Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Profinet

PROFINET is an open standard designed for real-time data exchange in automation systems, connecting controllers such as PLCs and devices like I/O modules and drives. Developed by PROFIBUS & International (PI), it builds on Ethernet technology to integrate seamlessly with existing systems like , supporting scalable architectures including line, ring, and star topologies. Key features include three communication channels—TCP/IP for IT integration, (RT) for standard automation tasks, and Isochronous (IRT) for high-precision —along with advanced diagnostics, (), and capabilities. Introduced in the early , with the first PROFINET IO specification released in 2003, it complies with international standards such as IEC 61158 and IEEE 802.3. As the leading Industrial Ethernet protocol, facilitates faster, safer, and more cost-effective across and industries. It supports parallel TCP/IP communication, large configuration limits, and best-in-class diagnostics, enabling seamless integration of devices from multiple vendors. By 2024, over 78.8 million nodes had been installed worldwide, with 9.5 million new nodes added that year, surpassing in total deployment and demonstrating its dominance in modern industrial networking. PI, backed by more than 1,700 member companies globally, continues to advance through ongoing specifications, including support for (TSN) for enhanced determinism.

Overview and Fundamentals

Definition and Purpose

PROFINET is an open, manufacturer-independent standard for Ethernet communication in , developed and maintained by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). As an innovative Ethernet solution based on international standards, it enables efficient and standardized data interchange across systems. The primary purposes of PROFINET include facilitating seamless data exchange between controllers and field devices, while supporting applications such as distributed (I/O), , and . This allows for integrated operation in diverse industrial environments, from to continuous processes, ensuring reliable connectivity without . PROFINET evolved as the successor to , transitioning from a system to Ethernet-based networking to achieve higher data rates—up to 1 Gbit/s—and seamless integration with enterprise IT infrastructures. This shift addresses the limitations of traditional es in speed and , positioning PROFINET as a backbone for modern . Fundamentally, PROFINET builds on the Ethernet standard, incorporating specialized extensions to deliver deterministic performance critical for time-sensitive industrial tasks.

Key Features and Benefits

PROFINET offers scalability from simple (I/O) applications to complex systems, enabling flexible deployment across diverse scenarios. This scalability supports a range of communication levels, from standard TCP/IP for non-time-critical tasks to isochronous (IRT) for high-precision in motion applications. A core feature is its support for Ethernet speeds up to 1 Gbps, leveraging standard infrastructure for high-bandwidth data transmission in industrial environments. Plug-and-play integration is facilitated through General Station Description (GSDML) files, which are XML-based device descriptions that allow engineering tools to automatically configure devices, supporting multiple product variants and languages for seamless setup. Key benefits include reduced cabling costs by reusing standard Ethernet cabling for both IT and industrial communications, eliminating the need for separate fieldbus wiring. Enhanced diagnostics are provided via protocols such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for device monitoring and Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) for automatic topology detection, enabling proactive fault identification and network management. Backward compatibility with PROFIBUS devices is achieved through gateway solutions like pnGate, allowing gradual migration without full system overhauls. Interoperability across multi-vendor environments is ensured by & PROFINET International (PI)'s mandatory process, conducted at accredited test labs, which verifies and plug compatibility for reliable operation. In terms of performance, higher conformance classes achieve cycle times as low as 31.25 µs with below 1 µs, supporting deterministic communication essential for time-sensitive applications like synchronized .

System Architecture

Device Types and Roles

In PROFINET networks, devices are classified into specific categories based on their functions within the system, enabling structured communication and control. These categories include IO-Controllers, IO-Devices, IO-Supervisors, and components such as couplers, gateways, and proxies, which collectively support a resembling a master-slave model while adhering to a provider-consumer communication paradigm. The IO-Controller serves as the central management entity, typically implemented as a that executes the automation program. It initiates data exchange by providing output data to configured IO-Devices in its role as a provider and consumes input data from them as a consumer, while also handling configuration, parameterization, and diagnostics for connected devices. This role positions the IO-Controller as the in the network hierarchy, establishing application relations () with multiple IO-Devices to orchestrate operations. IO-Devices represent the field-level components, such as , actuators, drives, or distributed I/O modules, that directly with the physical . These devices act as providers of input (e.g., sensor readings) and consumers of output (e.g., commands) from the IO-Controller, supporting both cyclic exchanges and acyclic services for alarms or diagnostics. In the hierarchy, IO-Devices function as slaves, responding to IO-Controller directives without initiating primary , though they can connect to multiple controllers for shared access in complex setups. IO-Supervisors are engineering-oriented components, such as programming devices (PGs), personal computers (PCs), or human-machine interfaces (HMIs), used for system commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Unlike IO-Controllers and IO-Devices, they integrate temporarily into the network and do not participate in real-time data exchange, instead focusing on supervisory tasks like device parameterization, status monitoring, and fault analysis. Their role enhances the master-slave dynamic by providing oversight without altering the operational hierarchy. Couplers, gateways, and proxies facilitate interoperability by bridging PROFINET with legacy or external networks, such as or other fieldbuses. A , for instance, acts as a virtual representative of non-PROFINET devices on the Ethernet network, mapping I/O , alarms, and diagnostics transparently to enable seamless . Couplers and gateways extend this by supporting protocol conversion, allowing a PROFINET IO-Controller to manage remote subnetworks as if they were native IO-Devices, thus maintaining the overall hierarchical structure across heterogeneous systems. The hierarchical roles in PROFINET emphasize a master-slave-like model where IO-Controllers dominate and , IO-Devices execute tasks, and IO-Supervisors provide auxiliary , with couplers/gateways ensuring extensibility without disrupting the core provider-consumer interactions.

Network Structure and Topology

PROFINET networks are organized to leverage Ethernet infrastructure while providing industrial-grade reliability and flexibility in layout. The supports a variety of physical , including line, , , and configurations, allowing adaptation to diverse plant environments. In a line topology, devices connect sequentially, often using built-in switches for simplicity and reduced cabling. and topologies facilitate hierarchical structures, centralizing connections through switches to manage proximity-based node groupings efficiently. topologies enhance redundancy, employing protocols such as (MRP) or Media Redundancy for Planned Duplication (MRPD) to achieve recovery times in milliseconds or zero downtime through duplicated frames, respectively. At the logical level, PROFINET employs a provider-consumer model to govern cyclic data exchange, where IO controllers act as providers of output data and consumers of input data, while IO devices reverse these roles. This model ensures deterministic communication for applications without requiring custom hardware modifications. is achieved through tagging per standards, assigning priority levels (e.g., priority 6 for cyclic data in conformance class A) to isolate traffic types and enhance performance. For expansive setups, subnetting divides large networks into manageable segments, supporting integration across multiple controllers and supervisors while maintaining overall coherence. PROFINET utilizes standard Ethernet cabling, typically Category 5e or higher with 2-pair configurations for 100 Mbps full-duplex operation, enabling segment lengths up to 100 meters over (AWG ) or several kilometers via fiber optics. These cabling options, defined under IEC 61784-5-3, include types A (fixed ), B (flexible), and C (highly flexible) to suit varying industrial demands. The architecture's scalability accommodates networks with thousands of devices, facilitated by Ethernet's hierarchical switching and PROFINET's support for multiple IO controllers, making it suitable for both small-scale and enterprise-level systems.

