Profinet

What is PROFINET?

The PROFINET standard is an open Industrial Ethernet standard. PROFINET is the abbreviation for "Process Field Network". The PROFIBUS user organization (PNO) developed this standard in particular for automation technology. The goal was to integrate already proven TCP/IP and IT standards for a real time linking of control unit, sensors and actuators as well as the integration of fieldbus systems.

Just like all other Ethernet systems PROFINET - given its modular set-up - is expandable however desired. The user is given a maximum of design flexibility. Four conformity classes for simple standardized integration of systems are defined.

• CC-A: Periodic data exchange between central IO control unit and other IO periphery devices.
• CC-B: Like CC-A, additional modular extension of another PROFINET system.
• CC-C: Conformity class for extremely fast data distribution (100mBit/s)
• CC-D: Like CC-C, additional set-up for "Time Sensitive Networking" applications.

How does PROFINET work?

The center of each PROFINET application is its central IO controller. The higher the conformity class, the more powerful the device and its periphery including the PROFINET cables have to be. From a technical perspective the set-up of a Process Field Network does not differ significantly from any other Ethernet applications. The set-up includes a central IO Controller, Switches, PROFINET cables and sensors or actuators.

PROFINET Assignment

PROFINET cables are generally offered with a RJ45 plug with 4 assigned pins. The only alternative are D coded M12 plugs. In each case the assignment of the PROFINET cable is defined as follows:

• Transmission Data + = Yellow = Pin 1
• Transmission Data - = Orange = Pin 2
• Receive Data + = White = Pin 3
• Receive Data - = Blue = Pin 4

Modules

Cables