Reliability, interoperability and performance: these are the key advantages that put Industrial Ethernet in the fast lane as a communication protocol. Industrial Ethernet enables companies to optimize their production processes, increase efficiency and facilitate the integration of different automation systems. This means, for example, that improved connectivity enables seamless communication between machines, sensors and control systems, resulting in higher productivity and less downtime. This trend is being further reinforced by the increasing spread of IoT technologies and the growing demand for more intelligent and networked manufacturing solutions. Specific examples that are reflected in the market include decentralization, in which more and more PLC functions are moving to the periphery. At the same time, an increasing number of companies are adopting a two-supplier strategy in order to secure their supply chains and minimize risks. To counteract material shortages, it is important that new system concepts are designed for a PROFINET, EtherCAT or Ethernet/ IO environment. The development of coexistence and interoperability between different technologies and systems also promotes cooperation and data exchange between different platforms and manufacturers. A prime example of this is the interaction between Ethernet and IO-Link. Ultimately, the switch to Industrial Ethernet helps to ensure the competitiveness of companies in a rapidly changing industrial landscape. The latest figures from HMS Networks also reflect the importance of IE: The annual market analysis shows that Industrial Ethernet is accelerating its use with growth of 12% and is continuing to gain market share. Industrial Ethernet now has a 71% share of the global market for newly installed nodes in factory automation.
Kübler's new safe Industrial Ethernet encoder platform
Functional safety in Industrial Ethernet is essential for the safe operation of industrial systems. By implementing safety protocols, continuous monitoring and compliance with international standards, the risk of accidents and failures can be minimized. As a long-standing safety sensor specialist, Kübler is now expanding its safe Industrial Ethernet encoder platform with the latest SIL2 and SIL3 certified Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) protocol. Based on a specially developed modular and high-performance Industrial Ethernet encoder platform, Kübler has already realized the PROFIsafe encoder. FSoE now combines the advantages of the EtherCAT communication protocol with additional safety mechanisms to support safety-critical applications. The S58x8FSX encoder transmits up to 15 bits safe or up to 24 bits non-safe, as well as fully redundant multiturn information of 12 bits safe. Thanks to the platform architecture, this is realized in absolutely the same design as the S58 PROFIsafes encoder. Updates can be carried out easily via FoE (File over EtherCAT) without the need for a web server. This simplifies the maintenance process considerably and ensures that the encoder always remains state-of-the-art.
The new safe Industrial Ethernet platform is characterized by its future viability and can be easily integrated into the requirements of modern industrial environments. It impresses with features such as high-resolution position values, a gear factor, variable integration times for speed and acceleration in different speed ranges as well as operating ranges with high and low limit values a preset during operation, and much more. These features clearly set them apart from other sensors. As only a few FSoE encoders are currently available on the market, the market launch of this new product is of particular importance.
Future-oriented application possibilities
The cyber security application area is a particular area of application among the many possibilities. The new FSoE encoder meets the cyber security SL1 requirements and supports the sophisticated “Defense-in-Depth” concept, which is significant in times of growing threats from cyber-attacks. This security level includes measures to protect against random and easy-to-perform attacks, which is currently completely sufficient for most industrial applications. Security is also a top priority in many other areas. The packaging industry, special machine construction and the stage industry are interesting areas of application for the S58x8FSX encoder.
