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Getting Your TSN Product to Market CLPA Supplement
TSN and Industrial Ethernet enabling Industry 4.0
The enhancement of Industrial Ethernet with Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) offers the potential of an unprecedented level of deterministic performance for automation and control applications, along with the business benefits of converging multiple network types and the OT and IT worlds.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS CREATING new opportunities for industrial automation and manufacturing operations, driven by the continuing development of Industrial Ethernet and technologies such as Time Sensitive Networking (TSN). The benefits for manufacturers of embracing IIoT solutions range from reducing machine downtime to adopting entirely new business models.
But Industry 4.0, with Time-Sensitive Networking as a foundational technology, is also now forming a solid basis for implementing true IIoT networks. Global manufacturers can reap the benefits of Industry 4.0, leverage deterministic performance and capitalize on new data connectivity options in pursuit of true IT-OT convergence.
Enabling Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 enabling technologies are helping businesses to develop an increasingly digitalised, connected and data-driven manufacturing landscape. By adopting technologies that support digital transformation strategies, companies can create smart, interconnected factories.
The vision of the factory of tomorrow is one of machines, production lines, plants and entire supply chains that communicate with each other to enhance productivity, efficiency and flexibility. The benefits that can be achieved with these frameworks are significant.
Companies can combine shop floor data with higher enterprise-level information and perform advanced Big Data analytics to gain unique business intelligence. This actionable insight can then be leveraged to set up selfregulating automated processes to optimise manufacturing activities and deliver highquality products while minimising cycle times.
So-called “value chains” are dependent on highly interconnected enterprises building on established strategies such as just-in-time manufacturing to reduce inventory costs while increasing flexibility. Moreover, businesses can streamline maintenance activities by predicting potential equipment failure ahead of time using condition-based monitoring and scheduling repairs to minimise downtime.
To help companies thrive in a world where competition is fierce and customer demand requires increasingly agile operations, automation vendors need to offer advanced solutions to help customers realise smart manufacturing strategies.
Getting Your TSN Product to Market
Visit website: https://eu.cc-link.org/en/ campaign/2021/tsnwp With the network convergence provided by TSN, modern manufacturers no longer need to confine their Industrial Ethernet control applications to isolated islands of automation utilising purpose-built protocols and control systems.
Setting new standards
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), by providing a unified yet deterministic infrastructure, has implemented a collection of standards that enables deterministic messaging over standard Ethernet networks. As defined by the IEEE, TSN offers an unprecedented form of network traffic management that ensures non-negotiable time frames for predictable, end-to-end transmission latencies.
TSN devices are synchronized to a common time reference to support real-time, deterministic communications for industrial control applications including high performance motion control. TSN also goes beyond the main IEEE standards and includes the efforts of many international organizations and companies.
TSN is essentially what many observers believe is the next stage in the evolution of standard Ethernet technologies and has the potential to satisfy the requirements of an expanded IIoT vision. Along with a set of standards for deterministic services over Ethernet, TSN is bringing together industry leaders with a common goal to fulfill the promise of Industry 4.0 and digitisation.
TSN market opportunities
TSN is recognised across different sectors as the future of industrial Ethernet and industrial communications. Consequently, interest in and adoption of the technology is growing.
These trends offer particularly exciting commercial opportunities for automation device vendors. By developing and releasing state-of-the-art products with TSN capabilities, vendors can increase their market coverage and gain a competitive advantage.
Getting TSN products and solutions to market
To enable futureproof industrial communications and next-level performance, automation vendors need to act now to deliver TSN-compatible products or upgrade existing devices with TSN capabilities. Doing so will help customers create factories of the future and enhance their competitiveness in a fast-growing market.
TIME-SENSITIVE NETWORKING (TSN) IS AN innovative technology solution for Ethernetbased industrial communications that can support smart operations within current facilities as well as tomorrow’s Connected Industries.
How can automation vendors deliver advanced solutions that leverage this technology? What do they need to consider in order to create successful, highly competitive solutions?
This article provides an overview of the CLPA TSN development ecosystem, what solutions can be used and how to integrate TSN-compatible functions in existing devices using conventional industrial Ethernet. It offers recommendations for industrial automation device manufacturers on the successful implementation of TSN and delivery of key solutions for future-oriented applications.
TSN functionality
The two core benefits offered by TSN are determinism and convergence.
