New boost for DeviceNet
DeviceNet, the first implementation of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) on CAN, which was developed more than 15 years ago, has seen a new boost because of the rising demand for EtherNet/IP, the Ethernet based version of CIP. Within the last 2 ½ years, more than 30 new DeviceNet vendors have registered an ODVA Vendor ID. The device manufacturers realized, that it makes not always sense to set-up an industrial communication system based on Ethernet (the connection costs per node are significantly higher compared with CAN) and end customers often require a common application layer for their heterogeneous systems, grown over a long time. Both results in a higher demand for DeviceNet. An additional push results from the new, very powerful 32 bit microcontrollers, like the Cortex M3 with an integrated CAN controller, which enable the development of highly complex applications.
IXXAT Automation offers an universal protocol stack for manufactures of DeviceNet components, enabling the fast and easy development of customer specific slave devices. The DeviceNet Slave Software is available for a variety of microcontrollers with integrated CAN controller, and can be easily ported to new systems on request. At this, it does not matter if 8, 16 or 32 bit microcontrollers are used. The software is scalable, so that only the functions required for the specific application do require memory. This allows the development of application with a very low memory footprint. The DeviceNet Slave software is always tested with the current version of the of ODVA certification software, so the manufacturer’s development is always made on a solid base.
With over 15 years of experience in the development of DeviceNet devices for a variety of well-known manufacturers from all over the world, IXXAT underlines its leadership in the area of DeviceNet services. For manufacturers who enter into this new technology, IXXAT offers an in-house DeviceNet seminar. Of course, additional services, such as consulting in the concept phase, the development of hardware and software as well as the complete implementation of customer projects, are also offered by IXXAT.
