EXHIBITION REVIEW in the field of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) has recently expanded by the creation of the Single Pair Ethernet - Industrial Partner Network and the news that Würth Elektronik, LEONI, Murrelektronik and Softing IT Networks are now also supporting SPE technology as a future infrastructure solution for the IIoT. Harting introduced its T1 Industrial, which is said to be the first standardised SPE interface in line with the release of IEC 63171-6, which brings data and power on one pair of wires to previously unattainable locations. Also on display was the MICA Edge Computing System which demonstrated its ability to work in conjunction with machines and the Cloud.
Blurring boundaries Under the motto ‘Faster. Better. Connected. discover hybrid automation in a new dimension’, Festo used the event to demonstrate how the boundaries between pneumatic and electrical automation are blurring, with the introduction of many new pneumatic, electrical and hybrid automation solutions. It also set out to focus on its smart production solution, in the context of digitalisation. With the Simplified Motion Series Festo is expanding its product portfolio in the field of electric drives. The six drives are designed for simple motion and positioning tasks. In addition, the drives can be quickly put into operation without software, previous knowledge of programming or electrical connection technology, with integrated IO-Link offering extended functions. A highlight on the stand was Automation Suite which
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includes a range of software tools for commissioning the entire electrical drive package from mechanics to control. The software combines parameterisation, programming and maintenance of Festo components in a single program.
Gigabit EtherCAT The EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) used the event to highlight its support for gigabit EtherCat technology, in the form of EtherCAT G, following its acceptance as an addition to the EtherCAT standard. Commenting on the addition, Dr Guido Beckmann, Chairman of the ETG Technical Committee, said: “EtherCAT is already the fastest industrial Ethernet fieldbus, and will remain so, due to its special functional principle. With EtherCAT G particularly data-hungry applications, such as machine vision and high-end measurement technology, can now also be integrated. This extends the range of applications for EtherCAT technology and makes it even more viable for the future.” It is thought that the existing 100 Mb/ sec EtherCAT technology will continue to offer the best solution for the majority of applications. However, EtherCAT G offers additional user advantages, especially in applications where particularly large amounts of process data must be transported per device.
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This can include machine vision, high-end measurement technology or complex motion applications that go beyond the scope of classic drive control. As an extension of standard EtherCAT technology, EtherCAT G is fully compatible; existing devices designed for 100 Mb/sec can be seamlessly integrated into an EtherCAT G system, and EtherCAT G devices in a 100 Mb/sec EtherCAT system behave like classic EtherCAT devices. The central element of EtherCAT G is the use of EtherCAT Branch Controllers, which fulfil two main functions: On the one hand, they act as a kind of node for the integration of segments from 100 Mb/sec devices; on the other hand, they enable parallel processing of the connected EtherCAT segments. This significantly reduces the propagation delay in the system, which increases system performance many times over previous levels. Beckhoff demonstrated the benefits of its TwinCAT Analytics offering for machine builders and systems integrators looking to transform their business models through the use of machine and plant process data. TwinCAT Analytics – which automatically converts analysis configurations into executable PLC code –now also includes a one-click dashboard generation feature. All it
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