CC-link

CC-Link (Control & Communication Link) is a fieldbus network system designed for high-speed, deterministic communication between industrial devices. It was developed by Mitsubishi Electric and is widely used in Asia and other parts of the world for factory automation and process control. Here are some key points about CC-Link:

  1. High-Speed Communication: CC-Link supports high-speed data transfer, making it suitable for applications requiring fast and real-time data exchange.
  2. Deterministic Communication: It provides deterministic communication, ensuring data is transmitted at precise intervals, which is critical for controlling industrial processes.
  3. Network Types:
    • CC-Link: The original version for general-purpose industrial automation.
    • CC-Link/LT: A version optimized for sensor-level networks with lower data rates.
    • CC-Link Safety: A variant designed for safety-related communications, ensuring reliable data transfer for safety-critical applications.
    • CC-Link IE: The industrial Ethernet version, offering higher speeds and greater integration with IT systems.
  4. Topology: CC-Link supports various network topologies, including bus, star, and ring configurations, providing flexibility in network design.
  5. Integration with Other Systems: CC-Link networks can integrate with other industrial networks and systems, allowing seamless communication and control across different platforms.
  6. Device Compatibility: A wide range of devices, including PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces), sensors, and actuators, are compatible with CC-Link, facilitating the creation of comprehensive automation solutions.
  7. Global Adoption: While CC-Link is particularly popular in Asia, it is also used globally and supported by various international standards and organizations.

CC-Link is an essential component in modern industrial control systems, enabling efficient and reliable communication between devices and systems.

Does cc-link use a master bus controller?

Yes, CC-Link networks typically use a master-slave configuration, which includes a master bus controller. Here’s how it works:

  1. Master Bus Controller: In a CC-Link network, the master device (often a PLC or another control device) acts as the bus controller. This master device manages the communication on the network, initiating data exchanges and controlling the timing of data transfers.
  2. Slave Devices: The slave devices (e.g., sensors, actuators, drives) respond to the master’s commands. They can send data back to the master when requested but do not initiate communication on their own.
  3. Network Coordination: The master controller coordinates the network communication, ensuring that all devices operate in a synchronized manner. This is crucial for deterministic communication, where precise timing and predictable data exchange are required.
  4. Polling Mechanism: The master controller typically uses a polling mechanism to communicate with each slave device in turn. This ensures that all devices have an opportunity to send and receive data in a controlled sequence.
  5. Configuration and Control: The master bus controller is responsible for configuring the network, setting communication parameters, and managing error handling and diagnostics.

In summary, the master bus controller in a CC-Link network is essential for managing and coordinating communication between the various devices, ensuring reliable and timely data exchange in industrial control applications.