Efficient data communication with Single Pair Ethernet

To date, there were the clearly separate worlds of the field level and higher-level IT. In the meantime, the two areas are now merging in terms of data technology. At the core of this development is the question as to how information can be transferred from the machine level to digital systems efficiently, comprehensibly and without media gaps. This is precisely where Perinet comes in with a novel approach that is dissolving traditional boundaries.

Traditional systems are based on proprietary bus systems and gateways that utilise data at field level and only translate it to IT when required. This process causes delays, media gaps and complex integration efforts. Perinet enables direct Ethernet-based communication from sensors through to the IT‑level.

This consistency is based on Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), a technology that brings Ethernet‑communication to the most compact devices. Today, modern microcontrollers enable computing power in sensor format; SPE complements these capabilities by providing a suitable, compact network interface.

As computing power trends upwards, the tasks and role of sensor technology are changing. Information is no longer provided as raw data, but as relevant information. A sensor that previously only output voltage is now supplying information directly that is relevant to decision-making – such as the fill level of a tank, for example.

This is creating an intelligent data flow that relieves burdens on IT and reduces network loads. Sensor technology is developing into the first processing level and forms the cornerstone as IT‑technology penetrates increasingly deeper into the field level.

The automation of the future will be holistic, with automation at field level and IT complementing each other.

• Field level: Networked, intelligent sensors that pre-process, interpret and securely communicate data and automate the production process.

• IT‑level: AI, machine learning and the data-based optimisation of processes.

While machine control used to form the sole core of automation, the innovative power is increasingly shifting to the IT level, where information can be evaluated across systems and processes can be optimised dynamically.

The approach impresses with its strength demonstrated especially in brownfield systems. Instead of integrating different machine control systems which involves considerable input and effort, Perinet accesses the information directly at sensors – parallel to the existing PLC, without impacting on the ongoing operations.

In complex systems such as bottling lines, it is sufficient to read out a few specific data points to visualise throughput and rejects. Operators benefit from a minimum of installation input and effort, standardised infrastructures and risk-free retrofitting, even of decades old machines.

The merging of IT and sensor technology also places new demands on connection technology. Hybrid connectors that combine power and data in one interface are becoming the foundation for modern automation. Just as USB brought about standardisation in IT, compact hybrid solutions – for example in the Single Pair Ethernet environment – are facing similar developments in the industrial area.