When the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) announced a new joint specification to allow easy interoperability between CC-Link IE and PROFINET, they centred the specification on the functionality of a ‘coupler’ device that would allow transparent communication between the two protocols. Now leading networking expert Hilscher has demonstrated their intent to bring the first coupler products to market, enabling both networks to seamlessly share information.
With the new coupler, users can effectively achieve communication between differing parts of a line on separate networks, hugely increasing transparency and integration. This will make it easier for companies to source machinery from different suppliers, rather than compromising on functionality or performance simply for the convenience of maintaining a single network protocol.
