Innovasic Semiconductor has launched
PriorityChannel, a new technology for device-level Ethernet to ensure that
real-time Industrial Ethernet messages are always processed on-time.
Factory automation systems are being
deployed with Industrial Ethernet connectivity instead of traditional serial
fieldbuses. Though Industrial Ethernet brings advantages in terms of network
management, compatibility and flexibility, Ethernet is non-deterministic.
As the application of Industrial Ethernet
grows, conventional solutions have difficulty dealing with critical messages
when network traffic increases, resulting in unpredictable packet delays,
excessive latency, or even connection failure.
In laboratory tests, several commercially
available Industrial Ethernet devices were tested with a 2 ms cycle time
under varying network traffic conditions. Most devices failed to maintain the
desired cycle time as the network traffic was increased and some lost their
connection altogether.
Devices based on PriorityChannel technology
can respond well within 160 µs of the desired cycle time, regardless of
the amount or type of other network traffic. Even in situations where sustained
traffic bursts or “storms” were present, PriorityChannel continued to
respond to real-time messages on time, every time.
PriorityChannel technology is a combination
of silicon and software that has been optimized for Industrial Ethernet
applications. Innovasic currently offers this technology for EtherNet/IP and
Profinet Class B. Solutions are available as plug-in modules, design-in network
interfaces, or fully customizable developer solutions.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
