Real-time communication with PROFINET IO

PROFINET uses standard TCP/IP for parameter assignment, configuration and diagnostics. Real-time communication for the transmission of process data is performed on the same line. PROFINET IO has the following real-time features:

• Real Time (RT)
  uses the option of prioritizing the communication stack of the bus nodes. This permits high-performance data transmission based on standard network components.
• Isochronous Real-Time (IRT)
  permits strict deterministic, cyclic data transmission with short response times and minimum jitter for high performance motion control applications. This feature is implemented with a special ASIC, named ERTEC (Enhanced Real Time Ethernet Controller), in the corresponding interfaces (switch integrated into device) or network components (switch).

Automation with PROFINET

With these and other features, PROFINET fulfills all automation requirements: Industry-compatible installation technology, real-time capability, deterministic responses, integration of distributed field devices, simple network administration and diagnosis, protection against unauthorized access, efficient vendor-independent engineering as well as isochronous motion control applications.

PROFINET relies on switch technology and has expanded this technology for real-time applications (IRT). This has the advantage that the network topology can be optimally utilized, since it can be adapted to the requirements of the machine. Collisions are avoided and therefore optimum data flow rates achieved.