Determinism is fundamental to supporting time-critical communications on the factory floor, as it ensures the predictable delivery of data by minimising latency and jitter. This, in turn, supports real-time applications and provides the foundation for convergence.
Convergence, the second key ability of TSN, enables companies to merge different traffic types onto a single network without affecting the performance of shop floor communications. This is fundamental to sharing operational insights and hence increasing process transparency across an enterprise, which can then be used to derive insights to optimise manufacturing facilities and entire organisations.
Since TSN is an extension of standard Ethernet, it is also interoperable with existing network technologies and devices. Hence it can be used alongside existing devices, reducing system investments. In order to harness the full potential of TSN, it may be beneficial to consider a hardware-based solution.
While this route may require more investment and development time, the benefit is a more competitive product and longer lifecycle. Several different solutions are available, enabling vendors to select the right platform for their needs.
TSN offers the potential for the convergence of the OT and IT parts of an enterprise.
TSN development workflow
It is clear why offering TSN-compatible products is highly beneficial for automation vendors. To successfully develop devices that provide added value to end users, it is necessary to consider the capabilities, performance and nature of the products themselves from the outset.
First, companies need to clearly define what the product should be able to do. This will determine the type of station that is to be developed, such as master or remote. Also, the required performance level, in terms of speed and synchronisation accuracy, needs to be decided. Once features are set, vendors can look for existing products that may be suitable for an upgrade to deliver TSN functions.
Businesses then need to select the most suitable development method for the TSN device that they are producing. The decision should be based on the pre-identified performance requirements, along with a consideration of the suitability of their existing development methods.
Another key decision that companies need to make is where to conduct the product development activities. Should these be carried out using in-house resources? Or is it best to rely on a specialist contractor?
Once the TSN device is ready, it also needs to be certified in order to prove that the necessary technology requirements are met. To do this, vendors should undertake relevant third-party certification. This offers an independent assessment of the communications performance that can offer extra assurance to customers.
When all these tasks have been completed, the TSN-compatible device can be introduced to the market.
TSN development methods
In order to implement TSN for industrial communications, end users and OEMs need both a suitable network technology as well as automation devices that can support this technology’s capabilities. This need is met by vendors offering innovative products, which address customers’ needs while increasing their competitive advantage in the marketplace. In general, to minimise costs and time to market, a vendor will look to use their existing platforms and tools where
Traffic travels across the network in a predictable manner.
By using IEEE 802.1AS, all devices on the network have a shared time reference. This provides deterministic communications by controlling latency and jitter.
possible to develop these products.
Hence it is important that the type of industrial Ethernet technology used offers an open development ecosystem that includes options that match the vendors’ existing methods. The broader the range of options, the better chance there is of catering to the needs of the most vendors. Typically, this means there should be both hardware and software solutions in addition to different bandwidth options, such as 100Mbit and gigabit.
Each development method will offer different advantages while perhaps being more suited to one application or another. It is therefore important for developers to know what options are available and how they might fit with their existing designs and hardware architectures.
Deciding what kind of TSN product to develop
The first consideration that vendors should take into account is to decide what type of device network functions they want to support, i.e. what is the role of the end product within a network. In the context of this article, this means master, remote or local stations.
Masters manage networks by controlling the traffic of other stations. This may include cyclic (synchronous) and transient (asynchronous) transmissions. Typical master devices include PLCs and industrial PCs.
Remote stations, conversely, are overseen by masters and represent field devices, such as I/O, valve blocks, HMI, inverters and servos. They can perform 1:n cyclic and transient transmissions with other stations. Transient communications are handled by client/server functions.
Local stations are often PLCs or industrial PCs. They can perform n:n cyclic transmissions with themselves and the master. They can also perform 1:n cyclic and transient transmissions with other stations. Transient communications are also handled by client/server functions.
Vendors should also consider whether they want to develop devices for motion or safety applications. The first typically require full TSN support to provide the necessary axis synchronisation capabilities. This can typically deliver microsecond synchronisation accuracy as would be required in demanding applications such as a printing press.
Safety devices are another key market area that can also be served by TSN networks. One implementation method is to use a software stack combined with a safety stack to provide a “black channel” approach.
New design or migrate existing products?
