Because the real-time protocol runs with standard OnBoard Ethernet controllers, this download offer is available worldwide as the only free complete real-time system. SYS TEC electronic, system vendor for automation solutions and member of the EPSG, have placed their POWERLINK solution under the BSD open-source license. The software package contains solutions for the managing node (Master) and for the controlled nodes (Clients) in the form of a sample implementation for the Linux operating system. The open-source implementation achieves cycle times up to 0.5 milliseconds (ms) with a high degree of synchronization. By comparison: Other true software-based solutions such as Profinet RT or Ethernet/IP can only achieve cycle times of 2 to over 10 ms. With co-processor support, POWERLINK can even achieve cycle times of 0.1 ms. The BSD license enables the software to be used, added to, modified and further developed, free of charge. The software can also be integrated in products for re-sale. When doing so, programmers do not have to provide access to modifications they made to the stack in the source code, but are not permitted to remove the copyright of the owner SYS TEC from the underlying source code. "This is like laying a foundation's corner stone", explains Anton Meindl, EPSG director. "In the foreseeable future, open source will develop into an important factor in some parts of the automation industry. Open source is already playing a significantly larger role throughout Europe, such as in France or Italy as well as in China and India." The topic of open source is still met with reluctance in German machine manufacturing. However, decision-makers will quickly discover that open-source licensed products often represent high-value and well-proven technology that are simply embedded in a different business model. "Independence from individual manufacturers, long production cycles and quick error correction are arguments that cannot be ignored." Furthermore, the market also benefits from the openness of basic technologies: "Users get far-reaching freedom for the use of their product. This openness translates to economic growth for manufacturers and service providers ", says Meindl.
Company background
The Ethernet Powerlink Standardization Group (EPSG) is an independent organization founded in 2003 by leading companies from the drive and automation industry. Its aims are the standardization and further development of POWERLINK, which was first introduced by B&R in 2001. The high-performance real-time communication system is a protocol extension of the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard, designed to ensure real-time data transfer at the microsecond level. EPSG cooperates with leading standardization organizations, such as CAN in automation (CiA) and the IEC. Anton Meindl, B&R's Business Manager for Controls, is director.
Link:
openpowerlink
