What products are involved?

Rheonics SRV viscometer, SRD density-viscosity meter, DVP gas density-viscosity meter and DVM HPHT density-viscosity meter 

What is the purpose of this article?

This article describes the differences between PROFIBUS and PROFINET, and how Rheonics inline viscometers can be integrated into a customer’s process using these protocols.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 1. Overview
• 2. PROFIBUS and PROFINET Technical Comparison
• 3. Why PROFINET is Ideal for Modern Inline Viscometer Applications
  • 3.1 Leveraging Ethernet Technology
  • 3.2 Full-Duplex Communication
  • 3.3 Flexible Topologies for Scalability and Redundancy
• 4. When to Choose PROFIBUS for Your Inline Viscometer
• 5. References

1. Overview

Rheonics inline viscometers deliver fluid intelligence and precise process control across various industrial applications. Equipped with Sensor Module Electronics (SME), Rheonics sensors support seamless communication with major industrial protocols, including PROFIBUS and PROFINET; two industrial communication protocols widely used in automation systems. Both were developed and are maintained by the same organization: PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI). 

Figure 1. PI International

2. PROFIBUS and PROFINET Technical Comparison

The decision between PROFIBUS and PROFINET impacts not only system architecture and performance but also hardware compatibility, determining which sensors, actuators, or devices can be efficiently integrated in a process. Table 1 outlines the key technical differences between these two protocols.

Table 1: PROFIBUS vs PROFINET

*Not in the specification, but there are solutions available

3. Why PROFINET is Ideal for Modern Inline Viscometer Applications

3.1 Leveraging Ethernet Technology

PROFINET's major advantage for inline viscometer systems lies in its foundation on standard Ethernet. It continuously benefits from advancements in Ethernet technology:

• Higher bandwidth capabilities
• Enhanced data packet handling (up to 1440 bytes cyclically)
• Practically unlimited connectivity for devices. Adding more devices to the network is as easy as adding an Ethernet switch

Figure 2. PROFINET Network. Image Sourced from RealPars.

Originally introduced with 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, PROFINET today effortlessly supports Gigabit and even higher Ethernet speeds thanks to Ethernet evolution.

3.2 Full-Duplex Communication

Unlike PROFIBUS’s half-duplex master/slave approach, PROFINET’s full-duplex provider/consumer communication significantly reduces latency. This is great for processes requiring fast and reliable data transmission.

3.3 Flexible Topologies for Scalability and Redundancy

PROFINET supports diverse network topologies, including star, ring, and tree configurations, providing inline viscometer installations with:

• Superior redundancy
• Easy scalability
• Increased adaptability to evolving industrial environments

Figure 3. Rheonics SME in a Star Topology Ethernet Network

To learn more about integrating Rheonics inline viscometer systems with PROFINET, read our article: Taking the PROFINET road with Rheonics SME.

4. When to Choose PROFIBUS for Your Inline Viscometer

While PROFINET offers clear advantages for new projects, PROFIBUS remains relevant for applications that involve maintaining or integrating a device to legacy systems. Rheonics' sensors can be integrated into a PROFIBUS network using a gateway.

Figure 4 shows a Rheonics SME communicating via PROFIBUS to a customer's PLC using a PROFIBUS Gateway.

Figure 4. Modbus TCP - PROFIBUS Gateway

Contact Rheonics Support to know more on how to integrate Rheonics Inline Viscometers to your process using PROFIBUS.

5. References

1. "The Difference between PROFIBUS and PROFINET," PI North America, Jun. 10, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://us.profinet.com/the-difference-between-profibus-and-profinet/. [Accessed: Mar. 31, 2025].
2. J. Wilson, "What is the difference between PROFIBUS and PROFINET?," RealPars, Nov. 19, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://realpars.com/profibus-vs-profinet/. [Accessed: Apr. 2, 2025].
3. "PROFIBUS Fundamentals," Rheonics Support. [Online]. Available: https://support.rheonics.com/en/support/solutions/articles/81000417048-profibus-fundamentals. [Accessed: Mar. 31, 2025].
4. "PROFINET Fundamentals," Rheonics Support. [Online]. Available: https://support.rheonics.com/en/support/solutions/articles/81000410678-profinet-fundamentals. [Accessed: Mar. 31, 2025].
5. "PROFIBUS Integration of Rheonics Devices using TIA Portal," Rheonics Support. [Online]. Available: https://support.rheonics.com/en/support/solutions/articles/81000416425-profibus-integration-of-rheonics-devices-using-tia-portal. [Accessed: Mar. 31, 2025].