What is PROFINET and how does it work?

The early days of distributed control systems were dominated by simple communication interfaces that were adaptations from computer systems or applications in other sectors, such as aviation. However, over time, these original interfaces have evolved, giving rise to newer versions. Based on their structure, more advanced protocols emerged. Such initial interfaces included RS422 / RS485, and among the developed protocols were Modbus RTU, Profibus DP or Genius.

Profinet is a communication protocol designed specifically for industrial needs, enabling efficient transmission of process data between various system components such as controllers, IO modules or drives. Profinet uses industrial Ethernet technology to integrate a variety of devices - from sensors and pushbuttons to advanced converters and output modules. One popular application of Profinet is the IO version, which is dedicated to communication between controllers and input/output modules.

PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS - what are the differences?

Profinet and Profibus are two different industrial communication standards created by the same organization. Profibus is a classic serial field network, while Profinet is a universal communication network based on the industrial Ethernet standard. Both networks are designed to operate in harsh industrial environments such as dust, humidity and electromagnetic interference. However, Profinet offers a much higher transmission speed, reaching 100 Mbit/s, while Profibus is limited to 12 Mbit/s. Moreover, Profinet can support more devices on the network compared to Profibus. Moreover, the maximum number of devices in a Profinet network can be 256, while in a Profibus network it can be 126.

Although the two technologies share many common features, such as the use of GSD files to define equipment, they differ in many aspects. Profinet benefits from the advantages of modern Ethernet technology, such as higher bandwidth, larger message size and unlimited address space. The Profinet supplier/receiver model also makes it faster and more efficient. Unlike Profibus, which uses a master-slave approach, Profinet allows any device to communicate at any time, making it more flexible and scalable.

In short, while both technologies have their place in the industry, Profinet offers more advanced features and is more future-proof by using standard Ethernet.

Types of devices in a PROFINET network

In the Profinet structure, we can distinguish three main components: a control panel (IO-Controller, e.g. a PLC), a module (IO-Device, e.g. an IO island) and a monitoring unit (IO-Supervisor, e.g. a computer with a programming environment). The control panel acts as the main management module, responsible for coordinating communications and settings in the Profinet network. It acts as a hub, collecting and distributing data to other devices and receiving feedback, which may include operational data or alarms.

The Profinet module (IO-Device), also called an input/output unit, is responsible for collecting signals, both digital and analog, and transmitting them to the control panel. In response, it can also present the data provided by the PBX in the form of signals.

An IO-Supervisor, on the other hand, is usually a workstation with dedicated software that enables the initial configuration of Profinet devices and the monitoring and diagnostics of the entire network.

PROFINET in PLC Controllers

PROFINET, an industrial communication standard based on Ethernet, has found wide application in the world of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). Here are some key aspects of using PROFINET in the context of PLCs:

1. Fast and Deterministic Communication and Data Exchange: Thanks to PROFINET, PLCs can communicate with other devices in real-time, which is crucial for many industrial processes where delays can lead to serious problems. PROFINET's determinism ensures that data is transmitted within a specific, predictable timeframe.
2. Modularity and Scalability: PROFINET allows for easy addition and removal of devices from the network without interrupting system operation. This enables PLC systems to be easily expanded and adapted to changing needs.
3. Advanced Diagnostics: PROFINET offers advanced diagnostic tools that allow for monitoring the status of the network and connected devices. For PLCs, this means quick detection and resolution of issues, increasing the reliability of the entire system.
4. Integration with Other Systems: With PROFINET, PLCs can easily communicate with other systems and devices, such as HMIs, drives, sensors, and industrial robots. This facilitates the creation of integrated industrial automation systems.
5. Security: PROFINET provides advanced security mechanisms that protect communication from unauthorized access, attacks, or interference. For PLCs, this ensures secure and reliable data transmission.

In summary, PROFINET has become an integral part of modern PLC systems, offering fast, reliable, and secure communication in industrial environments. It makes PLCs more flexible, efficient, and easier to manage, resulting in better productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing plants. Alongside EtherCAT Master, Ethernet, and RS232/RS485, it is one of the modern communication interfaces of the JUMO variTRON 500 PLC controller.

PROFINET in PLC Controllers

PROFINET, an industrial communication standard based on Ethernet, has found wide application in the world of PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). Here are some key aspects of using PROFINET in the context of PLCs:

1. Fast and Deterministic Communication and Data Exchange: Thanks to PROFINET, PLCs can communicate with other devices in real-time, which is crucial for many industrial processes where delays can lead to serious problems. PROFINET's determinism ensures that data is transmitted within a specific, predictable timeframe.
2. Modularity and Scalability: PROFINET allows for easy addition and removal of devices from the network without interrupting system operation. This enables PLC systems to be easily expanded and adapted to changing needs.
3. Advanced Diagnostics: PROFINET offers advanced diagnostic tools that allow for monitoring the status of the network and connected devices. For PLCs, this means quick detection and resolution of issues, increasing the reliability of the entire system.
4. Integration with Other Systems: With PROFINET, PLCs can easily communicate with other systems and devices, such as HMIs, drives, sensors, and industrial robots. This facilitates the creation of integrated industrial automation systems.
5. Security: PROFINET provides advanced security mechanisms that protect communication from unauthorized access, attacks, or interference. For PLCs, this ensures secure and reliable data transmission.

In summary, PROFINET has become an integral part of modern PLC systems, offering fast, reliable, and secure communication in industrial environments. It makes PLCs more flexible, efficient, and easier to manage, resulting in better productivity and competitiveness of manufacturing plants. Alongside EtherCAT Master, Ethernet, and RS232/RS485, it is one of the modern communication interfaces of the JUMO variTRON 500 PLC controller.

About the author

My name is Ewelina Szmit and I have been working in content marketing for several years, combining my professional skills with my passion for writing. I am convinced that even the most technical topics can be presented in an interesting and accessible way for everyone. Outside of work, I unleash my creativity by creating newspaper collages. I like to spend my free time being active, walking my dog or running.

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