officially extended the abstract submission deadline to 28 August 2026.
Read more...
Pomini Tenova and Siemens advance roll grinder technology
Siemens South Africa
News
Pomini Tenova and Siemens strengthen their long-standing partnership to support the revamping and modernisation of roll grinders with advanced CNC and automation technology.
Read more...
printer friendly version