CC-Link and the future of industrial networks CC-Link and the future of industrial networks | HBM

CC-Link and the future of industrial networks

Since 2000 CC-Link has provided an open standard for networking devices of different manufacturers. Within just a few years the new fieldbus network has become a standard solution. HBM met with John Browett, General Manager of the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) and discussed the advantages and future of CC-Link.

HBM: Mitsubishi Electric developed CC-Link in 1996. Industrial networks were already established at that time. Why was a new standard needed?

John Browett: At the end of the 1990s users and OEMs were calling for new, open standards instead of proprietary network technologies so they could network devices of different manufacturers. The most important manufacturers of automation technology responded. But the decisive breakthrough was not achieved until Mitsubishi Electric developed CC-Link. Today the  network has become established as the standard worldwide. There are now large CC-Link networks in widely divergent sectors of industry in Asia, Europe and North America.

HBM: What can CC-Link do better?

John Browett: CC-Link is available in two versions. The CC-Link fieldbus guarantees a maximum data rate of 10 Mbit/s – regardless of which devices are networked. For users this means the greatest possible performance and productivity. In addition, if the main controller fails, a secondary controller can seamlessly assume control of the network. The programming overhead for networking still remains low. Generally, communication is even automatic. The CC-Link IE (Industrial Ethernet) further extends performance, to the world's first open Gigabit Ethernet technology for automation.

HBM: Where is CC-Link most widely used today?

John Browett: Due to its origin, CC-Link is most widely used in Asia. According to independent studies, the market share there is about 20 %. The worldwide networking of industry has also contributed to the spread of CC-Link around the globe. The  network has therefore become a key technology that enables companies like HBM to grow their business in rapidly expanding markets such as China.

HBM: Does the future belong to CC-Link?

John Browett: CC-Link already brought data transmission rates of 1 GB/s to industrial network communication some years ago. This is still unmatched. Even today, other systems offer a maximum of 100 Mbit. Of course the CC-Link Partner Association is doing its utmost to guarantee this competitive advantage in the future as well.

HBM: HBM offers its own CC-Link gateway. How would you rate its quality?

John Browett: HBM is an important partner of CLPA in Europe and is recognized for first-rate quality. That is also reflected in HBM's CC-Link gateway. Outstanding features include especially the sturdy stainless steel housing and certified compatibility with CC-Link. Just recently we started a joint campaign to make the gateway better known in the food and beverage industry. Ultimately it will assume a top position among products that meet EHEDG standards, especially in combination with HBM's hygienic load cell PW27.

CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA)

The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) is the organization of manufacturers of CC-Link-compatible products and users of CC-Link technology. It was founded in 2000. The CLPA continually develops the CC-Link specifications and promotes the worldwide use of CC-Link technology for network communication in industrial automation.