Communication protocols

Ethernet/IP

Ethernet is the most widely used local area network (LAN) technology, that defines wiring and signaling standards for the physical layer of TCP/IP. Ethernet was originally standardized as IEEE 802.3 with a data transmission rate of 10 Mb/s. Newer versions of Ethernet were introduced lately to offer higher data rates. Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet support data rates of 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) respectively.

RS-232C

RS232 is a Serial Communication Standard developed by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA) and Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA).RS232 was introduced in the 1960’s and was originally known as EIA Recommended Standard 232. RS232 is one of the oldest serial communication standards with ensured simple connectivity and compatibility across different manufacturers.

RS-422

Using differential data transmission, RS-422 was able to accommodate higher data rates and longer distances compared to RS-232C. This advancement also allowed up to 10 devices to be connected to a single driver. It was short lived and replaced with RS-485.

RS-485

Following in the footsteps of RS-422, this protocol was able to achieve a multi-point network where it can have multiple devices and drivers all running at the same time. Since it is still using the same base technology, RS-485 can be used to control some RS-422 devices.

ModBus

Modbus is a serial communication protocol originally published by Modicon (now Schneider Electric) in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs).That is in 1 Master & 247 slaves.

ProfiNet

PROFINET is the world’s most advanced Industrial Ethernet solution. It is a communication protocol to exchange data between controllers and devices. Controllers can be PLCs, DCSs, or PACs. Devices can be I/O blocks, vision systems, RFID readers, drives, process instruments, proxies, or even other controllers.

Table of various communication protocols