Once the type of station has been selected, vendors should decide if they should add TSN capabilities to an existing product, or if new product development will be necessary. In the case of a new product, after taking market requirements into account, a specification that fixes what the new TSN-compatible products should do, the capabilities they should offer and the investment required to implement this is essential. These elements are key to defining the performance, ease of implementation and time-to-market.
In the case of upgrading existing products, while this may decrease the time to market and
investment required, it may also require compromises that may not fully exploit the potential of TSN.
In order to offer further development flexibility, it is possible to decide what level of performance is required. This allows the right balance to be found between device performance, development investment and time to market. One option is to follow a generally softwarebased approach. This can offer a quick upgrade of existing devices. Thus, it offers a key tool to speed up the adoption of this innovative technology, although the device performance may be lower.
The converse of this is a generally hardware-based approach, which although may require additional development effort, can avoid the compromises in performance that software development may require.
Finally, bandwidth and heat dissipation are key considerations to determine the communication speed. While a gigabit PHY is preferred for best performance, this has to be balanced against thermal considerations, which may be an issue for smaller devices, or those with advanced ingress protection ratings.
Once these decisions have been made, it is crucial for businesses to be able to access a suitable development method, whether software or hardware. Hence selecting a network technology that can offer a comprehensive open development ecosystem is essential.
The following sections explore what development ecosystem solutions and features are available for the creation of TSN-compatible products.
Comparison of development methods.
Hardware solutions
In order to harness the full potential of TSN, it may be beneficial to consider a hardwarebased solution. While this route may require more investment and development time, the benefit is a more competitive product and longer lifecycle. Several different solutions are available, enabling vendors to select the right platform for their needs.
Software solutions
A software protocol stack, or just “stack” is a collection of independent components that work together to support the execution of an application. It can be configured to address the specific needs of a product. In the case of TSN, this should provide support for IEEE 802.1 standards. They generally have low operational overheads, meaning they can run on economical CPUs platforms. These are usually microprocessors or microcontrollers.
Generally, software stacks are compatible with a variety of real-time operating systems, such as RTLinux, VXworks® or µITRON. Nonetheless, device makers should check the specification of the software stack they intend to utilise to ensure compliance.
A TSN stack is typically part of a software development kit (SDK). This is a collection of software development tools, often in a single installable package, that support the creation of the required solutions.
Software methods offer perhaps the fastest solution to provide TSN capabilities to existing products, as they reduce in-house development time and costs for vendors. Furthermore, they are generally portable, so they can be applied with minimal changes. Hence, they offer a versatile solution to businesses interested in quickly implementing TSN.
ASIC/LSI
Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), also referred to as dedicated communication Large Scale Integration (LSI), are integrated circuits made of a “hard-wired” design of logic elements. These can be found with two different structures. One may offer a network interface that includes a switch and possibly one or more PHYs. The other takes this design and adds a CPU.
Built-in/embedded modules
Embedded module solutions, or built-in modules, cover a wide range of devices that usually combine a processor core, such as a microcontroller or a microprocessor, for key operations and a network interface that focuses on data exchange.
Thanks to these features, developers choosing built-in embedded units can benefit from an easy to integrate solution as well as a flexible framework to exchange the network interface to suit specific applications.
FPGA/IP core
Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) are integrated circuits whose logic functions can be specified via hardware description languages (HDLs), typically VHSIC Hardware Description Language (VHDL) or Verilog. These solutions are based on programmable (and reconfigurable) interconnects that link different configurable logic blocks (CLBs), which are made of basic logical units, known as ‘slices’. These, in turn, typically feature look-up-tables (LUTs), flip-flops (FF), different types of multiplexers and a network of carry logic to implement complex logic functions.
Specialised applications
Developers can also rely on TSN-compatible PC boards to implement key capabilities on industrial/ standard PCs and similar devices within advanced industrial Ethernet networks. This allows the connection of PCs without any special development. This is especially useful in edge computing applications where a PC/ IPC may be used as the gateway to higher level IT systems, providing a component of an OT/ IT converged system.
Importance of conformance testing
To validate the capabilities of TSN-compatible devices, developers need to conduct thorough conformance testing, i.e. confirm that the product complies with all the requirements of a given network standard and that it is correctly implemented.
By testing the conformity of their products,
developers are able to identify performance issues that may prevent correct operation with other vendors’ compatible products or make them incompatible with the relevant communication specifications. This testing gives end users the confidence that the selected automation component will be fully interoperable with all other devices tested and used on the same network.
