Enabling CC-Link IE communication using general-purpose 100Mbps Ethernet

Jan. 10, 2017
The CC-Link Partner Association, working to expand the adoption of the industrial open network CC-Link IE, has announced the launch of CC-Link IE Field Basic.

The CC-Link Partner Association, working to expand the adoption of the industrial open network CC-Link IE, has announced the launch of CC-Link IE Field Basic. This is an open field network using general-purpose 100Mbps Ethernet communication and is a new network mode in the CC-Link IE Ethernet-based integrated network lineup. Specifications enabling communication compatibility with software alone lower the threshold for control device networks and thus make it easier to realize transparent and high-efficiency production facilities.
■ CC-Link IE Field Basic Development History

CC-Link IE is an industrial open network using standard Ethernet technology. A key feature is the wide 1Gbps bandwidth unseen in other industrial networks. This exceptional bandwidth allows the simultaneous handling of process operation data (I/O updates, etc.) along with practically unlimited levels of asynchronous communication, such as production and operational performance data. These are known as “cyclic” and “transient” traffic with CC-Link IE and allow systems to maintain performance even under demanding application conditions. CC-Link IE consists of CC-Link IE Control network as a trunk network for inter-controller communication and CC-Link IE Field network for connecting controllers to field devices.

These features have led to the adoption of CC-Link IE not only in Asia but all over the world; however, as attention increasingly focuses on the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), low-end devices and small-scale equipment, conventionally on the fringe of networks, are now in need of connectivity as never before. Rather than high speed, these production sites demand excellent cost-performance and easily implemented networks.

The CC-Link Partner Association has released the CC-Link IE Field Basic specification as a solution that offers easier network compatibility while maintaining mutual connectivity with CC-Link IE.

■ CC-Link IE Field Basic Features

1) Implementation with general purpose Ethernet devices
CC-Link IE Field Basic achieves the cyclic communication required for device control with software at the network protocol application layer. General purpose Ethernet compatible devices can support CC-Link IE Field Basic through software implementation alone. Transient communication leverages the benefits of Ethernet TCP/IP to make the CLPA’s Seamless Message Protocol (SLMP) available. Moreover, other Ethernet applications such as HTTP and FTP can be simultaneously implemented and used together.

2) Inherits CC-Link IE features such as network transparency


Functions provided by CC-Link IE allow production site visualization, such as linking production site devices and host IT systems, are inherited by CC-Link IE Field Basic. Devices which could not previously be connected to CC-Link IE can now be integrated and managed.

3) CC-Link IE Field Basic compatible slave devices can be developed quickly at low cost
Vendor development is quick, as only software implementation is required for CC-Link IE Field Basic compatible devices. Devices compatible with other protocols can share hardware, promoting lower costs. Furthermore, not only PLCs but also general-purpose computers can be used as master devices.

■ Upcoming Schedule

CC-Link IE Field Basic has already received support from Balluff, CKD, Hilscher, IDEC, Mitsubishi Electric, Molex, Phoenix Contact, Renesas Electronics and more.

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) would like to support and encourage vendor development; therefore the CLPA is launching a conformance testing campaign. Vendors who declare their intention to develop a CC-Link IE Field Basic compatible product by July 31, 2017 may receive an official CLPA conformance test certificate free of charge!

For more information, click here

Sponsored Recommendations

Shorten project timelines with these hidden-gem Ignition efficiency tips for designing HMIs, provided by Inductive Automation Sales Engineer Reese Tyson.
Get ready for that “where has this been all my life?” moment—over 25 hidden Ignition features await in our webinar. Our experts show how to boost your productivity and streamline...
Advanced software solutions, like those built in the Ignition platform from Inductive Automation, can provide a crucial means to navigating electrical grid challenges.
Unlock seamless data flow across your manufacturing sites with MQTT and Ignition—turn siloed operations into a connected, data-driven enterprise. Discover how standardization,...