Softing’s Latest smartLink Devices, Now With PROFINET Network Access

Softing Industrial has added new smartLink products to its catalog, including the smartLink HW-PN and SW-PN. These two products allow access to PROFINET networks, enabling improved communication between operational technology (OT) and informational technology (IT). They can be used for everything from device health monitoring to data processing and device configuration. 

 

Softing’s newest products in its smartLink family gives users access to PROFINET networks. Image used courtesy of Softing Industrial  

 

What Is PROFINET?

PROFINET is an industrial protocol that supports real-time data exchange between sensors, controllers, computers, and other devices found in industrial networks. It can be configured in complex manners to support the most efficient flow of data between devices. The ability to handle complex system configurations means PROFINET can be scaled up quickly with the proper system design. 

Before PROFINET, there was PROFIBUS, which is still used on legacy devices. PROFIBUS is slower and does not allow for the complexity of system design that PROFINET does. Even so, plenty of devices still use PROFIBUS, and numerous industrial applications do not require the complexity or speed that PROFINET provides, meaning PROFIBUS will still be used in the future. 

The smartLink HW-PN is a hardware gateway that enables users to connect to PROFINET networks. Image used courtesy of Softing Industrial

 

The smartLink Product Family

The smartLink HW-PN and the smartLink SW-PN are the hardware device and software module for connecting devices using PROFINET. The difference is that the smartLink HW-PN is a physical device with a processor and ports, while the smartLink SW-PN is a software module that can be installed on existing hardware already connected to the PROFINET system.

The smartLink HW-PN contains an Altera Cyclone V SoC with a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor. It has two built-in Ethernet ports for connecting to PROFINET devices and can be configured in a line or ring-type structure. This installation is transparent to the existing automation system, meaning the device acts as a passthrough, not affecting operation at all. However, it collects data for use later. The transparency allows for a quick installation with little downtime. 

 

The smartLink SW-PN is a software module that enables users to connect to PROFINET networks. Image used courtesy of Softing Industrial

 

PROFINET Network Access

The smartLink SW-PN is the software-only version designed for implementation on existing hardware. Once again, it is transparent to the system and can be integrated quickly. Softing offers a trial with one device so that end users can see the advantages for themselves before committing to a large purchase.  

The hardware and software smartLink devices provide a secure way to collect, manage, and track data without drastically reconfiguring the automation system. For those looking at Industry 4.0 technologies, this is a good way to begin that transition.

 

The Future With PROFINET-enabled Devices

While PROFIBUS begins its fade into the sunset, PROFINET is here to stay for many years to come. As such, any controller that can communicate via both protocols will not become obsolete as PROFIBUS equipment is slowly replaced. Because of this and the other advantages of the smartLink products, they will be a good investment for automation projects in virtually any manufacturing or industrial environment.