Interconnecting field-buses through ATM

Abstract

Networks in the area of factory automation, named field buses, have been developed to fulfill real time requirements. However, they can only cover areas such as factory halls or buildings. The paper describes a model for an internetworking unit connecting field buses via ATM networks, in order to break these limits. A remote bridge is used to span longer distances between field bus components in a separated field bus. The second version of a bridge acts like a multiport bridge connecting several independent field buses. The emphasis is laid on the investigation of the quality of service requirements the transport channel provided by the ATM network has to meet. By means of the widespread field bus PROFIBUS, standardized by the German standardization office, the implications for real time applications and system behavior are considered.