ETHERNET Powerlink (EPL) is a real-time networking technology for hi-performance automation applications. It is a future proof communications platform which utilises all the strengths and benefits of standard Ethernet technologies but solves the issues of determinism. It integrates seamlessly with IT networks and utilises standard Ethernet hardware (MAC’s etc) and standard IP protocols such as TCP and UDP. Determinism is achieved by simply managing the network communications. Each controlled device transmits and receives based on a predetermined time schedule, coordinated by a single network manager node. In this way the data collisions and timing issues associated with standard Ethernet are prevented. Combining the strengths of Ethernet and real-time deterministic behaviour makes Powerlink an extremely powerful solution to motion control applications that required coordinated effort of multiple axes, I/O, sensors and other devices. |
