In order to be able to monitor movement processes in industrial applications in a targeted manner, companies often need to be able to access data in real time. In view of constantly increasing data volumes, it therefore makes sense to make Ethernet usable for industrial applications. This enables standardized data communication worldwide beyond the boundaries of local networks.

Standardize your protocols

However, proprietary protocols that are only compatible with the respective devices often stand in the way of effective networking. To avoid slowing down the digitalization of production steps, meta protocols such as OPC UA are required. Open Platform Communication Unified Architecture is a manufacturer-independent, industrial communication protocol. Thanks to the use of Ethernet technology, it enables continuous and transparent communication from the sensor to the cloud. Thanks to the integrated presentation mechanism, new devices can be integrated into the protocol and communicate with the existing network with little effort.

This protocol is made possible by advances in microelectronics: sensors and actuators with their own mini-processors enable universal networking thanks to their open and real-time capable communication protocol. However, in order to access the data in real time, all devices must be aligned to the same time base.

TSN opens the door to real-time communication

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has created such a uniform time base with the Ethernet standard Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). This protocol regulates data transmission (traffic scheduling) and automates the configuration of individual systems. It enables companies to synchronize the transmission behavior of data packets from individual devices over time.

Together with the OPC Foundation's extended communication model, OPC UA PubSub, it was possible to bridge the gap and implement real-time-capable applications in the industrial environment as generally available standards. OPC UA PubSub accelerates communication even without implementing TSN thanks to its ability to send data continuously without having to wait for responses from recipients between individual messages. This can significantly reduce the load on the network. OPC UA over TSN also enables users to use digital certificates and thus generate a high level of security when exchanging data.

New world standard for data communication

With TSN, companies can optimally prepare for Industry 4.0. It forms the basis for all IIoT applications. Thanks to its real-time capability, IT and OT merge into a common network in no time at all, and even end devices without TSN capability can be operated via TSN networks without any problems. This means that compatibility limits can be overcome more quickly and time-critical system components can be integrated into the Internet of Things more easily. With Time Sensitive Networking, nothing stands in the way of fully automated production.

The author

Thomas Kruse, Reichelt Electronics

© Reichelt Electronics

Thomas Kruse is Product Manager Network Technology, Smart Home and Security at Reichelt Elektronik.