PROFINET
PROFINET enables the transmission of process data, diagnostics, and IT information over a shared infrastructure—serving as the foundation for flexible networks, redundant system architectures, and efficient automation concepts
Quick read
PROFINET is an Industrial Ethernet-based communication standard for factory automation used for data exchange between field devices and controllers. Profinet defines the communication between slaves—such as TURCK’s multiprotocol I/O modules—and a PROFINET-Master. Profinet is considered the successor to the PROFIBUS fieldbus protocol. In the area of cyclical communication, Profinet offers advanced functions for parameterization and diagnostics. Profinet enables the transmission of process data in real time (RT) and additional IT data over the same infrastructure. Profinet supports line, star, tree, and ring topologies with the Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP). TURCK supports Profinet with multiprotocol I/O modules as well as the TBEN-L5-8IOL IO-Link master module. The TBEN-L5-8IOL supports PROFINET S2 system redundancy with an IP67 protection rating and maintains communication links to two separate controllers.
What is PROFINET?
PROFINET, a protocol based on Industrial Ethernet, is a communication standard for factory automation. It defines the entire data exchange between so-called slaves—such as TURCK’s multiprotocol I/O modules—and a controller, the PROFINET-Master. In this capacity, PROFINET is considered the successor to the PROFIBUS fieldbus protocol.
PROFINET has been optimized for cyclical data exchange and offers numerous new features and enhancements compared to traditional fieldbuses, particularly in the areas of parameterization and diagnostics. Thanks to PROFINET, users have flexibility in designing their network structures and can transmit both real-time (RT) process data and additional IT data over a single cable.
The system overview provides an initial impression of the network architecture and the various I/O and network components. Connections can be implemented using line, star, and tree topologies, or via a redundant ring topology (MRP).
Integration into process automation
Chemical and pharmaceutical plants require significant effort to protect them from outages and therefore place special demands on I/O systems. Many areas of these plants are at risk of explosion, and an interruption in a continuous production process can result in immense economic losses. To prevent this, controllers and I/O modules in the field are typically designed to be redundant; in other words, if a device or connection fails, the backup solution takes over.
PROFINET system redundancy
In the context of PROFINET, system redundancy has established a new standard that now offers greater investment security for companies in the process automation sector. The terminology is based on a scale that reflects the level of fault tolerance required for an automation system.
If a controller and a field device communicate solely via a single connection (S1), there is no redundancy. However, if a Profinet device supports communication links to both the primary controller and its backup via this single connection, this is classified as S2. It is the most commonly used form of system redundancy. If the primary controller fails, the physical twin automatically takes over.
I/O devices from TURCK are already capable of maintaining the required logical dual connection to two separate controllers. This makes the TBEN-L5-8IOL the world’s only IO-Link master with Profinet S2 system redundancy in IP67.
Very high and maximum availability can only be achieved through R1 or R2 system redundancy. In this case, the communication interface of a field device is also configured redundantly, which is common, for example, in remote I/O applications. R2, with its four-way connection, represents the highest level of complexity.
Smart with IO-Link
With the PROFINET extension for system redundancy, the benefits of Industrial Ethernet are now also available to the process industry. TURCK goes one step further by integrating IO-Link into the world of high-availability systems. The overview diagram illustrates what such a system architecture might look like.
Nothing now stands in the way of fully digital connectivity for smart field devices, such as position transmitters, valve terminals, sensors, or I/O hubs. IO-Link is highly efficient and simple in terms of installation time, as data and power are transmitted via a standard unshielded cable.
Benefits
Flexible Network Topology
TURCK's PROFINET devices feature an integrated switch and can therefore be installed in a daisy-chain configuration, just like traditional fieldbuses.
In addition, PROFINET also supports standard Ethernet topologies such as star, tree, and ring structures. This allows the network installation to be flexibly adapted to the machine and plant structure. In a star or tree topology, external switches are used, which in turn has a positive effect on the performance of the entire system.
Quick Startup
Fast startup reduces the delay between powering on a device and establishing a communication connection with the I/O controller. In PROFINET systems, fast startup is referred to as “Fast-Start-up.” For Fast Start-up, a time of less than 500 ms is generally defined. With TURCK’s TBEN-L series I/O modules, times as short as 150 ms can also be achieved.