Third-party certification
Conformance and interoperability testing can be performed in-house by vendors and/or by independent organisations. Since end users usually look for an independent third-party certification, in house testing is generally only used to confirm that a product is ready to be tested by a third party.
In effect, third-party testing provides an impartial and unbiased evaluation from an external source. As a result, it provides a high degree of confidence to end users that they can use the vendors’ products without any problems. On top of these advantages, accreditation organisations tend to have dedicated testing facilities with specialised, state-of-the-art equipment. Therefore, it is possible to conduct advanced assessments using a wide range of instruments that vendors may not otherwise have access to.
Finally, as conformance testing is conducted by a third-party, automation vendors can focus on development activities whilst specialised engineers assess the products. Test engineers are well trained and experienced in compliance and interoperability testing, providing a level of expertise that may be difficult, timeconsuming and expensive to match in-house.
Global testing network
Many vendors are global companies that operate development facilities around the world. Sending products to a single location for testing can be inconvenient, due to language, time zones and other issues. Having access to a global network of test facilities increases convenience and can reduce project lead times. It is also critical that a global testing network use standardised testing procedures so that regardless of where a test is conducted, the outcome will be the same.
Third-party testing to validate performance is an important part of the development of TSN products.
Industrial Ethernet protocols that support TSN
To quickly deliver innovative TSN-compatible products for industrial automation applications, CC-Link IE TSN offers an open network that combines TSN functions, as defined by IEEE 802.1 AS and Qbv standards, with gigabit bandwidth.
By selecting this solution, product developers can benefit from a comprehensive development ecosystem that supports the creation of master, local and remote stations. In particular, multiple members of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) already offer ways to implement CC-Link IE TSN via software and hardware and more are being added continuously. The CLPA supports vendors by assessing the conformance of their products, ensuring compatibility with CC-Link IE TSN specifications. The organisation offers development support, pre-certification testing as well as actual conformance testing via a global network of certification facilities.
The workflow to achieve the CC-Link IE TSN conformance certification starts with vendors checking the regulations for the conformance test. Based on this, companies can perform an initial assessment in-house. Afterwards, they need to apply for the CLPA’s conformance test. For the organisation to conduct this, vendors send product and a copy of the in-house test report to the selected testing facility.
Upon successful completion of the conformance test, a certificate and report are issued to the company. This then confirms compliance with CC-Link IE TSN network technology. As a further benefit, the product can be included in the CLPA’s online catalogue, making it visible to customers worldwide. Joint promotion with the CLPA is also possible.
Download Full White Paper
The full "Getting Your TSN Product to Market" white paper discusses the importance of TSN and why device vendors should be considering adding it to products. It describes what development methods are available and details on how TSN functionality can be integrated into existing products. It also contains recommendations for manufacturers of automation components to successfully implement TSN and access key solutions for future-oriented applications.
Download White Paper
Visit website: https://eu.cc-link.org/en/ campaign/2021/tsnwp
Conclusions
TSN is a key enabling technology for the digital transformation of manufacturing, and can offer key benefits for end users and OEMs: • Simpler network architectures/machine designs • Greater process transparency and better management • More productivity • Better integration of OT and IT systems
To enable futureproof industrial communications and next-level performance, automation vendors need to act now to deliver TSN-compatible products or upgrade existing devices with TSN capabilities. By doing so they can help their customers to create the factories of the future whilst enhancing their own competitiveness in a fast-growing market.
The latest embedded devices for real-time, high-performance control of industrial automation applications with CC-Link IE TSN have been released by CLPA partner NXP Semiconductors.
NEW EMBEDDED DEVICES, AMONG THE FIRST to leverage Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology, provide next-generation functions and features for advanced Connected Industries applications.
Leading semiconductor supplier NXP’s new products are the LS1028A industrial applications processor and i.MX RT1170 crossover microcontroller (MCU). In addition to TSN capabilities and Arm® Cortex® cores, they also offer a host of other features designed to provide a fully integrated and scalable solution for real-time control in increasingly ambitious automation applications.
More precisely, these devices can offer high performance and extreme accuracy with elements that include 64 bit processors and 12ns interrupts along with support for display controllers, gigabit Ethernet and a secure architecture. This provides an excellent foundation for implementations of CC-Link IE TSN. This is the first open industrial Ethernet technology for industrial automation that combines gigabit bandwidth and TSN capabilities to enhance productivity and process transparency.
