The CC-Link Partner Association (based in Nagoya Japan), the organization promoting the Ethernet-based integrated network CC-Link IE, has announced the completion of the specification for "CC-Link IE TSN" –a next generation network based on the current CC-Link IE. CC-Link IE TSN was developed to meet future market demands and has added Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) technology, which are additional standards related to IEEE Ethernet, to integrate Operational Technology (OT) and IT while further strengthening performance and functionality. Also, with the diversification of development methods, it has enabled flexible implementation for various types of equipment and also achieved mixed usage of information communications by utilizing Internet Protocol (IP) and control communication technology. It is expected that these will improve efficiency and reduce time for the construction of smart factories utilizing the IIoT. More details of the CC-Link IE TSN specification will be published on the CLPA Members Site.
Background of CC-Link IE TSN specification release
The CC-Link IE specification was released in 2007 as the first 1Gbps Ethernet-based open industrial network and has expanded its function and scope of application to motion and safety control after starting from general input/output control. Its features achieve a mixture of high-speed and large-capacity control communication (cyclic data) that combines with non-control communication (transient data). The two can coexist thanks to the 1Gbps bandwidth. Furthermore, it is easy to diagnose the cause of network errors. Since it is simple to build not only the system that controls and monitors a production site but also the system that collects and analyzes information on the production site, it is expected to bring benefits to a range of different industries.
On the other hand, as IIoT systems have progressed to the practical stage in recent years, market demands for utilizing a wide range of devices implementing general purpose Ethernet communication have increased. Moreover, requests for high function motion control equipment and protocol implementation for various types of equipment have increased. In order to meet these demands, we developed "CC-Link IE TSN", a network which significantly improves the performance and functions of the current CC-Link IE. Furthermore, it has increased openness through utilization of TSN technology.
Development status of CC-Link IE TSN compatible products
The detailed specification of CC-Link IE TSN will be released to CLPA partner companies through our website. Those partners who were involved in formulating specifications are considering product development and compatible products are expected to be released from 2019.
