Open field network for Ethernet communication launched

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has launched CC-Link IE Field Basic, which is an open field network using general-purpose 100Mbps Ethernet communication.

By CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) January 12, 2017

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has launched CC-Link IE Field Basic, which is an open field network using general-purpose 100Mbps Ethernet communication. Specifications enabling communication compatibility with software alone lower the threshold for control device networks and thus make it easier to realize transparent and high-efficiency production facilities.

The CC-Link IE Field Basic specification is designed to work as a solution that offers easier network compatibility while maintaining mutual connectivity with CC-Link IE. Features include implementation with general purpose Ethernet devices. CC-Link IE Field Basic achieves the cyclic communication required for device control with software at the network protocol application layer.

General purpose Ethernet compatible devices can support CC-Link IE Field Basic through software implementation alone. Moreover, other Ethernet applications such as HTTP and FTP can be simultaneously implemented and used together. It also inherits CC-Link IE features such as network transparency.

Functions provided by CC-Link IE allow production site visualization, such as linking production site devices and host IT systems, are inherited by CC-Link IE Field Basic. Devices which could not previously be connected to CC-Link IE can now be integrated and managed. Vendor development is quick, as only software implementation is required for CC-Link IE Field Basic compatible devices. Devices compatible with other protocols can share hardware, promoting lower costs. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) as well as general-purpose computers can be used as master devices.

CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA)

www.cclinkamerica.org 

– Edited by CFE Media. See more Control Engineering industrial networking stories.