Advancing digitalization in automation technology has experienced a significant innovation with the virtualization of programmable logic controllers (PLCs). The experts of the PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) community have been intensively engaged with this dynamic field to provide sufficient support through standardized and certified industrial communication solutions. The goal is to enable seamless PROFINET communication between virtualized PLCs and physical devices based on a virtual network infrastructure, including virtual switches and LANs. The aspect of functional safety as a foundational element is always included here.
The established PROFIsafe protocol for safety communication, which plays an essential role in many automation systems, has received a letter of conformance from the TÜV Süd confirming its effectiveness in virtual space. This recognition affirms the robustness and reliability of the PROFIsafe approach. Thanks to this confirmation, it is now possible to design and operate systems and machines using tried-and-tested PROFINET and PROFIsafe devices in conjunction with virtual PLCs.
The PI community is continuing its work to define additional relevant areas like the PROFINET certification of virtual PLCs (vPLCs). In this way, PI technologies demonstrate their future viability and adaptability to new technological challenges.