Despite its name, Ethernet Powerlink is a real-time Ethernet protocol. This protocol is 100% compliant with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard. The Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group (EPSG) manages the Ethernet Powerlink protocol. The Austrian automation company B&R introduced the technology in 2001. It is a software-based solution to the real-time determinism problem in Ethernet. In this article, we will discuss how Ethernet Powerlink works and how it benefits industrial networking.
Ethernet Powerlink is a real-time protocol for standard Ethernet
ETHERNET POWERLINK is a real-time protocol that allows communication between machines, and it is designed to operate over a standard Ethernet network. It provides visibility over all devices in a network, and allows data to flow between standard applications, databases, and process control systems. With the EPSG’s standardized communication profile, any device can be monitored and diagnosed, and it can even be upgraded from any Ethernet network point.
It is 100% compliant with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard
POWERLINKs are Ethernet-based communication systems that run on software, and are 100% compliant with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet specification. This ensures that POWERLINKs use industry-standard hardware and software components. Since POWERLINKs run on a time-slot procedure, only one device can use the same ports at a time. As such, POWERLINKs are compatible with both Ethernet and CANopen.
It solves the problem of hard real-time determinism
A hard real-time deterministic system is one in which system events are time-bounded and all tasks must run to completion within a predefined time window. Hard real-time determinism is essential in systems that require accuracy and stability. In general, this refers to the requirement that software tasks should always finish the same way and to the same degree. The failure of such a system to execute tasks in a consistent way can have serious quality and safety implications.
It is a software-based solution
Unlike other networking standards, POWERLINK uses a software-based master to control the timing on the network and to authorize individual nodes to send data. Although Powerlinks use Ethernet as its standard, it is not capable of delivering the same performance as other standards, including X.25, which may use modified versions of the Ethernet protocol or reuse low-cost hardware components. This makes Powerlinks an ideal solution for organizations wishing to reduce latency and cost.
It is a demand-side platform
In today’s digital advertising world, demand-side platforms like Powerlinks are becoming a more important part of marketing campaigns. A demand-side platform is a software program that combines an advertiser’s bidding and optimization needs with a platform for automated measurement. This platform blends data-driven precision with the disciplines of search and content marketing to provide trading desks and networks with native advertising at the moment of relevance for the audience.
It is a SCADA
In the context of distributed SCADA systems, PowerLink is a message-oriented middleware that is based on the RTPS architecture. Its lightweight design enables it to support various types of communication schemes and provides hierarchical Message Topics. POWERLINK also supports a double sub-network automatic shifting and provides multiple types of communication schemes. PowerLink is a complete solution for industrial IoT and data management.