Robo/TSN
Robo/TSN
Virtualized Industrial Networks
Robo/TSN Virtualizing Industrial Networks
Artificial Intelligence algorithms and machine vision with high-resolutions and fast frame-rates continue to drive towards higher bandwidth demands in real-time industrial network. At the same time lines between IT and OT start to blur as modern datacenter hardware can reduce TCO for OT equipment, significantly.
Under the working title “Robo/TSN”, MLE and partners have developed network virtualization technology for multi-Gigabit TSN (Time Sensitive Networking). Solutions are based on open standards and include access points and SmartNICs which scales to 100 Gbps, and more. Use cases are:
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- Connect high speed sensors in the field with AI engines in edge cloud data centers.
- Tunnel multiple protocols such as PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, GMSL, field buses like Ethercat or Profinet via virtual connections over high-speed TSN.
- Virtualize PLCs to run on datacenter infrastructure with advantages like virtualization, containerization, redundancy, backup organization etc. and without any compromises concerning real-time and high-speed requirements.
- Use all advantages imaginable by having a high speed time sensitive network through the whole production plant.
Robo/TSN for Industrial Network with Multi-Gigabit Ethernet & Multi Protocols
AI and videos need high data rates and are breaking industrial networking. In industrial environments and control technology, real time requirements are common practice. Since camera technology, image recognition or AI become more and more usual, hard real time requirements combine with extremely high data rates. Sensors provide up to 25 Gbps data which has to be transferred, processed and evaluated real time with reliable low latency.
MLE’s backbone-oriented approach allows it to tunnel modern multi-Gig sensor data (GigEVision, PCIe, MIPI CSI-2, GMSL, …) as well as industrial protocols like Ethercat or Profinet. Robo/TSN builds on patented and patent pending technology from MLE (US Patent Nos. 9,209,828 10,708,199 10,848,442 11,356,388 11,695,708, other Patents Pending).
Features and Benefits
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- Bridging/ Tunneling of several protocols like PCIe, Ethercat, Profinet, Ethernet, CAN, etc.
- Scalable from 1 to 100 Gbps
- Precision time synchronization with IEEE TSN or IEEE 1588 v2 (CERN White Rabbit)
- Hardware accelerated deterministic transport with Ultra Low Latency (RTT < 600 ns)
- Reliable transports via TCP/IP and/or Quad-RP/IP
- Optional security features MACsec, IPSec, TLS
Real-time Compliance
Time Sync IEEE 802.1AS (IEEE 1588 profile)
- Bounded Low Latency
- IEEE 802.1Qav Credit Based Traffic Shaper
- IEEE 802.1Qbu / 802.3br Preemption
- IEEE 802.1Qbv Scheduled Traffic
- IEEE 802.1Qcr Async Traffic Shaping
- Reliability: IEEE 802.1Qca Path Control
- IEEE 802.1CB Frame Replication & Elim.
- Dedicated Resources & API
- IEEE 802.1Qcc TSN Configuration
- IEEE 802.1Qat Stream Reservation
- IEEE 802.1CS Link-Local Reservation
Robo/TSN Module for Industrial Network
- Linux device drivers (GPL sources)
- Application-specific expert design service
- Appliance implementation
- License for ASIC/ FPGA Full System Stack
- Pre-configured SmartNIC PCIe-Card, ready-to-run
Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute
Founded in 1949, the German Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft undertakes applied research of direct utility to private and public enterprise and of wide benefit to society. With a workforce of over 23,000, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe’s biggest organization for applied research, and currently operates a total of 67 institutes and research units. The organization’s core task is to carry out research of practical utility in close cooperation with its customers from industry and the public sector.
Fraunhofer HHI was founded in 1928 as “Heinrich-Hertz-Institut für Schwingungs- forschung“ and joined in 2003 the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft as the “Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich-Hertz-Institut„. Today it is the leading research institute for networking and telecommunications technology, “Driving the Gigabit Society” .
Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems
Fraunhofer IPMS is a worldwide leader in research and development services for electronic and photonic microsystems in the fields of Smart Industrial Solutions, Medical & Health applications and Improved Quality of Life. Innovative products can be found in all large markets – such as ICT, consumer products, automobile technology, semiconductor technology, measurement and medical technology – products which are based upon various technology developed at Fraunhofer IPMS.