Industrial Communication
The IIoT or Industry 4.0 is part of a larger concept known as the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is a network of intelligent computers, devices, and objects that collect and share huge amounts of data. The collected data is sent to a central Cloud-based service where it is aggregated with other data and then shared with end users in a helpful way.
After several years already working through Industry 4,0, Factory of the Future, Smart Factory, Digitalization, you name it, have taught us that the added value we could offer to our customer, to you, is to assist in building flexible enough machines.
EtherNet/IP™
The EtherNet/IP™ network provides plant-wide network systems using open, industry-standard networking technologies. It enables real-time control and information in discrete, continuous process, batch, safety, drive, motion, and high availability applications. It supports non-industrial and industrial communications on a common network infrastructure.
SMC has numerous products with EtherNet/IP™ connectivity.
Custom Add-On Profile (AOP) for RSLogix™ 5000 are available for EX250, EX260, EX500 products. AOP enable users to easily configure SMC fieldbus products with Logix based PLC
EtherCAT
The goal during development of EtherCAT was to apply Ethernet for automation applications requiring short data update times (also called cycle times; ≤ 100 µs) with low communication jitter (for precise synchronization purposes; ≤ 1 µs) and reduced hardware costs.
SMC has several products with EtherCAT connectivity. Ethernet for Control Automation Technology (EtherCAT) - is an Ethernet-based fieldbus system, invented by Beckhoff Automation. The protocol is standardized in IEC 61158 and is suitable for both hard and soft real-time requirements in automation technology.
IO-Link
SMC has several products with IO-Link connectivity. IO-Link is the first standardized IO technology worldwide (IEC 61131-9) for the communication with sensors and also actuators. The powerful point-to-point communication is based on the long established 3-wire sensor and actuator connection without additional requirements regarding the cable material.
Ethernet Powerlink
SMC has several products compatible to Ethernet POWERLINK. POWERLINK is a software protocol based on standard Ethernet that provides deterministic and real-real time response time. The POWERLINK protocol is standardized in IEC61158-13 and IEC61784-2.
Profinet/Profibus/Profisafe
SMC has several products compatible to Profibus/Profinet/Profisafe. PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus) is a standard for fieldbus communication in automation technology and was first promoted in 1989 by BMBF (German department of education and research) and then used by Siemens. It should not be confused with the PROFINET standard for Industrial Ethernet.
CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field
SMC has several products compatible to CC-Link. The CC-Link Open Automation Networks Family are a group of open industrial networks that enable devices from numerous manufacturers to communicate. They are used in a wide variety of industrial automation applications at the machine, cell and line levels.