In the past, one of the main challenges for Ethernet to enter the fieldbus system was its inherent unpredictability. This stemmed from the use of the CSMA/CD protocol at the data link layer, which works efficiently under light traffic but becomes unreliable when the network is heavily loaded. In such cases, Ethernet devices would wait for a random period before retransmitting, causing delays that could not be tolerated in industrial control systems where real-time performance is essential. Additionally, traditional Ethernet components—like connectors, hubs, switches, and cables—were designed for office environments and lacked the durability needed for harsh industrial settings. Ethernet also had poor immunity to interference, no intrinsic safety features, and could not provide power to field instruments.
However, with technological advancements, the landscape has changed significantly. 100M Ethernet is now the standard, and 10Gigabit Ethernet is already in practical use. The development of switched Ethernet technology has largely eliminated the issue of unpredictable transmission times caused by collisions. Moreover, manufacturers are now producing Ethernet equipment specifically tailored for industrial applications, ensuring reliability and performance in demanding environments.
Ethernet also offers several advantages that make it a strong candidate for industrial communication:
1. **Widespread Support**: Ethernet is the most widely used network technology, supported by nearly all programming languages such as Java, C++, and Visual Basic. This broad support ensures a wealth of development tools and environments, making it easier to implement and maintain.
2. **Low Cost**: As the most popular network technology, Ethernet benefits from mass production and widespread adoption. This leads to lower hardware costs compared to specialized fieldbuses like Profibus or FF. With ongoing improvements in integrated circuits, these costs are expected to decrease further.
3. **High Speed**: Modern Ethernet standards, such as 100Mbps Fast Ethernet, 1Gbps Gigabit Ethernet, and even 10Gbps Ethernet, offer much higher data rates than traditional fieldbuses. This makes Ethernet well-suited for high-bandwidth applications.
4. **Rich Resources**: Ethernet has been in use for decades, giving engineers and developers extensive experience. A large amount of software and design knowledge is available, reducing both development time and training costs.
5. **Strong Development Potential**: Due to its wide application, Ethernet continues to evolve rapidly. As information technology advances, the need for fast and reliable communication networks grows, ensuring that Ethernet remains at the forefront of innovation.
By adopting Ethernet as the communication platform in industrial control systems, the fieldbus can stay aligned with mainstream computer network technologies. This integration allows for mutual development and technical sustainability, eliminating the need for separate research efforts in future upgrades. In the coming years, industrial control networks will likely follow the trend shown in Figure 4.1.
4.3-10 Connector,Mini Din To N Connector,4.3-10 To N Connector,4.3-10 Mini Din To N Conenctor
Changzhou Kingsun New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.aioconn.com