This article will explore POWERLINK, a real-time Ethernet protocol for drives, I/O and visualization. This is an essential piece of knowledge for any enterprise looking to build a unified network for its IT systems. It also includes a roundtable discussion with POWERLINK users. Read on to learn more. Here are the pros and cons of POWERLINKs for drives and I/O. You will also learn how to implement them in your own systems.
POWERLINK is a standard Ethernet-based system
POWERLINK is a standard Ethernet-base system that organizes data synchronization and access within a network. Its primary drawback is that it must overcome the shortcomings of the Carrier-Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) method for transmitting data packets, which lacks determinism. This means that two packets from two different nodes can collide and cannot be sent, and the CSMA/CD method chooses a random time to retransmit the packet. This removes determinism from the data flow, which enables POWERLINK to maintain the Ethernet standard and offer a high degree of flexibility on any Ethernet hardware.
POWERLINK is an Ethernet-based real-time fieldbus system that was introduced in 2001 by B&R. Developed by independent user organizations, the POWERLINK Standardization Group coordinates the development of the system and cooperates with other standardization groups, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
It is a real-time protocol
The POWERLINK standard specifies the structure of the asynchronous data communication cycle, which is divided into three phases: the “Start of Cycle” frame, the “End of Cycle” frame, and the “Positioning” frame. Each of the phases has a unique purpose: the Managing Node (MN) is the master, and it manages the POWERLINK network by polling its controlled nodes cyclically. The “Start of Cyclic” (SoC) frame is used to synchronize the devices in the network and to prevent collisions between CNs. The POWERLINK protocol can also be used for non-real-time networks, but these devices are typically not scalable to high-density environments.
The Ethernet POWERLINK protocol implements the CANopen application layer standard. CANopen is a fieldbus developed by Bosch and is a popular industrial measurement and automation standard. In addition to CANopen, the POWERLINK protocol is compliant with IEEE 802.3bt. Its design principles are similar to those of CANopen. POWERLINK utilizes the same data-link protocol, which enables the controller to communicate with a B&R controller. It also records process parameters and controls the cycle of production.
It is used for drives, I/O and visualization
POWERLINK is a standard Ethernet-based system, representing the second generation of fieldbuses. It enables automation systems to harness the full power of IT technologies for drives, I/O and visualization. POWERLINK is ideally suited to drive, I/O, and visualization applications, as well as data exchange between PLC systems. The automation industry is demanding more standardization in data communication and network technology, and the Internet revolution has provided the industry with a robust, affordable standard.
It has a roundtable discussion
POWERLINK technology is a successor to classic fieldbus technology and offers transmission speeds up to 100 Mbit/s. POWERLINK uses a software-based solution, which makes it adaptable to the same standardized hardware components. It also uses a mixed polling and time-slot procedure, allowing only one node to transmit data at a time. It supports the advantages of an integrated control system, making it easier to design machines.
The goals of a roundtable discussion should be clear. A proper topic should draw the audience in. It should make it clear how the discussion will benefit attendees, whether it is a sales tool or an insight to help the audience make more informed decisions. The roundtable discussion facilitator should consider what it is that they’re offering and how it will help the audience. Having a clear objective can help the discussion go more smoothly and lead to more productive results.