Fast coupling is particularly important in tool-change applications, for example, to reduce wait times. This helps increase clock rates and, consequently, productivity.
Advanced Diagnostics
For network diagnostics in PROFINET networks, standard IT functions and protocols such as HTTP and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) can be used. Among other things, the SNMP protocol forms the basis for the PROFINET topology scan. This allows entire network structures to be scanned online and displayed graphically.
All TURCK multiprotocol Ethernet gateways and multiprotocol I/O modules are equipped with a web server. In addition to statistics and settings for the Ethernet ports, the web server also provides an error log with a history and plain-text diagnostics.
Proven Engineering
The configuration of PROFINET systems largely follows the PROFIBUS tradition. As a result, PROFINET offers a highly sophisticated and user-friendly engineering environment compared to other Ethernet protocols.
The new GSDML configuration files are based on the XML standard and enable more complex structures and new functions. In addition, the web server is becoming increasingly important as a configuration tool. It can be used, for example, to configure Ethernet ports or assign a PROFINET name.
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PROFINET in practice: added value for your application
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PROFINET at TURCK: frequently asked questions
1. What is PROFINET, and what tasks does PROFINET perform in factory automation?
PROFINET is an Industrial Ethernet-based communication standard for factory automation. PROFINET defines the exchange of data between field devices and a controller. TURCK uses PROFINET in multiprotocol I/O modules and other network components. The protocol is considered the successor to PROFIBUS and enables the transmission of both process data and additional IT data.
2. Which TURCK products support PROFINET?
PROFINET is supported by various TURCK solutions. The source code specifically mentions TURCK’s multiprotocol I/O modules as well as the TBEN-L5-8IOL IO-Link master module. The module connects IO-Link devices to PROFINET networks and also supports functions for high-availability automation architectures in process automation.
3. How does communication between field devices and controllers work with PROFINET?
PROFINET manages communication between field devices and a controller via Industrial Ethernet. Field devices operate as slaves, while the controller acts as the PROFINET-Master. TURCK integrates PROFINET into I/O modules and network components. This communication is used to transmit process data and for parameterization and diagnostics of devices.
4. What network topologies does PROFINET support?
PROFINET supports various network topologies for factory automation. Users can employ line, star, or tree structures. In addition, PROFINET supports redundant ring topologies based on MRP (Media Redundancy Protocol). According to the source, the flexible design of the network structure is one of PROFINET's key features.
5. What benefits does PROFINET offer in terms of parameterization and diagnostics?
Compared to traditional fieldbuses, PROFINET offers additional functions for parameterization and diagnostics. This provides users with expanded capabilities for configuring and monitoring their automation components. TURCK integrates these functions into its PROFINET-enabled devices, enabling centralized management and diagnostics of network devices.
6. What does "real-time communication" mean in the context of PROFINET?
PROFINET enables the transmission of process data in real time (RT). At the same time, additional IT data can be exchanged over the same infrastructure. TURCK utilizes these communication capabilities in its PROFINET-enabled devices. This allows automation and information data to be transmitted within a single network.
7. What is PROFINET system redundancy, and why is it used?
PROFINET system redundancy increases the availability of automation systems. In process automation, controllers and I/O systems are often designed to be redundant so that a backup solution can take over in the event of a component failure. TURCK supports these concepts with PROFINET-enabled devices that can maintain communication links with multiple controllers simultaneously.
8. What is the meaning of S2 system redundancy in PROFINET?
S2 system redundancy describes a PROFINET architecture in which a field device supports communication links to both the primary controller and its backup. If the primary controller fails, the secondary controller automatically takes over. TURCK supports this form of system redundancy with the TBEN-L5-8IOL IO-Link master module.
9. What role does IO-Link play in PROFINET networks?
PROFINET can be combined with IO-Link to provide end-to-end digital connectivity for smart field devices. TURCK combines PROFINET system redundancy with IO-Link technology. This allows sensors, position feedback devices, valve islands, and I/O hubs, among other components, to be integrated into high-availability automation architectures.
10. In which applications is PROFINET used?
PROFINET is used in both factory automation and process automation. One example is a chemical or pharmaceutical plant with high requirements for availability and redundancy. Another example is the integration of sensors, valve islands, or I/O hubs via IO-Link into a high-availability PROFINET infrastructure.