Factory networks get ready for real time

Recent developments in Ethernet protocol have placed it at the cutting edge of industrial networking.    Regional Applications Specialist    Delta Computer Systems Inc.    Vancouver, Wash. The Collins mill in Chester, Calif., is populated with several machine stations. Logs are carried on rollers, conveyor belts, and chains between machine stations. Based on results of upstream processing operations, logs are automatically switched between transport routes by hydraulic kickers. Even with communications between machine centers, each machine can run independently. The Collins mill is thought to be the first full mill integration project based on the new Ethernet/IP standard. The RMC100 controller from Delta Computer Systems supports Ethernet IP. The protocol simplifies interconnections compared to traditional multitier systems that have I/O devices on separate buses. Upgrading equipment is one way to improve factory productivity. Sometimes, old plant equipment needs replacing with new equipment designed from the ground up to employ the latest in optimization, control system, and networking technology. On the network front, recent developments in Ethernet have placed it at the cutting edge of industrial networking. A big reason is the prevalence of Ethernet as an accepted networking standard. This means it's supported by a lot of industrial and commercial computer platforms. Also, because of the wide acceptance of Ethernet, the cost per node for Ethernet devices is rapidly decreasing, making hardware, cabling, and installation relatively inexpensive. Ethernet on the factory floor can link up control systems to a factory-wide Ethernet network, allowing access to machine-center production and diagnostic information. So the computer in each machine center can be directly accessed from a PC anywhere on the network. When connected to a firewall, Ethernet allows accessing control systems over the Internet, providing remote support. Ethernet/IP, Ethernet Industrial Protocol,