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The importance of Gigabit Ethernet and CC-Link IE certification

24th November 2017

Anna Flockett

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In the digital transformation of manufacturing high bandwidth, high speed Ethernet is becoming increasingly important as it enables data intensive applications as part of Industry 4.0 solutions, and allowing safe, high-speed control while simultaneously handing non control-related data.

Harting is highlighting the role of Gigabit Ethernet through its portfolio of high-performance connection technology, including support for CC-Link IE, the gigabit industrial Ethernet version of the CC-Link fieldbus.

The Harting range of products and solutions comprises connectors, device connection technology and network components, with a wide range of products for all types of electrical contacts. The company’s products are used across the broadest spread of different industries and sectors, including automation, machinery and robotics, as well as in transportation and energy.

“Gigabit Ethernet is becoming increasingly important in many sectors, and it’s only going to become more so,” said Matthias Fritsche, product manager for device connectivity at Harting. “Our own products have long supported gigabit Ethernet, and that fits well with the gigabit strategy of CLPA with the CC-Link IE network.”

Harting is a long-standing member of the CLPA, developing connectors and devices that are certified as offering CC-Link IE compliance. “The relationship between Harting and CLPA started in Japan,” said Fritsche. “But CC-Link IE and CC-Link technologies are also very strong across the whole of Asia, and that market is very important to us as well.”

Now Harting is seeing growing demand for Gigabit Ethernet and for CC-Link IE compliance, with increasing numbers of customers requesting CC-Link IE compatible products. “Having CC-Link IE certification gives customers the confidence that our products are ready for use in CC-Link IE networks without problems,” Fritsche commented.

As well as being one of over 3,000 members of the CLPA, Harting is also a member of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI), and Fritsche welcomes the cooperation between the CLPA and PI. “If we look at the big trends in industry such as the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0, one of the enablers for the automation community will be networks that connect without borders,” he said. “The ability to connect two technologies with one standard will be very important for us and our customers.”