Siemens SIMATIC NET PROFIBUS, Owner'S Manual, Page: 12 / 490

PROFIBUS NETWORKS
1-2
PROFIBUS Networks SIMATIC NET
6GK1970-5CA20-0AA1 Release 2 05/2000
1.1 Local Area Networks in Manufacturing and Process Automation
1.1.1 General Introduction
Communication Systems
The performance of control systems is no longer simply determined by the
programmable logic controllers, but also to a great extent by the environment in
which they are located. Apart from plant visualization, operating and monitoring,
this also means a high-performance communication system.
Distributed Systems
Distributed automation systems are being used increasingly in manufacturing and
process automation. This means that a complex control task is divided into smaller
“handier” subtasks with distributed control systems. As a result, efficient
communication between the distributed systems is an absolute necessity. Such
structures have, for example, the following advantages:
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Independent and simultaneous startup of individual sections of plant/system
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Smaller, clearer programs
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Parallel processing by distributed automation systems
This results in the following:
– Shorter reaction times
– Reduced load on the individual processing units
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System-wide structures for handling additional diagnostic and logging functions
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Increased plant/system availability since the rest of the system can continue to
operate if a substation fails.
A comprehensive, high-performance communication system is a must for a
distributed system structure.