Application of PROFINET IO in Neutron Scattering Instruments

TL;DR

This paper discusses implementing PROFINET IO in neutron scattering instruments, detailing hardware and software integration for real-time communication between PLCs and supervisory computers using Linux.

Contribution

It introduces a new hardware interface and software protocol for integrating PROFINET IO with neutron scattering instruments, enhancing communication and control capabilities.

Findings

Successful integration of PROFINET IO with neutron instruments

Development of a CompactPCI carrier board for PROFINET IO

Implementation of a custom application protocol for PLC motion control

Abstract

The control systems of all neutron scattering instruments implemented by the J\"ulich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) are based on Siemens PLC technology. Historically PROFIBUS has been used for the communication of PLCs with supervisory computers, decentral periphery systems and other PLCs. Today, PROFINET IO is the most commonly used industrial real time Ethernet system and naturally supported by Siemens PLC systems. As a consequence, all new neutron instruments of JCNS are based on PROFINET IO. For the interfacing to supervisory computers based on CompactPCI, a CompactPCI carrier board for PC/104-Plus mezzanines has been developed, allowing the transparent use of the Siemens PC/104-Plus PROFINET IO controller CP1604 in CompactPCI systems. Linux is used as the operating system for supervisory computers and the software development employs the PROFINET IO-Base-API, commonly supported by Siemens PROFINET IO controllers. On top of this API, an application protocol for the communication with PLC-based motion systems has been implemented.