Communication and Engineering

Application Relations and Engineering Tools

In PROFINET systems, Application Relations () serve as logical channels that establish and manage data transfer between an IO controller and IO devices, encapsulating all communication pathways for reliable exchange during operation. Each AR is initiated by the IO controller during system startup, embedding multiple Communication Relations (CRs) that define specific data flows, such as input/output modules and their parameters. This structure ensures that data exchanges are explicitly specified and secured, supporting both and non-real-time communications without physical wiring dependencies. ARs encapsulate multiple types of CRs tailored to different communication needs: I/O data CRs handle cyclic exchanges of process data, such as sensor readings and actuator commands, transmitted at regular intervals to maintain integrity; alarm CRs manage asynchronous notifications for events like device faults or status changes, ensuring timely alerts without disrupting primary data flows; and record data CRs facilitate acyclic communication for on-demand transfers, like diagnostic queries or updates. These CR types collectively enable a modular approach, where an IO controller can maintain multiple ARs with various devices, scaling to complex setups. Conformance classes influence AR management by dictating timing and prioritization, though details vary by implementation. The for PROFINET relies on General Station Description Markup Language (GSDML), an XML-based format that provides comprehensive device descriptions to enable plug-and-play configuration. GSDML files detail a device's identity, modular structure, communication capabilities, data assignments, and diagnostic options, allowing engineering tools to automatically import and integrate devices into the . During commissioning, engineers import the vendor-supplied GSDML file, which populates the configuration with predefined modules and parameters, minimizing manual setup and ensuring across certified devices. This standardized description supports parameterization—assigning device-specific values—and diagnostics, such as detection and fault localization, streamlining deployment in industrial environments. Key engineering tools for PROFINET include ' TIA Portal and STEP 7, which integrate configuration, programming, and diagnostics within a unified interface. TIA Portal facilitates hardware configuration by importing GSDML files, assigning ARs, and generating network setups, while supporting for pre-commissioning testing. STEP 7, embedded in TIA Portal, handles detailed parameterization and online diagnostics, such as monitoring AR status and alarm propagation in . Additionally, PI-certified software from various vendors ensures , offering features like device discovery, firmware updates, and performance analysis to maintain system reliability throughout the lifecycle.

Integration with Other Systems

Profinet facilitates integration with legacy and alternative industrial networks through specialized gateways and devices, enabling seamless data exchange in heterogeneous environments. , which function as Profinet IO devices, provide standardized mapping for comprehensive data transfer including I/O, alarms, and diagnostics, distinguishing them from simpler gateways that primarily handle basic I/O data. For instance, Profinet integrate networks by acting as intermediaries that map device data into Profinet objects, supporting real-time communication and system redundancy in applications like process automation. Similar proxy and gateway solutions extend Profinet compatibility to and protocols. Modbus-to-Profinet gateways enable bidirectional data transfer between Modbus devices and Profinet controllers, often supporting multiple client-server connections for efficient throughput in factory settings. EtherNet/IP integration occurs via dedicated gateways that map EtherNet/IP tags to Profinet data, allowing Profinet controllers to interface with PLCs and other CIP-based systems without native protocol support. These devices, typically configured as Profinet IO controllers or devices, ensure minimal disruption during migration from to Ethernet-based architectures. In the realm of IT/OT convergence, Profinet aligns with higher-level standards like OPC UA to bridge (OT) with (IT) systems, facilitating vertical data flow from field devices to enterprise applications. OPC UA integration into Profinet devices enables the sharing of , diagnostic, and process data with manufacturing execution systems (MES) and (ERP) platforms over shared Ethernet infrastructure, standardized via the OPC UA Companion Specification for Profinet. This setup supports by embedding OPC UA servers in Profinet controllers or external gateways, where edge nodes aggregate and preprocess I/O data locally to reduce and demands on higher-level networks. Such enhances plant-wide visibility and without compromising real-time OT performance, often leveraging (TSN) to isolate critical traffic. Profinet's alignment with Industry 4.0 principles includes compliance with recommendation NE 148, which promotes modular plant through the Module Type Package (MTP) standard for plug-and-produce . This enables secure IIoT connections by standardizing module interfaces for data exchange in process industries, with Profinet serving as the underlying Ethernet backbone for MTP-compliant systems to integrate distributed control and supervision across modular skids. implementations, for example, utilize Profinet with MTP to accelerate digitalization in sustainable process operations, ensuring vendor-neutral over the plant lifecycle. Recent developments post-2020 have expanded Profinet's reach to sensor-actuator and wireless domains. IO-Link integration maps IO-Link device parameters and process data into Profinet submodules per IEC 61131-9, allowing IO-Link masters to operate as Profinet IO devices for bidirectional communication with sensors and actuators in factory automation. This enhances parameterization and diagnostics at the field level within existing Profinet networks. For wireless extensions, Profinet supports 5G integration via industrial routers that encapsulate Profinet packets over 5G URLLC (Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication), enabling mobile robotics and remote operations with latencies under 1 ms in private 5G deployments. WLAN options, aligned with Wi-Fi 6/7 and TSN, provide complementary non-cellular wireless bridges for less demanding applications, further supporting flexible topologies in Industrie 4.0 environments.

Conformance Classes

Class A: Real-Time Communication

Profinet Conformance Class A (CC-A) establishes the foundational level of communication within the Profinet , leveraging unmodified Ethernet hardware to enable soft performance suitable for basic tasks. This supports cyclic exchange of (I/O) data with properties, achieving cycle times from 1 ms to 512 ms, which allows for reliable but non-safety-critical operations in environments where precise timing is not paramount. All standard IT services, including full / and / connectivity, remain unrestricted, facilitating seamless integration with existing office networks. At its core, CC-A employs Ethernet protocols for communication, using / and / primarily for non-time-critical transmission, such as parameterization and general messaging, while cyclic is handled through optimized Ethernet frames. These frames are prioritized using tagging in accordance with , assigning a priority code point () of 6 to ensure higher precedence over traffic in switches that support this mechanism, thereby minimizing delays in shared network environments. Acyclic communication, essential for on-demand access, operates over / or /, enabling flexible read/write operations without disrupting the cyclic process flow. Common use cases for CC-A include device configuration during commissioning, where acyclic services assign parameters to I/O devices; diagnostics, supported by a flexible alarm model with three priority levels (maintenance required, urgent maintenance required, and diagnostics) for timely issue detection; and acyclic parameter reading/writing for ongoing monitoring and adjustments. This class is ideal for applications like simple sensor-actuator networks or basic process control, where update rates of 1-100 ms suffice. A key limitation of CC-A is its non-deterministic behavior, arising from the shared medium of standard Ethernet, where collisions or competing traffic can introduce and variable , as there is no dedicated reservation or hardware-level synchronization. Commercial switches compliant with bridging and (LLDP) are required to maintain basic performance, but advanced network diagnostics or topology detection—features of higher classes—are absent, potentially complicating in larger deployments.

Class B: Isochronous Real-Time

Profinet Conformance Class B (CC-B) builds on Class A by adding and diagnostics features while maintaining standard (RT) communication for tasks. It supports cyclic I/O data exchange with cycle times from 1 ms to 512 ms, suitable for and without the need for isochronous precision. This class includes (SNMP) support for reading network statistics and topology information, enabling better troubleshooting and monitoring in larger networks. The technology underlying Class B relies on (RT) frames identified by the EtherType 0x8892, which bypass the standard / stack to prioritize time-critical data delivery. To achieve improved performance, the protocol employs priority queuing in compatible switches to minimize delays from non-real-time traffic. This approach allows for reliable performance over standard Ethernet infrastructure while maintaining low latency for cyclic I/O data and alarms. Hardware requirements remain standard Ethernet components, making it cost-effective for non-motion-control environments.

