Siemens SIMATIC NET PROFIBUS manual Communication Systems, Distributed Systems

PROFIBUS NETWORKS

1.1Local Area Networks in Manufacturing and Process Automation

1.1.1General Introduction

Communication Systems

The performance of control systems is no longer simply determined by the programmable logic controllers, but also to a great extent by the environment in which they are located. Apart from plant visualization, operating and monitoring, this also means a high-performance communication system.

Distributed Systems

Distributed automation systems are being used increasingly in manufacturing and process automation. This means that a complex control task is divided into smaller “handier” subtasks with distributed control systems. As a result, efficient communication between the distributed systems is an absolute necessity. Such structures have, for example, the following advantages:

SIndependent and simultaneous startup of individual sections of plant/system

SSmaller, clearer programs

SParallel processing by distributed automation systems This results in the following:

–Shorter reaction times

–Reduced load on the individual processing units

SSystem-wide structures for handling additional diagnostic and logging functions

SIncreased plant/system availability since the rest of the system can continue to operate if a substation fails.

A comprehensive, high-performance communication system is a must for a distributed system structure.

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