Based on Ethernet, the Profinet standard integrates existing Profibus networks. The use of Ethernet-based technology facilitates plant level to corporate level connections.
Two of the certified products come from Siemens (www.siemens.com). The Simatic Net IE/PB Link provides a seamless gateway between Industrial Ethernet and Profibus networks, while the Simatic Net CP 343-1 PN Communications Processor connects the Simatic S7-300 programmable controller to Profinet.
The PKV50 Profinet Gateway, the third certified product, comes from Hilscher (www.hilscher.com), and connects the Internet/Ethernet world with the industrial environment by integrating fieldbus devices into a Profinet network. It is available with a Profibus-DP Master, DeviceNet Master or CANopen Master interface.
