HARTING DEVELOPS NEW SWITCHING TECHNOLOGY TO BRING ETHERNET TO THE FIELD LEVEL

As a key element in its aims of creating an Ethernet communications platform for the full range of applications in converging industrial networks, HARTING has developed a new switching technology which integrates Ethernet automation protocols into the Automation IT communications platform.

The new technology, launched on the 26th November at SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2008 in Nuremberg, Germany, brings standard Ethernet to the field level, and enables time-critical automation protocols running on Ethernet to meet the requirements for real-time performance and determinism. 

The switching technology does not alter the Ethernet message, and complies with IEEE 802.3. High-priority automation messages generated by industrial automation profiles using standard Ethernet overtake messages that are not relevant to the automation systems. This technology is built into the Ethernet switches and it guarantee that the messages are delivered in time. It can be used with all IT and automation applications.

Multi-port switches support extended line topologies and star topologies, giving users the freedom to choose the best topology for their application.

By extending the concept of the Automation IT platform down to the field level, HARTING expects the new technology to have a significant influence on the use of Ethernet in industrial applications.

For more information contact;

HARTING Ltd, Brackmills Industrial Estate
Northampton Tel: +44 (0) 1604 827513 Fax: +44 (0) 1604 706777