Class C: Enhanced Real-Time

PROFINET Conformance Class C, also known as enhanced or isochronous (IRT), provides hardware-assisted communication for applications requiring sub-millisecond cycle times and precise . It supports cycle times below 1 , with capabilities down to 250 µs, enabling high-speed data exchange while ensuring deterministic behavior through dedicated bandwidth allocation via prioritization. This class builds on the communication of prior classes (A and B) but adds specialized to achieve lower and faster processing, distinguishing it from software-based approaches. The technology in Class C utilizes modified Ethernet frames, identified by 0x8892 for prioritization, combined with (TDMA) scheduling to reserve exclusively for IRT traffic. Low-latency processing is facilitated by dedicated such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits () in devices and switches, which handle buffering and transmission timing without software intervention. These components ensure that non-IRT traffic is isolated during scheduled timeslots, minimizing interference and supporting values under 1 µs. Isochronous mode incorporates global using the (PTP) defined in IEEE 1588, ensuring a distributed clock reference with below 1 µs to enable synchronized operations like coordinated drive control and axis replacement without disrupting motion processes. Synchronization in Class C employs an enhanced (PTP) based on IEEE , extended by PROFINET's Precision Transparent Clock Protocol (PTCP), achieving accuracy better than 100 ns across the network. This level of temporal precision is critical for coordinating multiple devices in a distributed . Certified controllers, devices, and Ethernet switches must support this hardware-timestamped synchronization to maintain alignment. Class C is particularly suited for demanding applications such as high-performance , where closed-loop feedback requires exact timing, and , which demand synchronized multi-axis operations for precise path following. These use cases benefit from the class's ability to handle high data rates with minimal variance, ensuring reliable performance in dynamic environments like assembly lines.

Class D: Time-Sensitive Networking

Profinet Conformance Class D (CC-D), introduced in the Profinet specification version 2.4, integrates (TSN) standards from the working group, developed post-2018, to enable ultra-deterministic communication over standard Ethernet infrastructure. This class builds on Ethernet's Layer 2 capabilities to achieve cycle times below 100 µs, such as 31.25 µs, and under 1 µs, depending on network configuration, making it suitable for high-performance requiring precise timing. As of May 2025, Class D features are integrated into the PROFINET Planning Guideline, enabling compatibility for advanced industrial networks. Key TSN technologies in CC-D include the time-aware shaper (IEEE 802.1Qbv), which schedules traffic transmission windows to prioritize real-time packets and reserve bandwidth, ensuring bounded latency even in mixed IT/OT environments. Frame preemption (IEEE 802.1Qbu) allows urgent real-time frames to interrupt and resume larger non-critical frames, minimizing delays, while redundant streams (IEEE 802.1CB) provide frame replication and elimination for seamless redundancy without single points of failure. These mechanisms facilitate convergence of (OT) with (IT) traffic, supporting up to 1024 devices in a network. The Profinet TSN profile in specification V2.4, released in 2019 and updated through 2021, explicitly supports scheduled for deterministic delivery and seamless redundancy protocols, aligning with Industry 4.0 requirements for flexible, scalable industrial networks. This future-proof approach addresses the need for compatibility and enhanced determinism in , enabling broader adoption of converged networks without proprietary hardware.

Protocols and Technology

Core Profinet Protocols

PROFINET operates on a protocol stack built upon standard Ethernet II (), incorporating PROFINET-specific layers to enable industrial automation communication while leveraging IT standards such as TCP/IP and for interoperability. The stack supports both cyclic and acyclic data exchange, with capabilities achieved through dedicated frame formats that bypass higher-layer overhead for deterministic performance. This layered approach ensures seamless integration with existing Ethernet infrastructure, allowing cycle times as low as 250 μs for time-critical applications. A foundational element is the Discovery and Configuration Protocol (DCP), an Ethernet link-layer protocol (EtherType 0x8892) used for device identification, naming, and address assignment without relying on traditional IP protocols like DHCP to prevent conflicts in mixed networks. DCP operates via multicast and unicast services, including "Identify" to discover devices by name or broadcast, "Get" to retrieve configuration details such as IP address and MAC, and "Set" to assign symbolic names (e.g., "device.example.com") and IP addresses dynamically during startup or reconfiguration. This IP-based addressing ties the device's unique MAC address (often using the PI Organizationally Unique Identifier 00-0E-CF) to its operational identity, enabling plug-and-play topology discovery while avoiding DHCP overlaps by prioritizing PROFINET-specific assignment. For real-time cyclic communication, PROFINET employs the Real-Time (RT) protocol, utilizing unacknowledged "IO Data CR" frames with EtherType 0x8892 to transmit process data between controllers and devices at fixed intervals, typically ranging from 1 ms to 512 ms depending on conformance class. This protocol prioritizes low-latency delivery by handling frames at Layer 2, with optional provider/contract mechanisms to schedule traffic and ensure jitter below 1 ms in standard setups. Network management integrates the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) over UDP (port 161), which is mandatory for conformance classes B and C, allowing controllers to monitor device status, topology via LLDP extensions, and performance metrics through standardized Management Information Bases (MIBs). SNMP facilitates diagnostics like trap notifications for alarms, ensuring reliable operation without disrupting real-time channels. Acyclic communication in PROFINET supports non-time-critical data exchanges, such as parameterization or diagnostics, through Get and Put services implemented via or . These services use "Record Data CR" frames to read (Get) or write (Put) data records addressed by slot, subslot, and index identifiers, enabling access to manufacturer-specific or system-defined parameters without interrupting cyclic traffic. For instance, a controller can issue a Get request to retrieve diagnostic data from a remote device, with responses encapsulated in datagrams to minimize overhead in high-volume scenarios. This approach balances flexibility with the protocol's real-time priorities, often referencing conformance classes for varying levels of support.

Interface Implementation Details

Profinet interfaces are implemented in devices through a combination of hardware accelerators and software layers to ensure real-time performance and interoperability. Hardware implementations often rely on application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to handle the demands of real-time (RT) and isochronous real-time (IRT) communication. Siemens' ERTEC family of ASICs, such as the ERTEC 200P series, provides integrated support for Profinet RT frames by incorporating an ARM-based processor, Ethernet MAC, and a switch for multi-port devices, enabling cycle times as low as 125 μs without external components. These ASICs process RT telegrams with low latency, offloading the host CPU and supporting features like scheduled IRT traffic through dedicated hardware queues. FPGA-based implementations offer flexibility for custom Profinet devices, particularly in safety-critical applications. For instance, Softing's PROFINET Device Subsystem for Altera-Intel FPGAs integrates a Ethernet controller with an switch IP core, allowing seamless embedding into programmable logic for RT/IRT operations. Similarly, implementations on Xilinx SoC FPGAs have been used to realize RT switches by handling protocol functionality in hardware, minimizing software overhead for high-precision timing. These FPGA solutions are pre-certified to Profinet standards, reducing development time while supporting conformance to classes up to IRT. Post-2020 advancements in chip technology have enhanced Profinet interface performance, with releasing the ERTEC 200P-3 ASIC in 2023 and firmware updates to version 5.3 in 2025, incorporating optimizations for dynamic reconfiguration and security features like PROFIsec. These updates address evolving requirements for higher throughput and integration with (TSN), ensuring backward compatibility with legacy ERTEC devices. Software stacks form the upper layers of Profinet interfaces, abstracting for application integration. The open-source PROFINET Community Stack, maintained by & PROFINET International (PI), provides full controller and device functionality with APIs for porting to various operating systems and platforms, including Linux-based interfaces. Siemens offers a PROFINET stack in , bundled with the eCos real-time operating system and development tools for ERTEC ASICs, facilitating RT/IRT implementation on embedded systems. Compliance testing for these stacks is conducted using PI's ART tester tool, which verifies adherence to Profinet specifications through automated conformance checks against sample applications. Diagnostics in Profinet interfaces enable rapid fault detection and maintenance. LED indicators on device ports, such as those in ET 200 systems, signal link , speed, and s like port interchanges or disabled states using bicolor lights for quick visual assessment. Integrated web servers provide detailed diagnostics, allowing access to device parameters, alarm logs, and configuration via a by entering the device's , as implemented in modules like SEW-Eurodrive's DFS21B and ABB's FPNO-21. For drive applications, PROFIdrive extends diagnostics through standardized parameter access and fault messaging, defined in IEC 61800-7, enabling controller-device interoperability for and handling. Certification ensures Profinet interfaces meet standards through rigorous type testing. PI-accredited Test Laboratories (PITLs) perform mandatory conformance tests on devices and stacks, validating compliance, performance, and across vendors using tools like the PROFINET Tester, which has been refined since its 2015 debut to cover TSN extensions. This process, including pre-certification options for stacks like the Community Stack, guarantees seamless operation in multi-vendor environments.

