Modul 2 von 11 · 📖 5 min Lesezeit · ⏱ 30 min gesamt

FI-DV 02 Netze für die Produktion (EN)

Inhaltsverzeichnis (6 Abschnitte)
  1. Concepts and Background
  2. Architecture Diagram
  3. Practical Steps
  4. Common Pitfalls
  5. Further Resources
  6. Knowledge Check

FI-DV 02 Networks for Production

In this module, you will explore the network technologies that shape industrial production technology. You will learn about the special characteristics of networks in OT (Operational Technology) compared to IT and understand why deterministic transmission times are crucial in automation. The focus is on the industry standards TSN, Profinet, and EtherCAT, which enable reliable and time-coordinated communication between machines and controllers.

You will acquire the knowledge to select suitable network technology for different automation applications and perform basic configurations. The module provides the theoretical foundations and practical aspects necessary for the setup and operation of production networks.

Concepts and Background

OSI Model in OT
The OSI reference model is often applied in a simplified manner in OT technology. While in IT all seven layers are relevant, automation technology primarily focuses on layers 1 (Physical) and 2 (Data Link). The higher layers are covered by proprietary protocols that meet specific requirements for real-time capability and reliability.
Deterministic Networks
A deterministic network guarantees that data packets reach their destination within a predictable, maximum time. This property is essential in production technology because control commands and sensor values are time-critical. Jitter (time variations) must be minimized to ensure synchronized and stable automation.
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN)
TSN is a series of IEEE standards (802.1) that define deterministic properties for conventional Ethernet networks. Through mechanisms such as Time-Aware Scheduling (TAS) and Asynchronous Traffic Shaping (ATS), prioritized and time-predictable transmission is enabled. TSN enables the convergence of IT and OT networks on a common infrastructure.
Profinet
Profinet is an industrial communication protocol developed by Siemens based on Ethernet. It offers various transmission types, from standard Ethernet communication (IRT - Isochronous Real Time) to a complex automation architecture (IO-Controller, IO-Device). Profinet IRT enables cyclic, isochronous data transmission with very low jitter for highly dynamic applications.
EtherCAT
EtherCAT (Ethernet for Control Automation Technology) is an open, master-based fieldbus system. The special feature lies in its "on-the-fly" processing: The master sends a datagram that is read and/or modified by each slave device as it traverses the physical segment. This enables extremely short cycle times and high precision without each slave requiring its own Ethernet address.

Architecture Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Engineering-Workstation] --> B[Profinet-IO-Controller]
    B --> C[Profinet-IO-Device 1]
    B --> D[Profinet-IO-Device 2]
    B --> E[EtherCAT-Slave 1]
    B --> F[EtherCAT-Slave 2]
    G[TSN-Switch] --> B
    G --> C
    G --> D
    G --> E
    G --> F
    H[IT-Network] --> G
    I[OT-Network] --> G

Practical Steps

  1. Install the necessary driver and configuration software for your Profinet devices on the engineering workstation. This ensures that you can correctly identify and configure the devices.
  2. Physically connect the Profinet-IO-Controller and the IO-Devices through a managed switch that supports VLANs. Correct physical cabling is the foundation for stable communication.
  3. Configure a separate VLAN for Profinet traffic on the switch to isolate it from other network traffic. This prevents interference from other network services and increases security.
  4. Create a new project in the engineering tool and add the Profinet devices via their MAC addresses. The controller must know the topology and device parameters to control communication.
  5. Configure the cycle times and Isochronous Real Time (IRT) parameters in the Profinet Device Manager. These settings define deterministic transmission and are critical for time-critical applications.
  6. Connect the EtherCAT slaves in a ring topology (line topology with end-of-line device) to increase network robustness. A ring allows automatic switching in case of cable breaks.
  7. Configure the EtherCAT master in your control software and scan the bus to identify the connected slaves. The master requires device data to initialize communication.
  8. Assign the EtherCAT slaves their process image addresses in the master to define the data exchange between the controller and I/O devices. This assignment determines which data is transmitted with which frequency.
  9. Activate TSN functions on your switch and configure the Time-Aware Scheduling (TAS) tables to control the prioritization of different data streams. This is necessary to utilize the deterministic properties of the TSN network.
  10. Test the entire configuration with a network analyzer to verify jitter values and cycle accuracy. Measurement confirms that system requirements are met.

Common Pitfalls

Further Resources

Knowledge Check