Electromagnetic compatibility issues in hybrid wired and wireless industrial networks

Area of Science:

• Industrial Automation
• Networked Control Systems
• Industrial Communication

Background:

• Industrial networks are crucial for real-time systems on the shop floor.
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are key nodes in Networked Control Systems (NCS).
• Modern PLCs often feature multiple network interfaces, though typically only one is active in NCS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mutual utilization of multiple network interfaces on PLCs.
• To enhance NCS network dependability and manage node-related traffic for higher-level services.
• To assess the electromagnetic compatibility implications of using multiple interfaces.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of multi-interface utilization in industrial control systems.
• Discussion of traffic management strategies for higher-level services.
• Evaluation of electromagnetic compatibility for enhanced PLC networking.

Main Results:

• Utilizing multiple network interfaces can improve NCS dependability and traffic management.
• Profinet via wired and wireless connections serves as a practical example.
• Electromagnetic compatibility is a critical consideration for multi-interface systems.

Conclusions:

• Multi-interface utilization offers a viable strategy for robust industrial networks.
• Careful consideration of electromagnetic compatibility is essential for dependable operation.
• This approach enhances the functionality and resilience of Networked Control Systems.