Network Interfaces Ranked

A recent study by Venture Development Corporation, a Natick, Mass.-based technology market research and consulting firm, determined the top five control network interfaces in use for industrial distributed/remote I/O applications. For all DCS, PC-based and PLC product classes combined, the 2002 results were:

1. Profibus DP
2. Ethernet (10 mbps)
3. DeviceNet
4. AB Remote I/O (tied) Foundation Fieldbus H1

The projected order for 2005 is:

1. Profibus DP
2. Ethernet (10 mbps)
3. DeviceNet
4. Foundation Fieldbus H1
5. Fast Ethernet (100 mbps)

Ethernet-based connectivity is expected to contribute the most in terms of market growth over the forecasted period.