NXP collaborated with another CLPA partner, port industrial automation GmbH, to enable full CC-Link IE TSN master and remote station communication stacks on both devices. By combining these devices with CC-Link IE TSN connectivity, they will provide a strong foundation for vendors looking to offer TSN products that will support the creation of converged networks, where information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) traffic can share a single network architecture. Hence, these components are ideal to act as the core of advanced Industry 4.0 applications that provide data-driven, intelligent operations across an enterprise, optimizing productivity and flexibility.
Jeff Steinheider, Director Global Industrial Applications Processor Product Marketing at NXP, comments: “TSN is the Layer-2 standard of Industry 4.0, and NXP is contributing to the comprehensive development ecosystem for the CC-Link IE TSN protocol to run over open TSN-based networks. Providing the full communications stack, our gigabit Ethernet support on NXP’s LS1028A for high-end controllers and our i.MX RT1170 for industrial end points deliver one of the most complete solutions available.”
Masaki Kawazoe, Global Director of the CLPA added, “Through its cutting-edge processing systems and switches, NXP provides global solutions to support the transition to TSN in order to address Industry 4.0 requirements for applications, communication and security. I am pleased that NXP is among the first to deliver ICs supporting TSN. It makes it possible to develop a device that supports multiple variants of Industrial Ethernet protocols over TSN with the same hardware. I am confident that this will further accelerate the development of CC-Link IE TSN-compatible applications and lead to the increased adoption of IIoT in smart factories.”
Dietmar R. Franke, CEO of port industrial automation GmbH, commented: “The solutions offered by NXP for real-time communication via TSN provide an excellent basis for TSN-based communication solutions. Port GmbH offers a complete Industrial Communication Framework (ICF) for the integration of CC-Link IE TSN on NXP’s i.MXRT1170 and LS1028A platforms. The ICF contains a CC-Link IE TSN master station stack, CC-Link IE TSN remote station stack and the ICC - tool (Industrial Communication Creator) for configuring the remote stack.”
John Browett, General Manager at CLPA Europe, concludes: “Since the launch of CC-Link IE TSN at the end of 2018, the CLPA has been partnering with leading vendors in order to offer an industry standard development ecosystem for the design of compatible products. We are pleased to announce that NXP and port have joined this community to further increase the range of options for product development.”
NXP’s LS1028A industrial applications processor and development platform provides a comprehensive solution for high end CC-Link IE TSN development.
NXP’s i.MX RT1170 crossover MCU provides CC-Link IE TSN implementation options for a wide variety of industrial automation devices.
SOURCE: NXP SEMICONDUCTORS
TSN: soon a must-have for competitive manufacturing
Futureproof Connected Industries rely on responsive, data-driven operations. Advanced industrial networks that incorporate Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) are key enablers for such systems. By selecting them, companies can benefit from high-speed, reliable communications for Industry 4.0 applications.
HMS INDUSTRIAL NETWORKS IS A MEMBER OF the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA). They believe TSN technology is a gamechanger and the company is getting ready to launch its first TSN compatible products.
The Connected Industries of the future are highly productive, flexible and responsive because of their ability to leverage the power of data, which can offer a unique understanding of what is happening on the factory floor in real-time. As a result, companies can run automated processes to ensure smooth operations at all times, maximising their efficiency. The backbones of such systems are their networks, which connect every part within a plant or enterprise to share key information.
In order to support Industry 4.0 functions, these infrastructures should be able to ensure the large volume of data generated is transmitted with high reliability and in a timely manner. The move towards gigabit bandwidth is further supporting these requirements.
TSN can provide further support and help businesses create data-driven operations. The most emphasised feature of this technology is its ability to turn standard industrial Ethernet into a real-time communications system with extremely low jitter and latency. Therefore, it provides the key network technology to support the latest data-driven solutions and Industry 4.0 applications. These, in turn, are essential to help companies enhance productivity by creating responsive and flexible shop floors.
More than simple determinism
TSN will make industrial Ethernet deterministic by design and provide the basis of converged networks. In effect, the technology is being defined by the IEEE 802.1 specifications, which will set up a common, unified solution. As a result, any user will be able to benefit from a highly reliable and responsive network, whose nature supports interconnectedness, independently of vendor-specific solutions. This ultimately ensures openness and interoperability among automation devices and systems, simplifying the creation of welllinked plants and enterprises.
