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High-speed sensor network gets the go-ahead

01 September, 2006

High-speed sensor network gets the go-ahead

ODVA`s technical review board has approved the first edition of the specification of CompoNet — its new bit-level network for controlling small, high-speed machines with large numbers of sensors and actuators. It will join the other networks in the CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) family — DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet/IP and CIP Safety.

"CompoNet will provide users with a network that is easy to configure and maintain, with comprehensive built-in error detection functions," says ODVA executive director, Katherine Voss.

The media-independent network is optimised to send and receive bit- and byte-sized data rapidly to and from simple sensors and actuators. It uses an advanced physical layer designed to minimise signal degradation and delays, while providing a choice of data rates from 4-93.75 kb/s, and network lengths up to 1.5km, using repeaters.

The next step will be the release of a conformance test for CompoNet devices. The first tested devices are expected to go on sale later this year.