Let’s take a look at three reasons why Ethernet motion control can and will be accepted more and more in the next few years of competition.
1. Convergence rather than increase complexity
Over time, the interconnection between enterprise IT and the factory has increased, resulting in a more complex system, mixing standard Ethernet and industrial Ethernet with Fieldbus.
For example, a machine might use:
* SERCOS1 for communication with the server
* PROFIBUS® for networked variable frequency drives
* SafetyBUS p for fail-safe Fieldbus communication
* Applicable to DeviceNet connected to the sensor
* Ethernet for sending data to end users and accessing through the gateway
Such a network is complex and it is expensive to build and maintain. Each protocol requires its own implementation process, installers, and training. In contrast, Ethernet offers the possibility of merging different networks for motion, security, etc. onto a cost-effective infrastructure. This architecture is easier to route, has broad support from suppliers, and can adapt to future requirements.
The EtherNet/IP protocol embodies the role of integration in practice. By using standard Ethernet technologies such as TCP/IP and UDP/IP, complemented by CIP Sync (for implementing distributed clock IEEE 1588 precision time protocol synchronization), the integrated switching system can accommodate both commercial and industrial applications. It offers the possibility of different network convergence.
2. Deterministic for motion control applications
Motion control relies on precise communication. This accuracy is supported by the use of slot-based scheduling, and each device has a schedule in its scheduling policy that communicates with other devices. These servo drives and controllers calculate their respective timings, from which the ∆T value of the control function can be calculated. However, if data transmission becomes unpredictable, the results may be lost, so determinism is needed to ensure loop stability.
Ethernet can support demanding motion control applications in the factory. In some cases, implementing IEEE 1588 in EtherNet/IP through an accelerator circuit integrated directly into the Intel® chip is a common mechanism for Ethernet solutions to enforce determinism. EtherCAT’s high-speed real-time processing is another example of how consistent predictive performance can be achieved in motion control applications. EtherCAT breaks through the strictly physical limitations of PCI-based centralized communications, requiring fast communication between machine processing units and servo processors but with short distances.
3. Long-term feasibility for IIoT
Since the advent of Ethernet technology, Ethernet has undergone a series of developments. Given the current small scale of manufacturing of traditional Fieldbus components and the ongoing risk of becoming an outdated industry-standard architecture, Ethernet is evolving and is now fully capable of serving IP-centric industrial IoT.
Upcoming improvements, such as time-sensitive networks that will improve IEEE 1588 and support the possibility of network convergence, also make Ethernet an ideal choice for current and future motion control. This is not to say that Fieldbus and PCI will disappear, but as the automation industry moves toward IIoT, the advantages of Ethernet will continue to increase.
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