If you’re considering implementing a network application that requires real-time response, you should consider Ethernet Powerlink. This protocol is 100% compliant with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards and is designed to ensure that devices gain network access in real time. If you want to find out how it works, read on! This article will help you learn all about Ethernet Powerlink. Once you’ve understood how it works, you’ll be well on your way to implementing an application that needs real-time response.
Ethernet Powerlink is a real-time protocol for standard Ethernet
POWERLINK is an industrial real-time Ethernet protocol that extends standard LAN. It provides mechanisms for transferring data with accurate timing and synchronisation. This protocol addresses the timing requirements of high-performance automation and real-time control applications. POWERLINK implementation cycles are often less than a few microseconds, making it ideal for high-speed, critical data transfers. The protocol is open source, governed by the Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group.
POWERLINK was released as an international standard in 2003. The Ethernet POWERLINK Standardization Group (EPSG) is an independent organization with a wide range of expertise. The EPSG is made up of working groups in technology, marketing, and certification. It also works with IEC and other standardization organizations to help standardize the protocol. Originally, the physical layer of Ethernet Powerlink was specified as 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet is compatible with Ethernet Powerlink.
It is suitable for implementing applications with hard real-time requirements
POWERLINK is a high-performance communication protocol for Ethernet networks. Based on the CANopen standard, it meets high requirements for cycle time and determinism. The POWERLINK protocol supports a flexible application interface and uses the DS 301 CANopen communication profile. Moreover, it is CANopen-compatible, allowing it to be used for hard-real-time applications.
POWERLINK uses non-proprietary software that complies with standard Ethernet features. The open-source version is free and requires no licensing. Using this technology, you can choose the network topology that best suits your needs. POWERLINK is ideal for implementing applications with “hard” real-time requirements in which the signal propagation delays must be within a specified time interval. POWERLINK is particularly suitable for motion-control applications, where real-time visualization of motion is essential. Pepperl+Fuchs has developed optical data couplers and absolute rotary encoders that enable you to implement such applications.
It is 100% compliant with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard
POWERLINK is a software-based networking solution that is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard. As a 100% vendor-neutral protocol, it can work with any Ethernet infrastructure, regardless of manufacturer. Unlike many proprietary technologies, POWERLINK uses a mixed polling and time-slot procedure that only allows one node to connect to the network at any given time.
The communication cycle of POWERLINK is structured like an organized roundtable discussion, with a moderator inviting each participant to speak at specific times. This prevents simultaneous speaking, which eliminates the need for arbitration. The structure of POWERLINK establishes a managing node that acts as a “moderator” of the discussion, while all other devices function as controlled nodes.