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Ask the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Expert: Scheduling Assistance
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Ethernet's Penetration

Asked on May 9 2006 4:58:47:000PM

Q

When can we expect Ethernet to become the most popular fieldbus

Jim, Wilmington, DE
ARemember that there are many "fieldbuses," not just Foundation Fieldbus. Many of these are already implemented on Ethernet such as Foundation Fieldbus HSE, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet, and Modbus/TCP.

Ethernet has its limits -- it's fast and inexpensive when implemented on Cat5 or 5E unshielded twisted pair wiring, but maximum length of this wire is nominally 100m. The topology (layout) of 10/100BaseT Ethernet is also point-to-point, not multidrop. This topology often is not economical in many industrial plants with sensors and actuators all over the place. This means that a lower cost, and usually lower performance, fieldbus capable of multidrop topology is usually used at the sensor/actuator level.

Ethernet in one of its appropriate forms, is then used to connect the I/O multiplexer or controller in the field back to other equipment such as the HMI or MES in the control room. It is unlikely that Ethernet will ever replace the low-level fieldbuses such as ASi, DeviceNet, Foundation Fieldbus H1, or Profibus-PA.

Meet the expert

Richard H. Caro

CEO, CMC Associates

In addition to running CMC Associates, Dick is the Chairman of ISA SP50 and formerly of IEC (International Electrotechnical Committee) Fieldbus Standards Committees. Before joining ARC Advisory Group, Dick held the position of Senior Manager with Arthur D. Little, Inc. in Cambridge, MA, and was a founder of Autech Data Systems, and director of marketing at ModComp. In the 1970s, The Foxboro Company employed Dick in both development and marketing positions. He holds a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA. He holds the rank of Fellow of the ISA, and is a Certified Automation Professional. In 2005 Dick was named to the Process Automation Hall of Fame. He has published three books on automation networks.
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