Application Profiles

Drive Technology

The PROFIdrive profile serves as a vendor-independent specification for integrating variable frequency drives (VFDs), motors, and encoders into Profinet networks, providing standardized parameterization and data exchange to ensure across manufacturers. Defined in IEC 61800-7, it extends Profinet's capabilities for drive control by supporting functions analogous to those in legacy protocols like SERCOS, but optimized for Ethernet transmission, including cyclic and acyclic communication for process data and diagnostics. Central features of PROFIdrive in Profinet include isochronous mode, which synchronizes multiple drive axes with jitter-free timing down to 31.25 μs cycles, relying on Profinet's Class B and Class C conformance for enhanced performance. Encoder interfaces enable direct connection for position feedback in closed-loop systems, while safety-integrated drives incorporate PROFIsafe mechanisms for up to SIL 3/PLe without separate wiring. These elements facilitate precise in dynamic environments. By consolidating control signals, status information, and data onto a single Ethernet cable, PROFIdrive significantly reduces wiring complexity compared to traditional setups, minimizing installation costs and space requirements. Commissioning is accelerated through uniform parameter sets and integrated diagnostics, allowing quick and testing of systems. In practice, PROFIdrive enables seamless in high-precision applications such as for coordinated multi-axis movements and CNC machines for interpolated path control.

Energy Management

The PROFIenergy profile serves as a standardized for Profinet, facilitating the exchange of energy-related data between control devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and energy-consuming units (ECUs) like drives, actuators, and robots. It enables centralized commands for device states, including startup, shutdown, and standby modes, to optimize power usage during production pauses, such as lunch breaks or holidays, without requiring external hardware. These commands operate through a state model that coordinates agents in ECUs, ensuring safe transitions to low-power modes while maintaining network connectivity for quick reactivation via mechanisms like . Key features of PROFIenergy include the measurement and reporting of active and reactive power, voltage, current, frequency, and , all integrated into Profinet IO-Device modules for monitoring. is tracked through counters that accumulate data over time, allowing controllers to receive feedback for , peak load shedding, and adaptive energy reduction during unscheduled downtimes. This metering adheres to IEC 61557-12 standards, providing interoperable interfaces that support both short-term standby (up to one hour) and extended deep-sleep modes for longer pauses. In smart factories, PROFIenergy enables load management by dynamically adjusting power draw across networked devices, reducing overall energy costs and supporting compliance with energy management systems through systematic and audits. For instance, factories can use it to shift non-essential loads during high-demand periods, minimizing grid strain and carbon emissions while meeting regulatory requirements like EN 17267 for energy transparency. Recent developments since 2021 have integrated PROFIenergy with Industrial IoT platforms via OPC UA (Part 30141), allowing energy data to feed into cloud-based analytics for , such as detecting anomalies in power consumption patterns that signal impending equipment failures. This IT-OT convergence enhances proactive strategies, extending asset life and further aligning with goals for continuous improvement.

Process Automation

Profinet adaptations for process address the needs of continuous and batch processes in industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas, where reliable communication with field devices is essential for and . These adaptations emphasize with systems, enhanced in hazardous environments, and seamless for devices like sensors, actuators, and controllers. By leveraging Ethernet-based communication, Profinet enables higher data throughput and diagnostics compared to traditional fieldbuses, facilitating the transition to architectures while maintaining with established protocols. PROFIsafe extends to process field devices, including valves, and transmitters, enabling safe operation up to 3 (SIL 3) as defined by IEC 61508. This safety layer operates over standard Profinet infrastructure, allowing black-channel communication where safety is handled at the without requiring specialized modifications to the network. For devices with HART integration, Profinet supports proxy gateways that encapsulate HART commands within Ethernet frames, preserving overlays for hybrid setups and enabling seamless migration from HART-based systems to full digital communication. These features ensure that safety-relevant data, such as emergency shutdown signals for valves, is transmitted reliably in process environments. The , based on the 10BASE-T1L single-pair Ethernet standard, provides for hazardous areas classified under ATEX and IECEx zones, complying with IEC 61158-2020 for specifications. APL supports full-duplex communication at 10 Mbit/s over two-wire cabling, with power delivery up to 60 W per port via 2-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet (2WISE) per IEC TS 60079-47, eliminating the need for separate power lines. This enables long-distance cabling up to 1000 m in trunk segments, ideal for sprawling process plants, while spurs can extend up to 200 m to field devices, bridging gaps in legacy installations without explosion-proof enclosures. The PA Profile 4.0 standardizes Profinet device behavior for process automation, facilitating migration from fieldbuses like PA and through defined interoperability parameters. It incorporates NE 131 core elements for device description and NAMUR NE 107 for standardized diagnostics, ensuring consistent status messaging for sensors such as level and flow transmitters. This profile supports automatic device replacement and plug-and-produce functionality, reducing commissioning time in batch processes by aligning manufacturer-independent parameters for alarms, maintenance, and process variables. As of October 2025, certification is available for all device types using Profinet over APL, with ongoing field tests demonstrating positive results in process industry applications.

Dependability and Security

Functional Safety with Profisafe

PROFIsafe is the established open safety communication profile integrated into PROFINET, enabling the transmission of safety-related data over standard, non-safety-rated Ethernet networks without requiring dedicated safety infrastructure. It operates on the black-channel principle, treating the underlying communication channel—such as copper, fiber optic, or —as opaque and untrusted, while ensuring safety through protocol-level measures independent of the physical medium. This approach allows safety and standard data to share the same network, simplifying system architecture in industrial automation. Certified to 3 (SIL 3) per , PROFIsafe supports applications requiring high , including up to Performance Level e (PL e) and Category 4 as defined in ISO 13849-1. The embeds safety functions directly into PROFINET frames, using dedicated safety Application Relation (AR) identifiers to distinguish fail-safe data exchanges from standard communications. Key mechanisms include cyclic redundancy checks () for detecting or manipulation, timestamps to monitor transmission delays and ensure timely delivery, and unique source/destination addressing (F-Source and F-Destination) to prevent unauthorized or misrouted safety messages. These elements collectively provide robust against common failures like message loss, repetition, or insertion, achieving the required diagnostic coverage for SIL 3 without modifying the base Ethernet hardware. Integration of PROFIsafe occurs within IO-Devices configured as F-Devices ( devices), where safety logic is implemented via certified and software modules, often using device description files like F-GSD for parameterization. In practice, PROFIsafe facilitates critical applications such as emergency stop functions (E-Stops) for immediate hazard mitigation and in drive systems, ensuring controlled deceleration or shutdown in response to events. These capabilities have led to widespread adoption, with over 28.7 million nodes installed worldwide as of 2024, in and process industries.

