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Real-time industrial networks

■ Real-time industrial networks are now the basis for almost all automated system architectures and are widely used today. Real-time networks are everywhere: on machines, in workshops, in factories, they are used for the remote operation of electric and hydraulic networks, and in embedded and home automation systems. Over several years, a number of types of network have been developed, generating a proliferation of appellations.

This survey is particularly targeted at industrial users and all those wanting clear answers concerning the possibilities of these networks, and wanting to know the corresponding standards (European and IEC) and to identify the current offer. More than a simple comparative analysis between the different networks based on certain criteria (throughput, topology, maximum distance, etc.), it is a practical guide in which basic concepts are recalled, problems explained and solutions described and assessed.

The survey deals successively with application architectures, the OSI model, problems related to data transmission timeframes, access to transmission media, data liaison and the application layer.

Lastly, the survey provides a detailed analysis of the main networks that are currently used (ASI, BACnet, Batibus, Eibus, CAN and DeviceNet, FHS, LON Profibus, P-Net, WorldFIP). For each of these networks, available products and the main suppliers are given. European and IEC standards are also studied.

A glossary and bibliography complete the survey.