Network and Field Bus Technology

In order to cope with the complexity of today's production plants, control tasks are distributed decentrally.

Higher-level PLCs or host computers coordinate the entire process via a bus system. Sensors, actuators and various peripheral devices are also connected to the PLC or industrial PC via a fieldbus.

In order to manage the resulting complex information flows, different hierarchy levels are formed. The exchange of information takes place within and between the individual hierarchy levels, i.e. vertically and horizontally.

Hierarchy of bus systems in an industrial automation system

Fieldbus is a generic term for various bus systems that are used in automation, production technology, buílding automation and automotive engineering. The basic function of all fieldbus systems is to transmit input and output data quickly and cyclically.

In general, all fieldbus systems work according to the master-slave principle: Sensors and actuators are connected to the control devices (e.g. a PLC) to enable fast data exchange.

In the Information level, higher-level tasks are carried out, such as data storage and data analysis, logging, etc.

Within the cell sublevel Automation, optimization, visualization are carry out.