Siemens SIMATIC NET PROFIBUS User Manual

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PROFIBUS Networks SIMATIC NET

6GK1970-5CA20-0AA1 Release 2 05/2000

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 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.