EtherCAT-enabled next generation Baggage Handling Systems

Abstract

Communication networks are essentially the backbone of industrial automation systems such as Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) and are experiencing technological transition from traditional fieldbus to Real-time Ethernet (RTE). EtherCAT is evolving into one of the fastest RTE protocols due to its unique "processing on-the-fly" characteristic. This paper presents how EtherCAT can be the key technology for the innovative next generation BHS. Network performance indices such as communication delay and cycle time are analyzed and discussed in comparison with fieldbus to illustrate the applicability of EtherCAT in BHS. A case study of baggage handling application is given to demonstrate the advantages of EtherCAT-based architecture.

Network delay analysis of EtherCAT and PROFINET IRT protocols

“…T n s can be estimated using formula given in [18]. Cable delay T n c can be estimated to 5 ns per meter along Ethernet cable.…”

“…The time taken to complete a scan cycle for EtherCAT equals to the summation of frame transmission time and ring latency [18]. The minimum achievable cycle time for EtherCAT communication can be estimated as:…”

Towards an IIoT-Based Architecture for Baggage Handling Systems

“…Real-time communication protocols are therefore preferred to form the device-level network. Currently, fieldbus protocols are dominating in the low-level network of the BHS [19]. Industrial Ethernet protocols, for example PROFINET IO, EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, etc., are suitable candidates to form the IIoT backbone in the field level [20], [21] due to the baudrate and other advantages over the existing fieldbus technologies.…”

Performance evaluation using Markov model for a novel approach in Ethernet based embedded networked control communication

“…Modern wired, high speed Ethernet based systems (Profinet [5], [6], EtherCAT [7], [8] and Avionics Full Duplex Switched Ethernet (AFDX) [9]) have been very desirable due to the high data bandwidth of up to 1 GB/s and its reliability when operated as a switched, full-duplex network. However, such configuration can be for vehicular producers disadvantageous due to the increased weight of a four wire (two twisted pair) configuration and the added need for specific switches to create such network.…”