CC-Link (Control & Communication Link) is the first “open technology” field network from Japan/Asia. Introduced in 2000 it enables high-speed transmission and processing of control and information data for automation control system applications. In 2007, a 1 Gb version was introduced for communications between automation controllers over fiber optic cable. Now, CC-Link IE Field networking provides 1 Gb Industrial Ethernet communications to field devices over Cat5E cable.

Approximately seven million CC-Link compatible products, manufactured by hundreds of automation equipment suppliers, have been installed. There currently are more than 1200 CLPA members (60% of that total is from outside Japan).

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) announced the release of CC-Link IE Field Network, an open, 1 gigabit (Gb) Industrial Ethernet field network that, because of its speed and flexibility, offers manufacturers improved data flow and easier implementation. In addition, automation equipment manufacturers can easily incorporate CC-Link IE compatibility into their products.

CC-Link IE Field Network, which is based on the IEEE 802.3 standard, provides the high speed data acquisition backbone for manufacturing process improvement, process and part traceability, equipment control and monitoring, and failure detection. It simultaneously transmits control data, log data, and diagnostic data at high speed. Features include:

Speed

One gigabit-per-second transmission and real-time protocol to control remote I/O field devices with essentially no transmission delay. The new network uses commercially available Cat5E cable and RJ45 connectors.

Inherent determinism without Ethernet switches

The protocol delivers deterministic control communications without needing Ethernet switches. The cost and need for developing communication statements to govern the flow of data is eliminated due to the shared memory concept of the protocol. Determinism is guaranteed through token passing.

Flexible topology

Within a single network there can be a total of 254 stations with up to 328 feet (100 m) of Cat5E cable between each station. In addition, as many as 239 networks can be interconnected for more data exchange.

Seamless Communication

CC-Link IE Field networking enables seamless communication of data from field devices to controllers and from controllers to other controllers, forming an integrated network for transmitting data at gigabit speed. An Ethernet adapter enables connection to 100 Mb Ethernet devices.

Open CC-Link networking technology is managed by the CC-Link Partner Association, which has offices in the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. Manufacturers, OEMs, and device developers interested in learning more about the ultrahigh-speed CC-Link IE Field Network, Control Network, and other CC-Link open network offerings should call Chuck Lukasik, Director of CLPA-Americas, at 847-478-2341 or email [email protected] or visit www.cclinkamerica.org.

::Design World::

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Filed Under: Ethernet — cables • hubs • switches, Networks • connectivity • fieldbuses

 

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