Availability and Redundancy Mechanisms

Profinet ensures in industrial automation environments through a suite of mechanisms designed to minimize and maintain continuous operation during faults such as device failures, link breaks, or controller malfunctions. These mechanisms operate at different layers, from individual devices to the overall , providing fault-tolerant configurations that support seamless recovery without interrupting exchange. By integrating standardized protocols, Profinet achieves recovery times ranging from milliseconds to zero-switchover, making it suitable for mission-critical applications in and process control. System in Profinet focuses on duplicating key components to enable automatic , particularly at the and controller levels. -level allows for where a secondary mirrors the primary, enabling hot-swapping of field devices without halting operations; this is achieved through shared names and addresses, ensuring the assumes control instantaneously upon failure. For controllers, hot standby configurations pair a primary and controller that synchronize application data in , facilitating a seamless switchover in under 10 ms if the primary fails. Profinet defines four scalable system classes—S1 (single controller with redundant devices), ( controllers with non-redundant devices), R1 (redundant controllers and devices), and ( controllers, devices, and )—to match varying availability needs while optimizing resource use. Media redundancy addresses physical cabling faults in ring topologies using the (MRP), standardized in IEC 62439-2. In an MRP , one per device is blocked to prevent loops, and upon detecting a link failure, the ring manager (typically the controller) opens the blocked to restore connectivity, achieving reconfiguration in less than 200 ms. This protocol supports up to 50 devices per and is widely implemented in IO devices for cost-effective redundancy in linear or star- hybrid setups. For enhanced performance, MRP can integrate with device-level redundancy to maintain I/O communication during media faults. Parallel redundancy employs the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP), defined in IEC 62439-3, to provide hitless for controller-level operations across independent network paths. PRP duplicates frames from the sender, transmitting them simultaneously over two separate LANs to the receiver, which discards duplicates and selects valid ones, resulting in zero recovery time even during complete path failures. In Profinet, PRP is used for controller by establishing dual communication channels to IO devices, ensuring continuous cyclic data exchange; it is particularly effective in star or tree topologies where ring-based MRP may not apply. Configurations often combine PRP with system redundancy classes like R1 or R2 for comprehensive . Since 2020, Profinet has incorporated (TSN) features to advance redundancy, particularly through redundant streams for enhanced reliability in converged networks. Based on IEEE 802.1CB (Frame Replication and Elimination for Reliability), TSN enables multiple redundant data streams over Ethernet paths, where frames are replicated at the source and eliminated at the destination to ensure delivery despite single points of failure, with no perceptible interruption. Integrated into Profinet V2.4, this mechanism supports sub-microsecond and cycle times as low as 31.25 μs, managed via the Network Management Engine in TSN-capable controllers and configured through GSDML files. These advancements extend Profinet's applicability to Industry 4.0 scenarios with mixed traffic, providing robust protection for time-critical streams without dedicated hardware.

Cybersecurity Measures

Profinet employs a defense-in-depth strategy to address cybersecurity threats in environments, incorporating multiple layers of protection to safeguard networks against unauthorized access, , and denial-of-service attacks. This approach aligns with standards such as and emphasizes , , and proactive to mitigate risks inherent to (IIoT) integrations. Access control is implemented through mechanisms like Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for logical , which isolates sensitive production cells and restricts lateral movement by potential intruders. Firewalls and managed switches further enforce granular policies, limiting device discovery and configuration to authorized tools. For enhanced , Profinet Security Classes 2 and 3 utilize certificates to verify devices and operators, preventing unauthorized changes during commissioning or maintenance. Encryption protects data integrity and confidentiality, particularly for acyclic communication such as configuration and diagnostics, using protocols like for end-to-end secure tunnels or (DTLS) for Ethernet traffic. Cyclic data can optionally employ these in Security Class 3 to counter or tampering in converged IT/OT networks. The & PROFINET International (PI) Security Guideline provides comprehensive recommendations, including adherence to recommendation NE 153 for IT in , which guides secure practices like role-based access and secure boot processes. Additionally, PI's signing service, introduced in 2023, digitally signs General Station Description (GSD) files to ensure their authenticity and prevent injection of malicious configurations during device integration. Threat mitigation focuses on filtering and detection to address protocol-specific vulnerabilities. filtering, often configured as read-only mode on switches, blocks unauthorized write commands that could alter names or addresses, reducing risks from spoofing attacks. in (RT) traffic is supported through event logging and intrusion detection systems (IDS), which monitor deviations in cyclic data patterns to identify potential disruptions like man-in-the-middle or replay attacks. Post-2022 enhancements have strengthened Profinet against evolving IIoT threats, including , through the PROFINET Specification V2.4 MU6 released in 2025, which mandates Security Classes 2 and 3 with built-in protections like symmetric key updates and secure application relations () startup. These updates include expanded certification testing for robustness against and unauthorized access, alongside PI's establishment of a Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) for rapid handling. Such measures ensure resilience in hybrid environments, where could otherwise encrypt control data and halt operations.

History and Development

Origins and Early Versions

PROFINET originated as an initiative by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), the user organization for industrial communication standards, to create an Ethernet-based successor to the widely used fieldbus system. Discussions for this transition began at the PI general meeting in 2000, driven by the need to leverage Ethernet's higher speed and openness for industrial while maintaining compatibility with existing PROFIBUS infrastructure. PI, founded in 1989 to promote , assembled working groups comprising over 500 engineers from leading automation vendors to develop the standard, ensuring it addressed real-time requirements for factory floors. The initial specification, PROFINET Version 1.0, was released in 2003 and incorporated into the (IEC) standards under IEC 61158 and IEC 61784, marking its formal standardization as an open protocol. This early version focused on exchange for device-level communication, enabling seamless integration of sensors, actuators, and controllers in systems. Key contributors to PI's included major players such as , which led much of the technical development; ; and , whose involvement helped broaden vendor support and interoperability. Early milestones included the definition of PROFINET conformance classes in , which categorized devices into Classes A, B, and C based on real-time performance needs, starting with basic cyclic I/O for Class A to support straightforward factory applications. In 2007, integration of PROFIsafe—the safety communication profile originally developed for —extended to PROFINET, achieving IEC 61784-3-3 certification and enabling safe operation over Ethernet without additional hardware. Initial adoption centered on sectors like automotive assembly and machine building, where PROFINET's capabilities improved cycle times and diagnostics over legacy fieldbuses.

Recent Advances and Future Directions

In 2019, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) released version 2.4 of the PROFINET specification, introducing native support for (TSN) to enhance deterministic communication in converged networks by synchronizing traffic and reducing latency for real-time applications. This update built on prior isochronous real-time (IRT) capabilities from earlier versions, enabling cycle times as low as 31.25 μs in high-performance scenarios. Additionally, PROFINET over Advanced (APL) emerged as a key advancement in 2021, providing a two-wire, intrinsically safe Ethernet solution for process environments, allowing seamless extension to hazardous areas without additional . Recent integrations have expanded PROFINET's interoperability with higher-level protocols. OPC UA PubSub complements PROFINET by enabling publisher-subscriber messaging for efficient, real-time data exchange in IIoT architectures, facilitating while leveraging PROFINET's field-level determinism. For mobile applications, PI members like introduced PROFINET transmission over private networks in , supporting low-latency communication for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and mobile robots in dynamic production settings. Looking ahead, PROFINET is evolving toward intelligent, sustainable . AI-driven diagnostics, such as Procentec's , analyze data to detect faults in under two minutes, improving and uptime. Sustainability efforts center on the PROFIenergy profile, which standardizes to reduce consumption by up to 80% during production pauses, aligning with global goals. Market adoption continues strongly, with PI reporting 78.8 million PROFINET nodes installed worldwide by the end of 2024, reflecting a 9.5 million node increase that year.

