Ethernet networks for factory automation

Recent enhancement of the Ethernet networks has made it possible their use at all the levels of a factory, especially at the device level where the data exchange in real time is mandatory. After illustrating the typical communication profile of an Ethernet-based station, the paper discusses the application of Ethernet at the higher levels of a factory. Afterwards, it investigates the extension of the Ethernet to the device level. An upgrade of the station profile to accommodate real-time protocols is presented and communication models suitable for the real-time data exchange are illustrated. Off-the-shelf products built up around Ethernet for the device level are also reported.