What is PROFINET?
PROFINET is a powerful industrial communication protocol built on Industrial Ethernet, tailored for real-time data exchange in factory and process automation. As the successor to PROFIBUS, PROFINET facilitates efficient, deterministic communication between controllers (masters) and field devices (slaves), such as Turck’s multiprotocol I/O modules.
What sets PROFINET apart is its support for both cyclic process data and acyclic IT data over the same infrastructure. Flexible network topologies – including line, star, tree, and redundant ring (MRP) – make it ideal for modern industrial systems.
Designed for Reliability: PROFINET in Process Automation
Modern automation systems in all industries increasingly depend on continuous operation. Whether in manufacturing, logistics, food processing, or energy — even short downtime can lead to productivity loss, quality issues, or safety risks. That’s why redundancy is no longer just a high-end feature — it’s becoming a standard requirement. Redundant controllers and field-level devices help maintain seamless process continuity and improve overall system availability.
What is PROFINET System Redundancy?
To support high-availability needs, the PROFINET protocol introduces a graded redundancy standard. The key classifications include:
S1: No redundancy – the device connects to only one controller.
S2: Logical redundancy – the device communicates with both a primary and backup controller via one port.
R1/R2: Full hardware redundancy – devices have additional ports for communication with redundant networks or controllers.
Combining PROFINET S2 Redundancy with IO-Link
Turck’s I/O modules with PROFINET S2 redundancy support enable seamless communication with both primary and backup controllers over a single connection. This enhances system availability in process environments where downtime is not acceptable.
When combined with IO-Link, these modules allow for end-to-end digital communication with field devices such as sensors, valve islands, and I/O hubs. IO-Link simplifies installation by using standard unshielded cables for both data transmission and power supply, while also providing advanced diagnostics and parameterization capabilities.
This combination of PROFINET redundancy and IO-Link integration offers a robust, scalable solution for process automation systems that demand reliability, transparency, and reduced wiring complexity.
Considering PROFINET with System Redundancy?
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