Harting unveils field-level universal ethernet

A switching system that allows standard ethernet to be used at the field level will be unveiled at this year's SPS/IPC/DRIVES in Nuremberg.

The Harting Technology Group will present ‘Fast Track Switching’, claimed to be the first system of its kind in the world that provides open and universal ethernet networking down to machine levels, without restrictions on the real-time behaviour of protocol managment.

For users, Fast Track Switching means more flexibility at lower costs without having to establish a new network.

"To implement Fast Track Switching, we added essential points to the functions of a standard switch. The technological core of our innovation is a type of passing lane for automation protocols," said Stefan Korf, Fast Track Switching project manager.

The system detects an automation protocol and passes it on with the highest priority before all IT protocols. The detected automation protocols are accelerated using cut-through switching, ensuring that the automation protocols overtake IT protocols.

"As a result, this is the first time it has been possible to map and form all of a company's applications with a single network. Fast Track Switching ensures a universal ethernet with the required determinism at the field level," said Korf.

Harting is using the product innovation to further expand its ICPN (industrial communication and power networks) business segment and develop the emerging market for industrial ethernet at the field level.