In the industrial environment, there are more than 20 Industrial Ethernet systems that differ in technical details and are therefore incompatible. In addition, there are more than 50 fieldbus systems, which are generally also incompatible. Fieldbus systems are widely used in factories because they are considered more robust. They transmit smaller data packets than Ethernet, but are real-time capable.

Market data suggests that the future belongs to Ethernet. Industrial Ethernet is currently growing at 22 percent per year, while fieldbus systems are only growing at six percent. The reason for this is increasing networking and digitalization, which is leading to a dissolution of the automation pyramid. Previously, the different levels of the pyramid had different functions, which meant that different programs worked there, and sensor data had to move from one level to the next and back again, making factory control complicated and less agile.

With the dissolution of the automation pyramid, these levels are disappearing and everyone is talking to everyone else - ERP systems can, for example, access sensors on the machine directly and thus find out whether there could be a malfunction that could affect delivery capability. However, this is only possible if the connection technology also overcomes compartmentalized thinking.

Lapp has components for this in its portfolio. Traditionally dominated by products for fieldbus systems, customers can now find everything they need for networking with Industrial Ethernet - from cables and connectors to ready-to-install cables from the Ölflex Connect range.

The highlights include, for example, the Etherline PN Cat.6A FC with 10 Gbit/s at 500 MHz bandwidth. It is fast-connect-capable thanks to the lack of pair shielding, inner jacket and separating cross, which enables fast assembly. The Epic MH Gigabit data module, a rectangular connector with a modular design that enables the transmission of data and power, is a perfect match. Or the robust Etherline Access Switches for data distribution in harsh industrial environments.

Many cables, one jacket
Lapp is observing the market for Industrial Ethernet and has identified two trends. The first is hybrid cables, so-called single-cable solutions. These are cables that combine cables with different functions in one sheath, usually connection cables for servo drives with integrated feedback cables for querying the sensors. The company offers such hybrid cables, for example, for the Hiperface DSL motor feedback system from Sick or for Acuro-link from Hengstler.

A second trend is downsizing. Whereas two or four pairs of wires were necessary with the previous Ethernet, single-pair Ethernet allows up to one Gbit/s to be transmitted via one pair of wires. The user benefits from reduced installation effort and achieves space and cost advantages. B. Müller/as