Development of SwitchNet as an optimal network for the field-end components in the fields of factory automation

In the current FA fields, an enormous amount of wiring is required since a network is not established for field-end components. To solve this problem, we investigated how field-end components are configured and verified the configuration forms corresponding to connection forms of field-end components. We therefore proposed the "SwitchNet", a simplified wiring open network which corresponds to all configuration forms in the lowest network level. We experimentally examined the feasibility of SwitchNet In order to establish an infrastructure of the field-end level in the next generation production systems. In this paper, the feasibility of the SwitchNet were verified using AS-Interface, one of the currently available open networks stated in IEC 62026-2, for realizing an open network system where components in the lowest level can be seamlessly integrated with the upper level network. We report on an optimal communication IC AS-i SW and AS-i SW+ whose validity for field-end components was approved at AS-International Association Annual Meeting in Germany, December 2000. The technologies of the "SwitchNet" and AS-i SW were exhibited at Hannover Messe in April 2001 and enjoyed positive feedback as field-end level open network.