"Thanks to the standardized network with OPC UA over TSN, the days when machine manufacturers had to offer a machine in variants with different controller and bus systems are over," says Stefan Bina, product manager for IIoT solutions at B&R: "The multitude of interfaces has now become one!" The advantage of this interface is that it exchanges standardized data with the network participants and thus significantly simplifies the development and operation of machines and systems.

For example, the X20 controller with OPC UA over TSN communication technology is now new. The new controller generation can be used as a master for the field level in corresponding networks. It also offers considerably more computing power than previous X20 generations with the same compact design. The controllers have fast Intel Apollo Lake I processors and enable cycle times of up to 100 µs. They also offer a large L2 cache as well as a faster floating point unit (FPU) and faster RAM access for optimum command processing.

B&R is also adding an Ethernet switch to its portfolio. With the TSN machine switch, cycle times of less than 50 µs are possible. The switch offers four TSN ports with real-time capability as well as a standard Ethernet port for connecting a display device, for example. The switch also extends daisy-chain topologies to include star, tree and ring structures. The switches can also be cascaded to reach remote control cabinets or to implement larger branched real-time networks. Non-TSN devices can also be integrated into the network with the switch. "Modular machine concepts are now quicker and easier to implement," says Bina.

The configuration of OPC UA over TSN devices and the network as well as the assignment of access rights are integrated into B&R's Automation Studio automation software. On the one hand, this allows the configuration to run automatically and, on the other hand, the application effort for modular machines is kept low thanks to ready-made software modules. Devices from different manufacturers, such as drives and controllers, can be connected without any additional effort. The developer does not have to program any code, only set parameters.