References

  1. [1]
    PROFINET Technology Description
    PROFINET is the standard for industrial networking in automation. It connects devices, systems, and cells, facilitating faster, safer, less costly and higher ...
  2. [2]
    What is PROFINET? – PROFINET Explained - PI North America
    Feb 10, 2021 · It was introduced in the early 2000s and is the most well-adopted Industrial Ethernet solution. Since PROFINET is an open standard, hundreds of ...
  3. [3]
    PROFINET - the leading Industrial Ethernet Standard - www.profibus ...
    PROFINET offers value-added functions such as parallel TCP/IP communication, large configuration limits, and high speed. The diagnostics are best-in-class, ...
  4. [4]
    PROFINET - Industrial Ethernet Standard: PROFINET
    PROFINET is the leading Industrial Ethernet protocol for communication between devices in industrial automation systems.PROFINET Explained · PROFINET Certification · PROFINET Implementation · FAQ
  5. [5]
    PROFINET Technology - PI North America
    PROFINET is the world's most advanced Industrial Ethernet solution. It is a communication protocol to exchange data between controllers and devices. Controllers ...
  6. [6]
    [PDF] PROFINET System Description
    PROFINET is the innovative open standard for Industrial Ethernet. PROFINET satisfies all requirements of automation technology (Figure. 1). Whether the ...
  7. [7]
    The Difference between PROFIBUS and PROFINET - PI North America
    Jun 10, 2020 · Then, as the industry shifted from fieldbuses to Industrial Ethernet, PI developed PROFINET, which became available in the early 2000s, and has ...
  8. [8]
    [PDF] PROFINET Technology
    PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) is backed by about 1,700 member compa- nies worldwide. With around 21 million devices installed by the end of 2017, ...
  9. [9]
    PROFINET Cables: Requirements, Specifications, and Types
    Aug 26, 2020 · The most common PROFINET copper cable is a 4-wire shielded, green-colored cable, which supports 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet at a distance of 100 meters.<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    GSDML Specification for PROFINET - www.profibus.com
    This specification covers the GSDML, which describes a PROFINET device regarding its identification, its structure, its communication features, its process data ...Missing: plug play
  11. [11]
    Development - PI North America - PROFINET
    Every device development project undergoes a product development cycle. An example of this process for PROFINET is presented here. It includes four main stages.Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  12. [12]
    PROFINET and IT Protocols - PI North America
    Apr 9, 2013 · Let's relate these five IT protocols to PROFINET: Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). SNMP is a great complement to PROFINET. The ...
  13. [13]
    PROFINET Conformance Classes - PI North America
    Feb 12, 2020 · With PROFINET IRT, it is possible to achieve cycle times of 31.25 µs and 1 µs of jitter. Beyond Conformance Classes. Aside from the mandatory ...
  14. [14]
    PROFINET IRT- Isochronous Real Time - PI North America
    Jun 24, 2020 · The minimum update rate for PROFINET IRT is 250 µs. With the appropriate hardware, you can achieve cycle times of 31.25 µs with 1 µs of jitter.
  15. [15]
    PROFINET Proxies and Gateways - PI North America
    May 15, 2018 · A proxy produces a nearly invisible transition between PROFINET and the foreign protocol. It not only maps I/O data, but also alarms, diagnostics, and even ...Missing: coupler | Show results with:coupler
  16. [16]
    [PDF] Industrial Topology Options - PI North America
    Since PROFINET is based on standard unmodified Ethernet, it gives users all topology options. It supports line, tree, ring, and star cabled topologies. Also, ...Missing: structure | Show results with:structure
  17. [17]
    PROFINET - 4.1.4 Communication Relationships - OPC Foundation
    All data exchange is embedded into an AR (Application Relationship) (Figure 3). Within the AR, CRs (Communication Relationships) specify the data explicitly.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  18. [18]
    PROFINET GSD - 3.2.14 Application Relation (AR) - OPC Foundation
    Application Relation contains the communication channels for cyclic data exchange (IO Data ; CR), acyclic data exchange (Record data ; CR) and alarms (Alarm ; CR).Missing: GSDML | Show results with:GSDML
  19. [19]
    PROFINET GSD File Basics
    What is a GSD File? A PROFINET General Station Description (GSD) file is a description of an IO device provided by the device manufacturer.Missing: plug play
  20. [20]
    PLC programming with SIMATIC STEP 7 (TIA Portal) - Siemens Global
    With SIMATIC STEP 7 in TIA Portal you configure, program, test and diagnose all your SIMATIC controllers in an intuitive and efficient way.
  21. [21]
    [PDF] PROFINET with STEP 7 - Siemens Industry Online Support
    PROFINET IO 3. D. A. IO controller - IO controller communication via PN/PN coupler. B. IO controller - I-device communication. C. IO controller - IO-device ...
  22. [22]
    PROFINET Proxies and Gateways
    Each proxy will implement the full data map defined by PI. A PROFINET Proxy provides context and full data mapping between PROFINET and the proxied protocol.Missing: coupler | Show results with:coupler
  23. [23]
    Modbus TCP/IP TO PROFINET® IO DEVICE GATEWAY
    The Modbus TCP/IP to PROFINET device gateway offers bi-directional data transfer between a PROFINET Controller and Modbus TCP/IP networks.
  24. [24]
    https://www.rtautomation.com/product-category/gateways/ps/
  25. [25]
    Edge Computing and Vertical Integration - PI North America
    Mapping PROFINET Objects into OPC UA. OPC UA can be integrated into PROFINET devices to share asset management and diagnostic information with higher-level ...Edge Computing And Vertical... · The Edge Concept · Opc Ua In Profinet...Missing: OT convergence
  26. [26]
    https://opcfoundation.org/developer-tools/specifications-opc-ua-information-models/opc-unified-architecture-for-profinet/
  27. [27]
    Digitalization accelerates sustainability in the process industry | Press
    Aug 17, 2022 · ... PROFINET ... This is made possible by the industry standard Module Type Package (MTP) in accordance with NAMUR recommendation NE 148.
  28. [28]
    MTP - www.profibus.com
    Experience Plug & Produce at its best with modular production based on the NAMUR NE 148. Important Terms Relating to MTP Briefly Explained. Functional ...Missing: compliance | Show results with:compliance
  29. [29]
    IO-Link Integration for PROFINET - www.profibus.com
    It is the purpose of this document to map the IO-Link technology according to IEC 61131-9 into PROFINET in such a manner that the user benefit is maximized ...
  30. [30]
    PROFINET and 5G - www.profibus.com
    5G is intended to take Industrie 4.0 to the next level and open up new perspectives for industrial applications.Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
  31. [31]
    Siemens integrates Profinet over 5G, fixes 2023 date for own private ...
    May 19, 2022 · Siemens is the first to offer off-the-shelf Profinet-over-5G with its industrial 5G routers, as the buzz builds about Hannover Messe and the ...Missing: WLAN | Show results with:WLAN
  32. [32]
    [PDF] PROFINET IO Conformance Classes
    • Cyclic exchange of I/O data with real time properties (1 to 512 ms). • Acyclic data communication for reading and writing of demand-oriented data (parameters,.
  33. [33]
    [PDF] How to select the right industrial Ethernet standard: PROFINET
    This version of PROFINET IO supports a cycle time down to 31.25µs. However, most of the applications are OK with a cycle time of 250µs or slower. The IRT ...
