Industrial Communication Guide

COMPONENTS AND STRUCTURE OF AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

2.5. COMMUNICATION NETWORK

This creates a so-called information loop.

Overview of the components of a communication network In order to be able to build a complete automation system from the components sensor, actuator and control computer, a communi- cation network is required that brings all of these components to- gether. The essential components of an industrial communication network are: • Application-dependent cable type • Connectors • Network topologies • Fundamental classification of transmission technologies into fieldbuses or Ethernet • Network components such as switches or decentralized I/O modules

PLC

Signal

Physical quantities

Sensor

Techn. Process

Actuator

Physical quantities

Signal

The PLC is used in many areas of application such as:

• Special machine construction (e.g. woodworking machines) • Plant automation (use of a large numbers of PLCs, e.g. assembly line in car production) • Mobile automation (e.g. agricultural machines, construction machines, ships) • Energy production (e.g. wind power plants, solar power plants) • Building automation • Stage technology

Control computer (PLC)

Communication network

Sensor

Actuator

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