A SMOOTH TRANSITION
In addition to these most obvious advantages , an instrumental feature of TSN is its continuity with existing network technology . In effect , while it offers unprecedented capabilities , it does so by evolving conventional Ethernet rather than by substantially disrupting the status quo .
As a result , businesses can seamlessly transition towards TSN-compatible industrial Ethernet systems .
This also means that TSN is compatible with legacy standards . Furthermore , it can be combined with additional solutions that are already available for conventional industrial Ethernet , such as gigabit bandwidth , which is key to support ever-increasing data throughput . In addition , it can accommodate the higher number of network devices and nodes resulting from converged architectures .
Additional advantages of mixing TSN and gigabit Ethernet include the ability to shorten cycle times , increase the accuracy and precision of control loops as well as strengthening the ability of a network to
TSN is an extremely promising technology that will allow industrial Ethernet to reach new levels .
transfer various types of data , such as video . Such a solution can also reduce the complexity of distributed control systems , as it is possible to reliably move more functions to a single controller , also making the intended applications more robust as well as easier to set up and maintain .
END USERS ARE READY FOR TSN
The multiple benefits of TSN are evident to machine builders and end users . In particular , Renesas is noticing a high level of interest from its customers , who are aware the technology will be a must in the years to come . A key aspect that is extremely appealing to most of them is the standardization / simplification of protocols , enabling the connection of all parts within an enterprise .
In order to successfully implement TSN , it is necessary to use a network technology with higher-level protocols , as these are needed to complete the OSI reference model and support TSN applications . An example is the open industrial Ethernet CC-Link IE TSN . In addition , companies require suitable hardware that can utilize this Layer 2 technology , such as Renesas ’ R-IN32M4-CL3 large scale integration ( LSI ) that leverages CC-Link IE TSN . Driverlevel support is also important , as realtime TSN-compatible systems require a close interaction between low-level driver software and hardware equipment .
To address these aspects with leading solutions , automation vendors need to team up to deliver devices with TSN capabilities that meet customers ’ expectations and needs . Being part of an extensive partnership network , such as the CLPA , is thus extremely beneficial , as it offers a forum where solution providers come together to drive the development and consolidation of key automation products .
A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL COMMUNICATIONS
A number of major milestones have been reached to support the use of TSN . In particular , the IEEE 802.1 standards defining the technology are now complete and
Arno Stock , Business Development Manager at CC-Link Partner Association ( CLPA ) member Renesas Electronics , looks at what TSN can offer and the latest achievements that are shaping the future of industrial Ethernet .
accessible . Also , the first network solutions have been released to the market , namely CC-Link IE TSN – the first open Ethernet that combines gigabit bandwidth and TSN capabilities .
Finally , the first prototypes and complete products have already appeared , with actual devices available and ready for use now . More testbeds are also ongoing or planned to take place in the short term . These contribute to making the technology more mature and support its large-scale implementation .
The sector is working towards the finalization of IEEE profiles , particularly for industrial automation as well as the development of new applications for wider use , not confined solely to industrial settings . To support the global adoption of TSN , it will soon be essential to set up unified conformance testing to make sure that different solutions are interoperable , hence truly leveraging the full potential of TSN . Open technologies , such as CC-Link IE TSN , are therefore likely to be favored .
The transition towards TSN will be particularly exciting , as it is a natural evolution of Ethernet that will support its continuous improvement . Ultimately , we will be able to benefit from more and more building blocks that will open up new functions and higher performance while supporting existing , still functioning systems .
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Issue 52 PECM 7