What Is Time-sensitive Networking?
Time-sensitive Networking (TSN) is a collection of standards that enables deterministic communication over standard Ethernet. As defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1 standards, including 802.1AS, 802.1Qbv, and 802.1CB, TSN creates a form of network traffic management that guarantees transmissions happen within a certain latency limit. To make this possible, all TSN devices must synchronize their clocks with each other and use a common time reference to achieve real-time communications for industrial automation and control applications.
Time Synchronization
Based on the IEEE 802.1AS standard, time-sensitive networking, as the name suggests, focuses on establishing a common time reference between all TSN devices within a unified infrastructure. This synchronization forms the foundation of deterministic network communications.
Bounded Low Latency
By adopting the concept of non-negotiable time period allocation for end-to-end transmissions defined by IEEE 802.1Qbv Time-Aware Shaper, the TSN network components ensure deterministic data transmissions with ultra-low latency.
Exceptional Reliability
To implement and maintain all aspects of a deterministic networking environment, a set of components has been defined to ensure optimal reliability and security based on the IEEE 802.1CB standard.
Resource Management
TSN offers resource management and visibility tools that device providers can incorporate depending on network requirements.
TSN Is Driving Digital Transformation
Current trends in manufacturing automation and data exchange, essential components of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the larger framework of Industry 4.0, rely heavily on digitization. For manufacturers, collecting and processing real-time data from sensors and equipment on the factory floor to make informed decisions can be challenging. TSN bridges the gap between today's fragmented networks and the unified networks of tomorrow. TSN achieves this by enhancing standard Ethernet with standardized, deterministic, and high-performance networking capabilities to enable the seamless integration of various industrial Ethernet protocols into one unified network.
As a result, industrial automation ecosystem players can unlock the full potential of digital transformation, leading to more efficient, adaptive, and intelligent industrial operations.
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- Diverse protocols and standards hinder communication and integration, like a launguage barrier
- Few topologies result in limited applications
- It is hard to access data
- Higher integration and maintenance costs
- Devices from different vendors can communicate with each other using the same language
- A flexible topology allows for more new applications
- Data can be directly accessed from the cloud or the field
- Easy to maintain and can achieve plug-and-produce manufacturing
Applications
From industrial automation, to smart manufacturing, to automotive systems, TSN revolutionizes industries by enabling precise, low-latency, deterministic communication over standard Ethernet, providing enhanced performance and reliability for critical applications. Explore the many uses of TSN and how it is driving innovation and efficiency in different industries.
CNC Machines
A leading manufacturer of industrial machinery leveraged TSN technology to unify and optimize multiple applications in its CNC machinery. By integrating TSN, the network enabled seamless integration of remote I/O and machine vision cameras, ensuring precise data transmissions and reducing maintenance efforts. This upgrade helped the company achieve deterministic communication for critical machine control and enhance scalability. It furthermore improved the efficiency and potential of their advanced machinery.
Home Appliance Manufacturing
A home appliance manufacturer faced difficulties with increasing data volumes and struggled to meet performance and precision goals with their existing infrastructure. To address these challenges, they modernized their network by integrating TSN technology into their automated production line. By deploying TSN Ethernet switches, they ensured real-time, reliable, and deterministic network communication. This upgrade improved operational efficiency, reduced production times, and minimized resource use, helping the business achieve both their bottom line and sustainability goals.
Hydropower Plant
A hydropower plant aimed to upgrade its systems for greater efficiency by integrating multiple control networks. Before, the different systems ran on separate protocols, leading to high maintenance costs and complexity. By adopting TSN technology, the plant unified these networks, achieving high speeds, precise control, and advanced security. This integration enabled real-time communication, improved efficiency, and allowed quick adjustments to power output, resulting in lower costs and improved adaptability.
Modern Mass Customization
A product manufacturer aimed to unify their production, assembly lines, and logistics systems to achieve shorter production cycles and lower costs. Leveraging TSN technology, they achieved high-speed networking, precise motion control, and low-latency communication by prioritizing critical network traffic. This transformation enabled adaptive production, mass customization, and operational efficiency, fulfilling diverse market needs and enhancing their Industry 4.0 and IIoT capabilities.
How Moxa Can Help With Building TSN Networks
Our TSN switches are designed to meet the demanding needs of modern industrial networks. With advanced features that ensure deterministic communication, low latency, and high reliability, our TSN switches provide the backbone for real-time data exchange in diverse applications. Whether you are looking to upgrade your existing network or build a new one from the ground up, our TSN switches offer unparalleled performance and flexibility.
Showcases of Our TSN Switches
Simulating a Smart Factory Network with and without TSN
Real-time communication is crucial for smart factory automation as networks grow in scale and complexity. Let's see how TSN realizes deterministic communication in converged applications.
Latest TSN Demos Using IEEE 802.1CB Standard and Other Advances
Moxa showcased TSN applications with CLPA, Cognex, ELS, Fraunhofer IPT, Intel, Keysight, Mitsubishi Electric, NXP, OPTEX, port GmbH, Renesas, Sumyen Automation, and Xilinx. Together, these industry players are contributing to the comprehensive TSN ecosystem for unfied networks that are paving the way for digital transformation.
6 Real-world TSN Applications Powered by Moxa and Partners
Moxa was invited by CLPA and Mitsubishi Electric to Taipei Automation. During the event, Moxa showcased applications with CLPA, Mitsubishi Electric, Intel, port GmbH, Orisol, and Sumyen Automation, to demonstrate a unified network for different automation scenarios.
Moxa Drives TSN Development With Our Partners
Moxa is thrilled to be a contributor to Avnu Alliance's pioneering Component Certification Program, the first to certify time-sensitive networking (TSN) capabilities based on IEEE SA's 802.1 standards. As dedicated testing collaborators, Moxa helped translate these standards into test specifications and completed test cases for devices like Ethernet switches, ensuring the program's feasibility.
Moxa is one of the initial members of the OPC Foundation Field Level Communications (FLC) Steering Committee, which focuses on advancing OPC UA and TSN integration at the field level. They oversee the OPC UA TSN ecosystem, ensuring seamless connectivity from sensors to the cloud for unified automation networking.
As part of Moxa's ongoing commitment to creating innovative industrial connectivity technologies and solutions, Moxa is collaborating with other industry leaders to rigorously test TSN interoperability and ensure that the developing implementation is stable and reliable before going to market.
Explore Our TSN Resources
Featured Articles
- Taking the Proven Benefits of Time-sensitive Networking to the Real World
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- Embracing Smart Manufacturing With Futureproof Technologies: 2 Industry Experts Weigh in
- 5 Things You Should Know That TSN Can Accomplish for the IIoT and Industry 4.0
- Enabling Interoperability to Ensure the Success of TSN in Industry 4.0
- TSN—Is It Ready to Take Your Smart Factory up a Notch?
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