  34. [34]
    Real Time Classes - PROFINET University
    All PROFINET devices must support RT (Real Time) which usually means around 250 microseconds-10 milliseconds update time with <100 microseconds of jitter and ...
  35. [35]
    [PDF] PROFINET for Network Geeks - PI North America
    PROFINET is an open Industrial Ethernet standard. It is a communication protocol that exchanges data between automation controllers and devices.
  36. [36]
    Isochronous Real-Time (IRT) Communication - PROFINET University
    With some of the PROFINET V2. 3 extensions, IRT networks can operate with cycle times as low as 31.25μs (32,000 samples per second).
  37. [37]
    [PDF] PROFINET IRT - PI North America
    It fulfills all synchronization requirements and allows deterministic communication with cycle times down to 31.25 µs and1 µs of jitter. communication system.
  38. [38]
    [PDF] PROFINET Technology
    With almost 70 million devices installed by the end of 2023, PROFINET has established itself as the leading Industrial Ethernet standard on the market. Due to.
  39. [39]
    PROFINET Conformance Classes
    The conformance classes are divided into three categories, class A, B, and C. Conformance Class A (CC-A) is the most basic while C (CC-C) is the most advanced ...
  40. [40]
    [PDF] PROFINET Field Devices
    The objective of the organization is the continuous further development of PROFIBUS and PROFINET technologies. ... distance is defined as PROFINET-end-to-end-link ...
  41. [41]
    PROFINET over TSN - www.profibus.com
    Profinet TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking) is an extension of the PROFINET communication protocol designed to provide real-time communication capabilities for ...Missing: D 802.1
  42. [42]
    What Is Time Sensitive Networking (TSN)? - PI North America
    TSN is a set of mechanisms specified by IEEE to improve the determinism of Ethernet. These TSN amendments are used by PROFINET: Time Synchronization 802.1 AS.Missing: D | Show results with:D
  43. [43]
    Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) Task Group | - IEEE 802.1
    The charter of the TSN TG is to provide deterministic connectivity through IEEE 802 networks, ie, guaranteed packet transport with bounded latency.Missing: Profinet Class D integration PI
  44. [44]
    Expansions to TSN and Security in PROFINET Specification
    Aug 11, 2021 · The second maintenance update of the PROFINET V2.4 specification with current extensions to TSN and security and the associated additional ...Missing: Conformance D cycle jitter
  45. [45]
    DCP - Discovery and Configuration Protocol - PROFINET University
    PROFINET DCP is an Ethernet link layer protocol and offers multiple services. It is normally used in PROFINET systems to handle the network address and name ...Missing: RTP RTV SNMP acyclic PI
  46. [46]
    [PDF] PROFINET IO Controller - Hilscher
    3.6.10 Get record service. This service shall be used to read out configured record parameter objects which have been written by the controller to the device ...
  47. [47]
    Delivery release for ERTEC 200P-3 (Enhanced Real-Time Ethernet ...
    Free deliveryDec 20, 2023 · The ERTEC 200P-3 is an ASIC that can be used to develop PROFINET devices. The ASIC is integrated on the board (PCB) and provides support for PROFINET device ...
  48. [48]
    Siemens ERTEC ASICs - Product Finder
    It is used to develop PROFINET field devices with real-time (RT) and isochronous real-time (IRT) yielding high-performance, cyclical and synchronous ...
  49. [49]
    PROFINET Device Subsystem for Altera-Intel FPGA - Softing Industrial
    Easy-to-Integrate PROFINET Device Subsystem for FPGAs. Low Total Cost of Ownership. Pre-certified to Latest Standards. Fast and Robust Operation.
  50. [50]
    [PDF] FPGA implementation of Real Time Switch for High precision based ...
    In this paper, protocol functionality has been implemented on Xilinx SoC based. FPGA device and communication between hardware and software is internal to chip.
  51. [51]
    Release of PROFINET Device Development Kit for ERTEC 200P ...
    A new firmware version V5.3 is now available for the development of PROFINET devices using ERTEC 200P-2 and ERTEC 200P-3 ASICs. The PROFINET Device ...
  52. [52]
    PROFINET Community Stack - www.profibus.com
    The stack contains full PROFINET Controller & Device functionality with well-defined APIs, which leverage easy adaptation to individual target hardware.Missing: compliance | Show results with:compliance
  53. [53]
    PROFINET technology for product developers - Siemens Global
    The PROFINET stack is supplied as in source code, including the eCos open-source, real-time operating system, all development tools, analysis programs, and ...
  54. [54]
    A beginner's Guide to Profinet - get started in 60 minutes. - RT-Labs
    For Profinet members, the ART tester tool is available for conformance testing, with tests run against the sample app to verify stack compliance. That's a ...
  55. [55]
    Diagnostics via LEDs - TIA Portal
    Each port of a PROFINET interface of a SIMATIC device has one LED. The following table shows a summary of the meaning of these LEDs in the S7‑1500, ET 200MP, ET ...Missing: PROFIdrive drives
  56. [56]
    [PDF] Manual - DFS21B PROFINET IO Fieldbus Interface with PROFIsafe
    Integrated web server. The DFS21B option card has a homepage for simple web diagnostics of MOVIDRIVE® and MOVITRAC®. Enter the configured IP address to ...
  57. [57]
    https://download.sew-eurodrive.com/download/pdf/29172659.pdf
  58. [58]
    PROFIdrive - The Leading Drive Control Profile - PROFINET
    PROFIdrive is a powerful and mature drive control profile for any kind of application and industry usage. This profile is standardized in IEC 61800-7 ...
  59. [59]
    10 Years PROFINET Tester - „Best in Class” - www.profibus.com
    Oct 22, 2025 · The PROFINET Tester is the central testing tool for verifying the conformity and interoperability of PROFINET devices.Missing: post- 2020 chip
  60. [60]
    https://www.profibus.com/newsroom/press-news/10-years-profinet-tester-best-in-class
  61. [61]
    PROFIdrive for Interoperable Drive Devices - PI North America
    Jul 15, 2020 · PROFIdrive provides interoperability through standardized drive I/O data sets, messages, and parameter sets as well as manufacturer-specific options.
  62. [62]
    [PDF] PROFIdrive System Description
    axis or PROFIdrive drive object (DO) . . . 7. Fig. 5: Process synchronization in isochronous mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8. Fig. 6: Basic ...
  63. [63]
    https://www.profibus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/PROFIdrive_System_Description_engl_2021_Update.pdf
  64. [64]
    10 Reasons to Choose PROFINET - PI North America
    Sep 28, 2020 · PROFINET is the leading and most advanced communication protocol for automation. Currently, in 2020, there are over 32 million PROFINET nodes installed.Missing: maximum | Show results with:maximum
  65. [65]
    KeDrive D3 | Drive system for sophisticated drive engineering | KEBA
    Perfect industry solutions. KeDrive D3 is at the heart of our industry solutions, e.g. in CNC machine tools, robotics, plastics technology or wind energy.<|control11|><|separator|>
  66. [66]
    [PDF] The PROFIenergy Profile: Increasing the Energy Efficiency of ...
    The PROFIenergy Profile enables control devices (e.g. PLCs) to send commands to. Energy Consuming Units (ECU), to signal pauses such as lunch breaks, ...
  67. [67]
    PROFIenergy - OT/IT Power Management - PROFINET
    The PROFIenergy Profile can be implemented on every PROFINET device which is capable to offer Power Consumption measurement values, Standby Modes or supports ...
