What is the difference between PROFINET and PROFINET RT?

1, PROFINET Overview
PROFINET is a standard Ethernet technology that enables real-time data transmission and synchronous control in industrial automation environments by introducing specific protocols and services. It supports multiple communication methods, including TCP/IP, UDP, RTPS, etc., to meet the needs of different application scenarios. PROFINET not only provides efficient and reliable data transmission capabilities, but also has a rich set of features such as device integration, configuration, management, and maintenance, making the entire system easier to deploy and maintain.
The main characteristics of PROFINET technology are its efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. It can meet the extremely high real-time data transmission requirements in industrial automation environments, by optimizing network protocols and transmission strategies, achieving data transmission and processing in milliseconds. In addition, PROFINET also has strong security and reliability, adopting various security technologies including encryption, authentication, access control, etc. to ensure the security of data transmission process.
2, PROFINET RT Detailed Explanation
PROFINET RT is a key component of the PROFINET standard, focusing on meeting the real-time requirements for data exchange between sensors (remote IO devices) and actuator devices. Compared to standard PROFINET, PROFINET RT has stricter requirements and optimized performance in terms of real-time performance.
Real time requirements:
The response time of PROFINET RT is typically within the range of 1-10 milliseconds (ms), which is crucial for application scenarios that require fast response and precise control. For example, in factory automation, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) needs to read sensor data in real time and control the actions of actuators to achieve precise control of the production process. PROFINET RT ensures the satisfaction of real-time requirements by optimizing communication protocols and transmission strategies.
Communication mechanism:
PROFINET RT uses optimized real-time communication data, and the communication process does not occupy processor resources, thereby improving the overall performance and efficiency of the system. This communication mechanism enables PROFINET RT to reduce system complexity and cost while ensuring real-time performance.
Application scenarios:
PROFINET RT is widely used in industrial automation scenarios that require real-time data exchange and precise control. For example, in the material handling, assembly, and inspection processes on the production line, PROFINET RT can ensure fast response and precise synchronization between sensors and actuators, thereby improving production efficiency and product quality.
3, The difference between PROFINET and PROFINET RT
Real time performance:
The most significant difference lies in the requirement for real-time performance. PROFINET, as a universal industrial automation communication standard, typically has a response time of around 100 milliseconds (ms), which is sufficient for most factory control level applications. PROFINET RT focuses on meeting higher real-time requirements, with response times typically ranging from 1-10 milliseconds (ms), making it suitable for applications that require fast response and precise control.
Communication protocol:
PROFINET supports multiple communication methods, including TCP/IP, UDP, RTPS, etc., to meet the needs of different application scenarios. PROFINET RT, on the other hand, focuses more on optimizing real-time communication by introducing specific real-time communication protocols and services to ensure that data is transmitted and processed within milliseconds.
Application scenarios:
PROFINET has a wide range of application scenarios, including factory automation, process control, robot control, etc. PROFINET RT, on the other hand, focuses more on meeting real-time requirements in specific application scenarios, such as material handling, assembly, and inspection on production lines.
System cost:
Although PROFINET RT has significant advantages in real-time performance, its system cost may be relatively high. This is because PROFINET RT requires the use of more advanced communication technologies and equipment to meet real-time requirements, thereby increasing the complexity and cost of the system. However, for application scenarios that require high precision and real-time control, this cost increase is worth it.
4, Extension of PROFINET RT: PROFINET IRT
In addition to PROFINET RT, PROFINET also provides a higher-level real-time communication solution - PROFINET IRT (Isochronous Real Time). PROFINET IRT focuses on meeting the highest real-time communication requirements in field level communication applications, such as Motion Control. By adopting unique synchronous real-time technology, PROFINET IRT can achieve a response time of less than 1 millisecond (ms) and a jitter error of less than 1 microsecond (μ s) with 100 nodes, thus meeting the high-speed communication requirements of motion control.
PROFINET IRT is isolated from ordinary PROFINET and PROFINET RT on the data transmission channel, and does not use TCP/IP protocol to transmit real-time data, but instead uses specially designed real-time communication protocols and services. This isolation ensures that PROFINET IRT can meet the strictest real-time requirements and provide higher system stability and reliability.