Furthermore, TSN has the ability to bring different parts of an enterprise, such as the operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) sectors closer together. The technology was originally developed for transferring audio and video streams in commercial applications.
Only later, this solution has been looked at to support industrial automation systems. As a result, TSN applications in a given sector will be influenced by the developments in another segment, shaping and converging the future of the technology and industries themselves. This unique feature will also play a crucial role in enhancing the acceptance of Time-Sensitive Networking.
The Connected Industries of the future are highly productive, flexible and responsive because of their ability to leverage the power of data, and offer a unique understanding of what is happening on the factory floor in real-time.
No doubt on TSN acceptance
Automation system builders and end users are highly perceptive and well aware of the potential of TSN, particularly its ability to provide a unified way towards interoperability. Therefore, many companies are actively looking forward to adopting this technology. Furthermore, it is a well-accepted concept that TSN will certainly become a must-have in the short- to mid-term. In fact, the extensive roll out of innovative industrial Ethernet solutions is a matter of when, not if - and businesses are ready to act now.
Currently, the creation of TSN-based solutions is experiencing a growth phase and it is certainly a thrilling time for the technology specialists. Fieldbuses and conventional Ethernet have been established for many years. Now that the innovation of TSN is here, engineers are up for a new challenge as they develop new products with ground-breaking capabilities. It is truly inspiring to see how committed and motivated these teams are.
Proactive development of TSN
A challenge in driving the TSN revolution may be shaping collaborations between automation vendors. As the key element of TSN is interoperability, specialists need to be willing to collaborate closely to develop suitable systems and migration solutions. Within such a framework, existing networks of key automation players, such as the CLPA, are on the right path and have a competitive advantage.
By offering TSN-compatible devices that utilise the CC-Link IE TSN specifications, HMS Networks believes it can enhance its role and acceptance in the automation sector, particularly in Asia where the CLPA’s technologies are de facto standards.
TSN: evolving & continuous improvement of Ethernet
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) is preparing industrial Ethernet to support tomorrow’s industrial communications needs by providing innovative, highly beneficial features. Companies are well aware of this potential, and a lot is happening to fully realise the TSN-driven Connected Industries of the future.
ARNO STOCK, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER at CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) member Renesas Electronics, looks at what TSN can offer and the latest achievements that are shaping the future of industrial Ethernet.
TSN is an extremely promising technology that will allow industrial Ethernet to reach new levels. Operating at Layer 2 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, it enhances standard Ethernet as we know it by making it deterministic by design. This characteristic, in turn, will benefit end users in a variety of industries by offering the ability to merge different types of data traffic, leading to more flexible and collaborative environments. At the same time, this creates simplified, more economical network architectures as well as unified hardware and software systems.
Therefore, the crucial role of TSN in the Connected Industries of the Future is clear. This technology is the precondition needed to support key Industry 4.0 applications and trends, such as Edge and Cloud computing.
A smooth transition
In addition to these most obvious advantages, an instrumental feature of TSN is its continuity with existing network technology. In effect, while it offers unprecedented capabilities, it does so by evolving conventional Ethernet rather than by substantially disrupting the status quo. As a result, businesses can seamlessly transition towards TSN-compatible industrial Ethernet systems.
This also means that TSN is compatible with legacy standards. Furthermore, it can be combined with additional solutions that are already available for conventional industrial Ethernet, such as gigabit bandwidth, which is key to support ever-increasing data throughput. In addition, it can accommodate the higher number of network devices and nodes resulting from converged architectures.
Additional advantages of mixing TSN and gigabit Ethernet include the ability to shorten cycle times, increase the accuracy and precision of control loops as well as strengthening the ability of a network to transfer various types of data, such as video. Such a solution can also reduce the complexity of distributed control systems, as it is possible to reliably move more functions to a single controller, also making the intended applications more robust as well as easier to set up and maintain.
Arno Stock, Business Development Manager, Renesas Electronics. The crucial role of TSN in the Connected Industries of the Future is clear.
End users are ready for TSN
The multiple benefits of TSN are evident to machine builders and end users. In particular, Renesas is noticing a high level of interest from its customers, who are aware the technology will be a must in the years to come. A key aspect that is extremely appealing to most of them is the standardisation/simplification of protocols, enabling the connection of all parts within an enterprise.
