Page 9 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 15th February 2021

standards that provide such abilities are IEEE By supporting the creation of single networks
802.1 AS and IEEE 802.1 Qbv. that transfer all types of traffic, it is easier to
The first ensures that all devices on a network troubleshoot and identify any potential issues.
are synchronised, providing the basis for Therefore, downtime associated with maintenance
determinism. Once a shared sense of time is in or repair activities can be reduced, while overall
place across a network, IEEE 802.1 Qbv defines uptime can be increased. As a result, the entire end
‘time aware shapers’. These define specific ‘time user’s manufacturing system can become more
slots’ that are assigned to different types of network productive.
traffic, which are prioritised according to the
information carried. Better IT/OT integration
As a result, different types of data traffic can all By converging multiple types of data, TSN offers a
travel across the network in a predictable way, key way to merge OT and IT. This convergence is at
further supporting deterministic communications. the heart of data-driven smart manufacturing, as it
Ultimately, this method supports convergence of promotes innovation and collaboration by sharing
multiple traffic types and consequently the ability to and utilizing actionable information across the
combine the operational technology (OT) and entire enterprise.
information technology (IT) worlds. Consequently, by embedding TSN capabilities
What does this mean for end users, machine within their products, vendors can deliver solutions
builders and automation vendors? For one thing, with increased interoperability, along with the
simpler network architectures/machine designs. The capability for device data to be visible across the
capabilities discussed allow end users to reduce the enterprise via cloud connectivity.
number of networks required for their operations, as
they can merge different data traffic streams Embrace TSN now
together while ensuring determinism. This ability, in Companies interested in leveraging TSN to optimise
turn, allows machine builders to pass on cost their plants, machines or automation product
reductions, as less equipment and engineering work offering can rely on CC-Link IE TSN. This is the first
is required to design, configure and install network open industrial Ethernet to combine gigabit
systems. In addition, timescales for complete bandwidth with TSN capabilities to deliver a
projects are reduced. solution to simultaneously meet today’s and
tomorrow’s application needs.
Greater process transparency Device vendors can develop innovative
The convergence supported by TSN strengthens compatible products and actively shape the future
data transfer across the enterprise, allowing end of automation by supporting this new technology.
users to have greater process transparency. In This is easy to do, as the ecosystem of development
effect, transparency is all about being able to extract options available to vendors who want to offer CC-
more data from industrial processes and analyse it Link IE TSN certified products is broad and flexible.
to gather meaningful information that helps to Moreover, compatible products and solutions from
better understand factory floor operations. This leading automation vendors, such as Mitsubishi
insight can then be leveraged to optimise Electric, are already available to end users
performance, productivity, efficiency and end worldwide
product quality. eu.cc-link.org

February 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p9