  68. [68]
    PROFIenergy: Energy Management for Industrial Networks
    Jul 29, 2020 · PROFIenergy offers energy-saving capabilities in automation systems. It enables the deployment of smart energy management strategies over PROFINET.
  69. [69]
    [PDF] PROFINET - The Solution Platform for Process Automation
    For process automation, this incorporates the existing fieldbus systems PROFIBUS DP/PROFIBUS PA, FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1, HART and others. Proxies are gateways ...
  70. [70]
    PROFIsafe - Leading Safety Technology - PROFINET
    PROFIsafe is the leading technology for discrete manufacturing and process automation when exchanging functional safety-relevant data.
  71. [71]
    [PDF] Plant and process safety with Safety Integrated
    intrinsically safe sensors, actuators and HART field devices can also be placed in zone 0 or 20 if required. Thanks to the modular architecture, ET 200iSP ...
  72. [72]
    PROFINET over APL - www.profibus.com
    Reuse of existing fieldbus cable type 'A', which reduces cost and provides. 7, easy migration strategies from fieldbus PROFIBUS PA to PROFINET over APL. 8 ...
  73. [73]
    [PDF] Ethernet-APL Engineering Guideline
    This document shall support users in using the Ethernet advanced physical layer (Ethernet-APL) network technology. Ethernet-APL uses a two wire Ethernet ...
  74. [74]
    APL: Technology - Single Pair Ethernet System Alliance
    Ethernet-APL uses the two communication standards 10BASE-T1L and IEC TS 60079-47, 2-Wire Intrinsically Safe Ethernet (2-WISE). The network technology allows ...Missing: 61158-2020 | Show results with:61158-2020
  75. [75]
    PROFIprocess - PA Profile 4 - PROFINET
    PA Profile 4 PI provides different PROFINET profiles for Process Automation, such as PA Profile 4 and RIO for PA (Remote IO).
  76. [76]
    First Devices with PROFINET over APL and PA Profile 4
    Sep 1, 2022 · PROFINET over APL is a new Ethernet protocol for process automation. PA Profile 4 enables automatic device replacement and standardized error ...
  77. [77]
    PROFIsafe: Functional Safety Over the Bus - PI North America
    Apr 30, 2020 · PROFIsafe is a solution for functional safety over the bus, extending PROFINET to ensure safety standards and prevent hazards from incorrect ...
  78. [78]
    PROFIsafe | Hilscher
    PROFIsafe employs mechanisms such as cyclic redundancy check (CRC) to verify the integrity of safety data transmitted over the communication channel. CRC ...Missing: ARs | Show results with:ARs
  79. [79]
    PROFINET Redundancy: Device, Controller, Network, and Media
    May 13, 2020 · Specifically, PROFINET offers four redundancy options: Device Redundancy, Controller Redundancy, Network Redundancy, and Media Redundancy.Missing: level hot-
  80. [80]
    PROFINET Redundancy: It's all about UPtime - PI North America
    This White Paper goes over the four components of a PROFINET redundant network. Then, it covers PROFINET's scalable system redundancy configurations. Table of ...
  81. [81]
    Scalable PROFINET System Redundancy - PI North America
    Aug 30, 2018 · Four PROFINET system redundancy configurations have been defined by PROFIBUS & PROFINET International: S1, S2, R1, and R2.
  82. [82]
    [PDF] PROFINET System Description
    PROFIBUS systems and other fieldbus systems such as INTERBUS and DeviceNet ... PROFIBUS & PROFINET International. In case of doubt, these standards ...
  83. [83]
    PROFINET Media Redundancy Guideline - www.profibus.com
    This guideline describes the media redundancy solutions and basic mechanisms for PROFINET network setups in the field of automation applications.Missing: PRR | Show results with:PRR
  84. [84]
    [PDF] Setup and Configuration of Redundancy Using PRP and HSR
    The redundant, parallel network structure is based on the PRP mechanism standardized in IEC 62439-3. ... IEC 62439-2. Media Redundancy for Planned. Duplication.
  85. [85]
    PROFINET Security - Comprehensive Concept
    PROFINET security uses a defense-in-depth approach with firewalls, communication protection, and organizational measures, including security component testing.
  86. [86]
    [PDF] PI Document - Security Guideline - PROFIBUS-PROFINET
    The material in this document details a. PI specification in accordance with the license and notices set forth on this page. ... 8.2 PROFINET protocol ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  87. [87]
    PROFINET security specification updated - Industrial Ethernet Book
    Jan 15, 2024 · Step-by-step specifications, proofs of concept and guidelines were developed by technical working groups.Missing: measures | Show results with:measures
  88. [88]
    PROFINET Sets Standards in Industrial Ethernet Security
    May 8, 2025 · 4 MU6, PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) is sending a strong signal for security by design. The new version contains comprehensive ...
  89. [89]
    Signing Service Established for GSD files - PROFINEWS
    Jul 12, 2023 · PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) now offers a signing service for GSD files for the improved security protection of machines and systems.Missing: firmware guidelines
  90. [90]
    (PDF) DCP Write Protection on PROFINET - ResearchGate
    Dec 27, 2024 · This study aims to introduce the DCP Read-only feature to the Siemens PN Driver product, in order to prevent the inher- ent security vulnerabilities of the DCP ...
  91. [91]
    https://iebmedia.com/news/tech-updates/profinet-security-specification-updated/
  92. [92]
    [PDF] PROFINET Technology
    To unburden your development resources, PI North America member companies can provide complete development packages, ready-to-install PROFINET communication.Missing: timeline | Show results with:timeline
  93. [93]
    Next steps along the “PROFINET over TSN” roadmap
    Nov 27, 2019 · Since the PROFINET specification V2. 4 was released with integrated TSN functionality, PI (PROFIBUS and PROFINET International) has ...
  94. [94]
    Innovasic upgrades RapID Platform for PROFINET IRT
    The RapID Platform PROFINET IRT Network Interface supports PROFINET v2.3 and provides cycle times down to 250 µs. March 26, 2014 - Innovasic announces RapID ...
  95. [95]
    Ethernet-APL Technology Now Available: Standards Complete ...
    Jun 22, 2021 · Ethernet-APL is the new two-wire, intrinsically-safe physical layer suitable for use in demanding process automation applications.
  96. [96]
    OPC UA - www.profibus.com
    OPC UA is a great complementary technology to PROFINET helping with horizontal and vertical integration. Read more. Live-Demo of OPC UA. This video explains ...
  97. [97]
    Real-time communication via 5G with Profinet - Siemens press
    May 17, 2022 · Siemens enables the transmission of Profinet IO via a private 5G network, which allows data to be transmitted in real time for industrial applications.Missing: PI | Show results with:PI
  98. [98]
    Procentec's SNAP: AI-Powered Network Monitoring Revolutionizes ...
    Procentec's SNAP, using ei3's AI algorithms, accelerates network diagnostics to under two minutes, enabling real-time fault detection and cost savings.Missing: credible sources
  99. [99]
    PROFIenergy - Power Consumption Management for OT and IT
    With PROFIenergy, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) is now making its own contribution to environmental protection through the careful management of ...Missing: sustainability | Show results with:sustainability
  100. [100]
    New Record Figures for PI Technologies - www.profibus.com
    For the first time, more PROFINET devices have been installed in the field than PROFIBUS devices. New Record Figures for PI Technologies. Weber, 04/19/2024.