CLPA and PI to cooperate for a transparent network infrastructure

Digital communication using a fieldbus or Industrial Ethernet is already widely used in many production plants. The demand for intelligent communication is expected to continue to increase due to megatrends such Industry 4.0 and IIoT. However, the heterogeneous landscape of Industrial Ethernet standards means that devices and machines of different communication systems are in themselves unable to exchange data. Machine builders therefore need to equip their machines with different networks, or plant owners are limited in their selection of suitable machines. To overcome this there is a need for manufacturer-specific transfer specifications and complicated bespoke converters.

CLPA and PI are setting out to enable transparent and easy bi-directional communication between CC-Link IE and PROFINET devices through standardised interfaces. A joint working group is being established to develop the necessary technical specifications to achieve this. When work on the specifications is complete, it will be available to members of both organisations for implementation.

"With the CC-Link Partner Association, we have gained a comparable partner whose networks are being used in many industries worldwide," said Karsten Schneider, Chairman of PI.

"This will give users more flexibility when building their IIoT, Industry 4.0, or e-F@ctory enabled systems," said Naomi Nakamura, global director of CLPA.