Several tools exist to help with PROFINET integration on the Rheonics sensors, these tools make setting up the PROFINET connection and configuring the sensor parameters easy. They also allow for real-time sensor data monitoring, making it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Finally, they provide a secure connection for transmitting data between the sensor and other PROFINET-enabled devices.


TABLE OF CONTENTS


1. Commissioning and diagnostics tools


Commissioning and diagnostic tools enable engineers to identify potential issues in PROFINET networks, such as incorrect configuration, latency, and packet loss. They also allow engineers to check that Rheonics sensors are correctly connected and configured for optimal performance and that the sensor is fully operating in a PROFINET network.

If devices cannot be found with any of these tools contact the Rheonics Support team to check the the sensor configuration. 


1.1. PROFINET Commander


The PROFINET commander allows for easy configuration of PROFINET devices and networks without the use of PLC.  Windows PC can use it as both a PROFINET IO controller and IO supervisor.  It allows the reading and writing of device IO data, parameters, and objects related to data records. 


Figure 1. PROFINET Commander software.[1]


Steps to detect Rheonics Sensors when using PROFINET commander:

  1. Select the Network interface card.


Figure 2. Selection of NIC used in the PROFINET network. 


2. To identify the Rheonics Sensors, click on the “Browser” button to open the DCP function window and identify all devices in the PROFINET network.


Figure 3. Browse function to detect all PROFINET devices.


3. The “DCP Identify all” button will discover all PROFINET devices in the network once clicked.


Figure 4. DCP function to detect all PROFINET devices.


4. All PROFINET devices have been identified and PROFINET settings are available.


Figure 5. DCP function all PROFINET devices in the networks.


1.2. PRONETA


PRONETA is a PC-based commissioning and diagnostics tool that allows checking distributed I/Os - without a PLC. The free Basic version users get a fast, intuitive graphical user interface that offers tools for commissioning, diagnostics, and configuring their PROFINET network. 

As soon as the software is running and connected to a PROFINET network, it would detect all Rheonics Sensors with PROFINET communication in the network. It is also possible to download the GSDML files to easily access to device description.


Figure 6. Accessing device information through PRONETA Software.[2]


Steps to detect Rheonics Sensors when using PRONETA:

  1. The Settings button allows access to the PRONETA settings for network and GSDML files installation.


Figure 7. PRONETA settings.


2. Go to the “Network Adapter” tab and select the proper Network Interface card.


Figure 8. Selecting NIC on PRONETA settings.


3. Installing a PROFINET GSDML for easy integration of Rheonics devices.


Figure 9. Installation of GSDML file on PRONETA software.


4. If the GSDML is correctly installed, the following message will appear on the screen.


Figure 10. GSDML was correctly installed on the PRONETA software.


5. Click on the “Network Analysis” button.


Figure 11. Network Analysis to search for all PROFINET devices.


6. Click on the “Refresh” button to find all the PROFINET devices on the network.


Figure 12. Refresh button.


7. All online PROFINET devices can be visualized on the Graphical view.


Figure 13. PROFINET network topology as shown in PRONETA software.


1.3. Wireshark


Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer. It is used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software, and communications protocol development. Wireshark is capable of capturing traffic from a variety of networks, including Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB. It can also decode the protocols of many networking protocols and display the information in a human-readable format. Wireshark is widely used for network analysis and security auditing.


Figure 14. Wireshark trace of PROFINET network composed of Rheonics Sensors.[3]

Wireshark also provides useful data like PROFINET alarms that are helpful for system integrators to debug possible failures on the network.


Figure 15. Alarm report in a PROFINET network.

Steps to detect Rheonics Sensors when using Wireshark:


1. Open Wireshark and select the NIC (Network Interface Card) that is used for the PROFINET network.


Figure 16. Selecting the NIC to start the capture.


2. Once we select the PROFINET network card, all the packets will start showing on the Wireshark interface.


Figure 17. Packets are being received by the Wireshark software.


3. A list of the most commonly used filters for the PROFINET protocol can be found on this page.
Wireshark · Display Filter Reference: PROFINET IO. You can input a filter by using the display bar. The example below shows pn_io filter being used to capture Profinet packets.  


Figure 18. Using the pn_io filter to obtain only the PROFINET packages


2. Engineering and Programming tools 

Engineering and programming tools like Siemens TIA Portal and Codesys are useful to set Rheonics sensor configuration and build data streams and control loops. The user has access to a powerful environment to create and debug a control system. With Rheonics sensors speeding up your integration with an extensive knowledge base and GSDML files compatible with multiple software, this simplifies the integration of Rheonics products into any existing system. Users can easily configure and deploy the sensors quickly, saving time and money.

2.1. Siemens TIA Portal

Totally Integrated Automation Portal (TIA Portal) gives you unrestricted access to the complete range of digitalized automation services, from digital planning to integrated engineering and transparent operation.

Integration with PLC using TIA Portal is described in detail in the following article: PROFINET integration of Rheonics devices using TiA portal.


Figure 19. TIA Portal user interface.[4]

2.2. Codesys

Codesys is an integrated development environment for programming controller applications according to the international industrial standard IEC 61131-3. It is used to program PLCs, motion control systems, and other industrial automation devices. It includes a visual programming language, library functions, and debugging capabilities. It also offers support for many different types of hardware platforms.



Figure 20. Codesys user interface.[5]


Integration of Rheonics devices using Codesys is described in detail in the following article: PROFINET integration of Rheonics devices using Codesys.


2.3. Beckhoff TwinCAT 3

The TwinCAT software system turns almost any PC-based system into a real-time controller with multiple PLC, NC, CNC, and/or robotics runtime systems. It is easy to use and provides a cost-effective way to automate processes. TwinCAT offers advanced features such as distributed I/O systems.



Figure 21. TwinCAT 3 User interface.


Integration of Rheonics devices using Beckhoff TwinCAT 3 is described in detail in the following article: PROFINET integration of Rheonics devices using TwinCAT.


3. Integration examples developed by Rheonics

Examples of a quick integration of Rheonics Sensors with some of the most popular industrial PLC controllers and the associated software are explained in a support article that can be found here: Integration with Rheonics Sensors. 


These examples demonstrate the ease with which Rheonics Sensor can be integrated with existing controller and software solutions.  

Software tools discussed in this article are from the following vendors:

[1] PROFINET Commander 

[2] PRONETA 

[3] Wireshark · Go Deep

[4] TIA Portal  

[5] CODESYS Group 

[6] TwinCAT | Automation software