“Plug and play onto the network”

With Ethernet TCP/IP and the realtime variants EtherNet/IP, Modbus-TCP, as well as PROFINET soon to come, Balluff BIS C/L/M and S identification systems are compatible with all the common network technologies currently favored by the large automobile manufacturers.

As a quasi-standard in the corporate network, Ethernet with TCP/IP is proven in practice and widely used. This interface allows Balluff identification systems to be connected to practically any office or industrial PC. Users can use a so-called Com Port Redirector (driver software) through their RS232 interface or work directly in Ethernet. Balluff identification systems with Ethernet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol) have been certified since March 2006 and successfully used as prototypes for over a year. The open standard for industrial network uses star topologies and suitable (managed) switches. These prevent collisions and make the network usable for realtime control applications. With “Common Industrial Protocol“ (CIP™) it serves to send cyclical I/O data as well as acyclical parameter data. The same devices can also be used with the Modbus TCP interface.

For 2007 new models are also ready for certification with
PROFINET interface. By using ASICs they are compatible with a wider open standard for industrial automation. The key features of PROFINET are the various possibilities for network topologies, with TCP/IP used as the standard for parameter setting, configuration and diagnostics and realtime communication for sending user and process data on the same cable.

With their Industrial Ethernet technology all BIS models can be installed into the corresponding environment as quasi-plug and play devices without having to construct separate networks.