In order to successfully implement TSN, it is necessary to use a network technology with higher-level protocols, as these are needed to complete the OSI reference model and support TSN applications. An example is the open industrial Ethernet CC-Link IE TSN. In addition, companies require suitable hardware that can utilise this Layer 2 technology, such as Renesas’ R-IN32M4-CL3 large scale integration (LSI) that leverages CC-Link IE TSN. Driver-level support is also important, as real-time TSN-compatible systems require a close interaction between low-level driver software and hardware equipment.
To address these aspects with leading solutions, automation vendors need to team up to deliver devices with TSN capabilities that meet customers’ expectations and needs. Being part of an extensive partnership network, such as the CLPA, is thus extremely beneficial, as it offers a forum where solution providers come together to drive the development and consolidation of key automation products.
A look at the future of industrial communications
A number of major milestones have been reached to support the use of TSN. In particular, the IEEE 802.1 standards defining the technology are now complete and accessible. Also, the first network solutions have been released to the market, namely CC-Link IE TSN – the first open Ethernet that combines gigabit bandwidth and TSN capabilities. The transition towards TSN will be particularly exciting, as it is a natural evolution of Ethernet that will support its continuous improvement. Ultimately, we will be able to benefit from more and more building blocks that will open up new functions and higher performance while supporting existing, still functioning systems.
Eyeing the future of TSN, Intel joins the CLPA
Intel sees CLPA membership as an opportunity for industry leaders to help develop the future of TimeSensitive Networking (TSN).
THE CC-LINK PARTNER ASSOCIATION (CLPA) has announced that the Intel Corporation has joined the organisation as its latest member. The strategic partnership is well aligned with both parties’ ongoing efforts to develop and promote the application of TSN in industry.
Founded in 2000, the CLPA is comprised of a network of automation suppliers, system integrators and end-users that work together to help business set up state-of-the-art industrial communication networks for next-level manufacturing. The association’s latest technology to support the current industrial revolution is CC-Link IE TSN, the first open Ethernet to offer TSN capabilities combined with gigabit bandwidth.
By becoming a member of the CLPA, Intel will be working with CLPA members to deliver CC-Link IE TSN certified products that support commercial, off-the-shelf TSN technology by means of Intel’s components. These include the widely adopted Intel Ethernet Controllers I210 and I225, Intel Atom x6427FE, Intel Core i7-1185GRE processors as well as Intel Cyclone V system-on-a-chip (SoC) field-programmable gate array (FPGA).
To consolidate these efforts, the semiconductor manufacturer is offering Edge Controls for Industrial applications. This is a platform that businesses can use to configure and manage different software elements optimised to Intel’s Ethernet platform with TSN functions to easily implement Industry 4.0 use cases. As a CLPA member, Intel is keen to work with the CLPA ecosystem to extend its framework to support CC-Link IE TSN capabilities, ultimately consolidating IT/ OT workloads at the Edge.
Intel is also joining the CLPA to help collaborate with the development of the IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN Profile for Industrial Automation, which will define the future of the technology and its implementation in industrial settings. This will be key to identifying advanced TSN use cases that can effectively handle converged information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) data.
Thomas H. Calvert, Intel IoT Edge Capability Ecosystem Manager, comments: “Technology providers responsible for leading industrial automation protocols, including CC-Link IE TSN from the CLPA, are supporting the development of the IEC/IEEE 60802 TSN Profile for Industrial Automation. The aim is to develop a holistic, standard-based and converged approach to deterministic networking. Intel is keen to cooperate with the CLPA to succeed in this goal.”
“In addition, CLPA’s CC-Link IE TSN is an essential Industrial Ethernet solution in the marketplace,” continues Calvert. “As Intel is a major sponsor of open standards and the journey towards Industry 4.0, we think it is important to support this technology and contribute to the development of compatible automation components. We are excited to join the organization and help promote the adoption of CC-Link IE TSN.”
Mariana Alvarado, Marketing Specialist at CLPA, concludes: “We are thrilled to welcome Intel to our network of industry-leading technology specialists. Together, we will develop a TSN solution that can greatly advance industrial automation by supporting groundbreaking digital manufacturing strategies. We look forward to offering conformance testing for Intel-based TSN products, which will help our customers benefit from an ever-expanding portfolio of compatible solutions for the digital transformation of their businesses.”
