UNIVERSITY OF TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
NETD MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
CTRL2003 - PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC
CONTROLLERS
MR. DAVID EDWARDS
DATA COMMUNICATION ASSIGNMENT
ANDREA BUCCHAN – 101155
25th APRIL, 2025
Eight communication protocols used in the industry (Unit
7.2)
1. Modbus: A widely used serial communication protocol for transmitting
data between electronic devices. It also supports Ethernet TCP/IP
communication
2. Profibus: A fieldbus standard for automation technology, often used for
communication between controllers and field devices.
3. Ethernet/IP: A popular industrial Ethernet protocol that uses TCP/IP and
the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) for communication.
4. Device Net: A fieldbus protocol developed by the Rockwell Automation.
5. PROFINET: An Ethernet communication protocol based on industrial
Ethernet technology.
- CAN open: A communication protocol based on Controller Area
Network (CAN).
- AS-Interface (AS-i): A standardized bus system used in industrial
automation to connect sensors and actuators at the lowest field level.
- Foundation Fieldbus: Various industrial communication protocols used
for connecting field devices, such as sensors and actuators, with
control systems.
Communication Protocols Used by Two
Companies/Factories
6. Nestlé Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. (Food and Beverage) uses PROFINET
and Ethernet/IP. PROFINET supports high-speed data transfers and is
well-suited for the real-time demands of modern packaging and
processing lines. Ethernet/IP offers easy integration with Industrial
Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, enabling remote monitoring,
diagnostics, and data analytics to improve efficiency and product
quality. Each company selects protocols based on their specific
operational environments—durability and reliability for heavy industry,
and speed and integration for high-volume food production.
7. ArcelorMittal Point Lisas (Steel Plant) uses Modbus and Profibus.
Modbus is favored for its simplicity and compatibility with a wide range
of industrial devices, making it ideal for legacy systems and integration
with SCADA and HMI interfaces. Profibus, on the other hand, provides
robust and reliable real-time communication, which is essential for the
precise control of field devices such as sensors, actuators, and motors
used in steel manufacturing processes.
Definitions and Industrial Examples
Local Area Network (LAN) is a communication network that connects
computers and devices within a limited geographic area such as a building,
factory, or campus. In a manufacturing plant, all PLCs, Human Machine
Interfaces (HMIs), and SCADA terminals may be interconnected within a LAN
to enable real-time monitoring and control of the production process.
Ethernet is a family of networking technologies commonly used in LANs. It
uses a wired connection to transmit data at high speeds and is based on
standardized protocols. It is used in automated production systems, such as
an assembly line, where PLCs and sensors need reliable and high-speed
communication for synchronized operations.
The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer systems that
allows for communication and data sharing worldwide. Take for example a
maintenance engineer remotely accessing a factory’s SCADA system via the
Internet to monitor machine performance, receive alerts, and perform
troubleshooting without being physically present on-site.
References
8. https://www.iipdglobal.com/blog/list-of-communication-protocols-in-
plcs/
9. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-ethernet/
10. https://instrumentationtools.com/overview-communication-
protocols/
11. https://www.scribd.com/document/766826596/PLC-Data-
Communications-Assignment
12. https://profinews.com/2016/11/profibus-in-steel/
13. https://www.automationworld.com/products/networks/article/
13310445/ethernet-takes-control
