Product Innovation
FLEXtra PROFINET Switch Connects IT and Control Worlds with Flexible Port Assignment
The demands on the networking of industrial Plants are Increasing due to growing data volumes, intense pressure for efficiency and the obligation to meet the highest standards.
PROFINET or Gigabit Ethernet?
Whether Ethernet or PROFINET—when it comes to the optimal implementation of industrial machine networks, the question usually arises: Will PROFINET or Gigabit Ethernet be used? With the new FLEXtra PROFINET switch from Helmholz, plant manufacturers have the perfect solution. Since communication usually takes place not only at the fieldbus level with PROFINET but also at a higher level with Industrial Ethernet, both communication options are available with the FLEXtra PROFINET switch.
The user can decide which of the 16 RJ45 ports are used for PROFINET and which for Gigabit Ethernet. Additionally, the new FLEXtra PROFINET switch is suitable for even the smallest control cabinets and sub-distributors due to its vertical cable entry. PROFINET cables are routed directly from the switch into the cable duct. The design is completed by a clear LED display on the front of the switch for concise status and diagnostic information. Besides the remarkable design, the FLEXtra PROFINET switch is equipped with 100 Mbit/s and 1 Gbit/s ports, making it suitable for both PROFINET traffic and communication between control elements and machines. One of the most important functions of a PROFINET switch is the prioritization of PROFINET telegram traffic in the machine network. The managed switch can distinguish whether a telegram is a web request, FTP file transfer, media stream, or PROFINET telegram. Under high transmission loads, important telegrams can thus be prioritized to prevent data loss. This ensures clear and unambiguous segmentation between Ethernet and PROFINET.
Extended Possibilities
In addition to PROFINET, the FLEXtra PROFINET switch supports other management functions such as MRP (ring redundancy), VLAN (virtual LANs), SNMP, port mirroring, QoS/CoS mapping, SNTP, and extensive statistics. With 2 digital outputs and 4 digital inputs, as well as a detailed PROFINET EA image in the PLC, the state of the ports can be monitored and controlled. A redundant power supply and an SD card for configuration storage complete the deployment options. Using a GSDML file, the switch can be integrated into the engineering tool, simplifying setup and management of diagnostic alarms directly from the system.
New Variant in Planning
A variant of the FLEXtra PROFINET switch with 4 fiber optic ports and an unmanaged Gigabit switch in the same design is already under development. With Helmholz’s current PROFINET and Ethernet switch portfolio, the typically high demands on machine networks in times of increasing automation can be met both reliably and efficiently.