The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) has announced that the Intel Corporation has joined the organisation as its latest member.
TSN is set to become a must for industry
Waiting until TSN is a mature technology will likely be too costly and time-consuming, while leaving businesses behind. As TSN becomes an industry standard and as adoption grows, more uses will be discovered, ultimately making the technology an essential element of industrial operations.
TIME-SENSITIVE NETWORKING (TSN) IS acknowledged to represent the future of industrial Ethernet, as it sets the foundation for data-driven, interconnected, smart factories. More than a simple, product-level solution, the technology offers a systemic solution to support determinism, convergence and process transparency. These groundbreaking features are the reason why TSN adoption has already occurred with leading automation vendors.
Chih-Hong Lin, Global Technology Partner Manager at Moxa, a leader in industrial communications and networking, and also a member of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), looks at the role of TSN in shaping the future of industrial automation.
The Connected Industries of the future will rely on a single, converged network. This facilitates access to data by enabling both vertical and horizontal communications in order to share actionable insights across the entire enterprise. Ultimately, the knowledge gathered will drive productivity and competitiveness. By simplifying the architecture behind unified industrial communications, such a setup can also considerably simplify network architectures as well as maintenance activities, reducing costs.
Chih-Hong Lin explains: “This vision for future-oriented data sharing, in line with Industry 4.0, is in stark contrast to legacy communications, characterised by ‘islands of automation’ where machines are mostly isolated. This means that we currently have to rely on multiple, often semi-proprietary standards to share data within the different layers of the automation pyramid.
“Besides, each protocol can rarely communicate with the others, preventing the transfer of key information across the enterprise. Even more, as machines and systems expand, networks become increasingly complex to address these changes.”
More than a simple, product-level solution, TSN offers a systemic solution to support determinism, convergence and process transparency.
SOURCE: ISTOCK
Getting ready for next-gen networks
Therefore, existing network technologies – even when well established – may not be able to address the needs of next-gen industries. A first, significant step to address change is the use of solutions offering large bandwidth, i.e. 1 Gbit/s. Chih-Hong explains: “One of the reasons why systems have remained partially isolated is to avoid interference. As businesses move away from this model and enlarge their networks, they need sufficient bandwidth to guarantee that time-critical data, such as control traffic, can always be transferred in a deterministic manner. By doing so, they can support more applications and start benefitting from the gains offered by converged networks.”
The next step is to implement TSN technology, whose relevance has rapidly grown. “When I first came across TSN, about five to six years ago, I thought it was just another technology with limited impact. But the more I learned about it, and as the standards behind TSN developed, the more I could see the game-changing role of this solution for next-level communications. It is now clear how TSN will change industrial automation and the way we currently run businesses,” Chih-Hong Lin comments.
Businesses around the world are well-aware that TSN is the enabler for Industry 4.0 as it can unleash their full potential by supporting converged, deterministic networks that are at the core of smart, interconnected factories. “We see a growing number of very proactive players in the industry that are keen on adopting TSN,” adds Chih-Hong Lin.
Succeeding in TSN implementations
Being such a revolutionary technology, TSN requires a comprehensive ecosystem for its successful implementation. Chih-Hong Lin explains: “Adopting this technology means applying it on a systemic level, rather than as a single product. Therefore, two main requirements need to be addressed. Firstly, it is necessary to have strong support from an industrial Ethernet organisation such as the CLPA, to deliver suitable TSN-compatible network technologies. Secondly, it is essential to have a broad range of available products supporting this technology. CC-Link IE TSN can meet these two requirements.” It is the first gigabit Ethernet with TSN capabilities and the most advanced solution currently available and offers the most complete system, with many compatible automation products on the market.
An additional aspect to succeed in embracing TSN is achieving interoperability. This is a must to address the need of the smart factories of the future. To overcome this issue, Moxa is actively taking part in a number of activities. “In addition to launching CC-Link IE TSN compatible products, we are involved in TSN testbeds as well as discussing with other leading automation vendors how to shape our solutions to support customers in the most effective way,” says Chih-Hong Lin.
The future is already here
Chih-Hong Lin adds: “There are more and more real-world applications of TSN, and I expect to see larger scale implementations of this technology by next year, while mass adoption of TSN in entire factories should happen in the near future.”
