Ethernet implementation in automation

Oct. 27, 2005
This paper provides a brief overview of some of the common varieties of Ethernet protocols, what Ethernet is and what it isn’t, and what hardware and knowledge for configuring that hardware is required.
By Robert Rawlyk, Beckhoff AutomationTHERE HAS BEEN a significant movement in recent years to bring Ethernet to the factory floor. Many were predicting the replacement of common industrial fieldbus systems with Ethernet. At present, there are several different Ethernet protocols for industrial automation and communication. The intention of this paper is to explain the differences between Ethernet and the various protocols that are transmitted over Ethernet. In understanding the differences between various protocols and the demands of an application, an automation specialist can determine what protocol(s) would be appropriate for their application. In order to bring Ethernet to the factory floor, it is also important to understand what hardware and knowledge for configuring that hardware is required.