Profinet users rely on the high quality and interoperability of devices used in their systems and machines and have come to expect this in the continual further development of required functions. Device manufacturers, on the other hand, would like to have a flexibly implementable testing system offering easy and comprehensible operation. This is why PI (Profibus and Profinet International) is continuing to develop the Profinet Tester. The latest version, 2.45.0, is now available. PI test laboratories are using it as the basis for certificate testing, and an increasing number of PI member companies are using the Tester as part of ongoing device development.
The update includes:
- Profinet Security Class 1 with automated tests for DCP read only and configurable SNMP for controllers and devices, interoperability tests for controllers and engineering tests. With this, the entire bundle (specification, certification, tools for signing GSDs and guidelines) is complete. The first Profinet devices with Security Class 1 functionality are now available.
- Virtual device tests so that urgent customer requests in the new application area of vPLCs can also be served with the quality they have come to expect.
- Automated controller tests are now also possible with the same embedded testing system used for devices. This significantly simplifies development and operation for controller manufacturers and represents a further step in more comprehensive use of the well-established testing environment.
- A host of upkeep and maintenance measures, such as support for Windows 11 & GSD V2.45 and improvements based on feedback.
- The new GSD Checker V2.45, which can open and test the GSDX container format (including signing), in addition to the latest GSD specification.
So-called innovation bundles have become established for the rapid introduction of new technologies and specific enhancements. These bundles are available on short notice and independently of the annual release cycle for certification tests. The testing of actuators in accordance with PA Profile 4, for example, which is now also a component of the official bundle, was available early on. Trial bundles, which are not permitted for certification tests, but offer manufacturers the option to conduct internal pretesting with the implemented new test cases as part of product development, are also provided on a regular basis.
All this development by different teams is being supported by an active community which is participating in prioritization and the review process, providing pilot devices for internal testing, and testing initial implementations against one another at Plugfest events. This will all continue next year, as project planning with backlog list evaluation, increment planning etc. has begun in the well-established way. Crucial and significant financing for the project is being provided through certificate fees and contributions from companies and PI.
This ongoing cooperation and innovation ensure the future viability of Profinet and strengthen the position of PI as a leading organization for industrial automation standards.
Source: Profinet
