Profinet `could cut automation costs by 15%`

Profinet - the technology that links Profibus and Ethernet systems - made its public debut at the Hanover Fair with a collaborative demonstration on the Profibus User Organisation (PNO) stand.

PNO claims that Profinet will cut engineering costs in distributed automation systems by around 15%. In the past, it argues, considerable effort has been needed to configure autonomous production islands. But Profinet can ease the burden by exploiting the growing number of intelligent field devices with PLC-like functions. Further savings arise from the adoption of open IT standards and re-usable object models, PNO contends.

The organisation also announced that RJ45 connectors will be used for IP20 versions of Profinet. Plug-in connectors for IP65 applications will be chosen later this year.

Away from the PNO stand, Siemens announced the availability of several products to support Profinet. These include a vendor-independent software tool that links distributed applications to form an integrated automation system. The tool, called Simatic iMap, will allow Profinet components from any supplier to be interconnected graphically on a PC screen.

Other Profinet-supporting products from Siemens include: a PC-based controller with a software PLC; a Profibus-Ethernet link; visualisation software for Profinet applications; an Ethernet communications processor to link S7-300 controllers to Profinet; and an OPC server for accessing data from Profinet devices for PC applications.