Karl Weber

Bio: Karl Weber is an academic researcher from Siemens. The author has contributed to research in topics: Ethernet & Topology (electrical circuits). The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 56 publications receiving 803 citations.

Enhancements to the time synchronization standard IEEE-1588 for a system of cascaded bridges

Abstract: The IEEE-1588 standard for a high precision time synchronization now exists since 2002. For using this standard in bridged networks a so-called boundary clock is defined, where the local clock adjustment can be modeled by a corresponding control loop. At the field level of industrial automation systems, the line topology is very important. By using Ethernet at the field level, the resulting chain of bridges leads to a cascade of control loops and may lead to instabilities and deviations of the distributed clocks, which are not acceptable. For this application a bypass clock instead of the boundary clock is proposed as an enhancement of the IEEE-1588 standard. The effectiveness of this extension to be evaluated by simulation technique.

Limits of increasing the performance of Industrial Ethernet protocols

Abstract: The evolution of industrial communication inexorably moves to Industrial Ethernet networks. One important reason for using Ethernet at the shop floor is to participate on the continuous advancements of standard Ethernet. Thus it seems to be the logical next step to change the bit rate from Fast Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet to achieve better performance. The question is, how the cycle time as a relevant performance metrics of industrial automation systems can profit from increasing the bit rate to 1 Gbps. Because of its importance for the industrial automation domain this paper focuses on line topology. The analysis is based on EtherCAT and PROFINET, which are two popular representatives of different architectures for high performance Industrial Ethernet networks.

A Proposal for a Generic Real-Time Ethernet System

Abstract: After the introduction of fieldbus technology, real-time Ethernet (RTE) systems now form the second generation of industrial communication systems (2G ICS). A lot of different approaches for RTEs appeared during the last years, most of them optimized for specific use cases or application domains. From a user's perspective, the transition from a proved fieldbus system to a RTE only makes sense, if multiple system properties are improved significantly in comparison to the state-of-the-art. In order to address such main requirements of machine builders, we introduced three building blocks as key components for a generic RTE system, these includes topology-based addressing, optimized datagram transfer, and synchronous scheduling.

HSR: Zero recovery time and low-cost redundancy for Industrial Ethernet (High availability seamless redundancy, IEC 62439-3)

Abstract: Of the numerous Industrial Ethernets specified in IEC 61158 & IEC 61784, few provide physical redundancy and none provides a redundancy method that is independent of the upper layer protocols.

A new approach for increasing the performance of the industrial Ethernet system PROFINET

Abstract: In todaypsilas realtime Ethernet systems two approaches can be differentiated regarding the organisation of the frame transmission: On the one hand there is a summation frame approach in which one frame can supply several nodes with data at the same time. On the other hand, there is the approach of providing data with individual frames for each node. The two most relevant factors influencing the performance in terms of the minimum achievable update time are the propagation delay and the frame transfer time. In this paper we introduce a new concept for reducing the minimum possible update time for individual frame based systems like PROFINET IRT. The performance evaluation compares the results of our concept with the summation frame based EtherCAT System.

The Future of Industrial Communication: Automation Networks in the Era of the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0

Abstract: With the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyberphysical system (CPS) concepts in industrial application scenarios, industrial automation is undergoing a tremendous change. This is made possible in part by recent advances in technology that allow interconnection on a wider and more fine-grained scale. The purpose of this article is to review technological trends and the impact they may have on industrial communication. We will review the impact of IoT and CPSs on industrial automation from an industry 4.0 perspective, give a survey of the current state of work on Ethernet time-sensitive networking (TSN), and shed light on the role of fifth-generation (5G) telecom networks in automation. Moreover, we will point out the need for harmonization beyond networking.

Ethernet-Based Real-Time and Industrial Communications

Abstract: Despite early attempts to use Ethernet in the industrial context, only recently has it attracted a lot of attention as a support for industrial communication. A number of vendors are offering industrial communication products based on Ethernet and TCP/IP as a means to interconnect field devices to the first level of automation. Others restrict their offer to communication between automation devices such as programmable logic controllers and provide integration means to existing fieldbuses. This paper first details the requirements that an industrial network has to fulfill. It then shows how Ethernet has been enhanced to comply with the real-time requirements in particular in the industrial context. Finally, we show how the requirements that cannot be fulfilled at layer 2 of the OSI model can be addressed in the higher layers adding functionality to existing standard protocols.

Real-Time Ethernet - Industry Prospective

Abstract: After more than ten years of experience with applications of fieldbus in automation technology, the industry has started to develop and adopt Real-Time Ethernet (RTE) solutions. There already exists now more than ten proposed solutions. International Electrotechnical Commission standards are trying to give a guideline and selection criteria based on recognized indicators for the user.

Ultra-Low Latency (ULL) Networks: The IEEE TSN and IETF DetNet Standards and Related 5G ULL Research

Abstract: Many network applications, eg, industrial control, demand ultra-low latency (ULL) However, traditional packet networks can only reduce the end-to-end latencies to the order of tens of milliseconds The IEEE 8021 time sensitive networking (TSN) standard and related research studies have sought to provide link layer support for ULL networking, while the emerging IETF deterministic networking (DetNet) standards seek to provide the complementary network layer ULL support This paper provides an up-to-date comprehensive survey of the IEEE TSN and IETF DetNet standards and the related research studies The survey of these standards and research studies is organized according to the main categories of flow concept, flow synchronization, flow management, flow control, and flow integrity ULL networking mechanisms play a critical role in the emerging fifth generation (5G) network access chain from wireless devices via access, backhaul, and core networks We survey the studies that specifically target the support of ULL in 5G networks, with the main categories of fronthaul, backhaul, and network management Throughout, we identify the pitfalls and limitations of the existing standards and research studies This survey can thus serve as a basis for the development of standards enhancements and future ULL research studies that address the identified pitfalls and limitations

System, method, and apparatus for electric power grid and network management of grid elements

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of active grid elements. Grid elements are transformed into active grid elements following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. A multiplicity of active grid elements function in the grid for supply capacity, supply and/or load curtailment as supply or capacity. Also preferably, messaging is managed through a network by a Coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.