As anyone in manufacturing can attest, the typical plant floor is comprised of devices from an array of vendors. It’s simply the real world result of the varied features available on automation products coupled with the wide-ranging preferences of those in charge of the buying decision when devices are purchased.
The problem has been in making them all these devices work together. Most all products introduced in the past decade or more have been built on an open systems concept, thereby permitting their connection with other devices in a system. However, just because they can be connected, doesn’t mean that it’s easy to do so.
为了帮助缓解这一互操作性障碍，2011年4月由Sercos International，ODVA和OPC基金会推出的机械计划 - 旨在找到对用户更容易制作互操作性的方法。
该倡议采取的第一步是专注于如何实施联合网络基础设施，其中不同的网络协议可以共存，同时还允许来自不同制造商的设备齐胜。由于以太网的身体和数据层的统一力量，机械倡议已经能够在其形成后一年内宣布其努力的第一个实际结果。
在2012年的汉诺威博览会上，机械计划宣布，因为“以太网/ IP和SERCOS III所需的基础设施包括以太网，SERCOS电报，CIP消息和TCP / IP消息的物理和数据链接层可以在网络中共存而不需要额外的情况电缆。为了保持SERCOS III的周期性和时钟通信，CIP消息和TCP / IP消息在统一通信信道（UCC）中传输。
Ultimately, this means that Sercos III devices, EtherNet/IP devices, as well as other Ethernet devices can coexist in a joint network infrastructure in a machine or system. Furthermore, existing Sercos III and EtherNet/IP specifications do not have to be modified because the communication mechanisms have already been integrated in the Sercos III transmission process.
According to the Machinery Initiative, an implementation guide that describes the planning and set-up of such multi-protocol networks should be available in late 2012, with initial prototypes to be presented at the SPS/IPC/Drives 2012 show in Nuremberg, Germany in November 2012.
In the meantime, you can learn more about the differentiating features among the various industrial Ethernet protocols by attending自动化会议, May 22-23, 2012 at the Rosemont Hilton (suburban Chicago). Representatives from SERCOS, Profinet, CC-Link, EtherCAT, Ethernet/IP, and Ethernet Powerlink will be on a panel focused on answering your questions about the unique factors that differentiate the protocols.
Also appearing at The Automation Conference is Tom Burke, president of OPC (and Machinery Initiative member), who will be providing an update on the latest machine-to-device interoperability advances.
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