Are you looking for a hospital communication protocol? Then you’ve probably already considered the comparison PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS. It’s definitely worth taking a few minutes to understand the differences between these two systems—the well-being of patients depends on it.
Those responsible for choosing communication systems know that PROFINET and PROFIBUS are the most popular standards. Both were developed by the same company to automate industrial networks, but they are far from being the same. At Advantecnia, we have taken on the task of giving them an in-depth comparison so you can make the right decision.
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What is PROFINET?
PROFINET (PROcess FIeld NETwork) is a communication protocol based on Ethernet that automates industrial processes in real time. Developed in 2004, its main advantages are its high data-transmission speed, flexibility, and easy implementation.
What is PROFIBUS?
PROFIBUS (PROcess FIeld BUS) is a classic communication standard that uses RS-485 cabling to automate industrial processes. Created in 1989, it was later expanded with new variants (DP, PA, and FMS) to meet different industry needs. It is known for its strong stability and is supported by a large user community.
Differences between PROFINET and PROFIBUS
Although we have just explained what these standards consist of, the advantages of choosing one over the other only become clear when looking at the PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS comparison.
| PROFIBUS | PROFINET | |
| Cabling | RS-485 (púrpura) | Industrial Ethernet (green) |
| Connectors | Standard DB9 or M12 | RJ45 (most common), M12 or BFOC |
| Transmission speed | 12 Mbit/s | 100 Mbit/s or 1 Gbit/s |
| Telegram size | 244 bytes | 1.440 bytes (cyclic) |
| Addressing space | 126 | Unlimited |
| Motion | 32 axes | >150 axes |
| Data exchange mechanism (controller–devices) | Master–slave (unidirectional) | Provider–consumer (flexible) |
| Vertical integration | No | Yes |
| Machine-to-machine | No | Yes |
| Number of nodes (2019) | 60 million | 32 million |
From this technical comparison of PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS, the following practical differences emerge:
- PROFINET offers a much higher transmission speed than PROFIBUS. This enables real-time communication and ensures that devices synchronize much more accurately.
- PROFINET provides more scalable integration than PROFIBUS thanks to its compatibility with Ethernet cabling. As a result, it allows us to connect systems and devices from different manufacturers on the same network.
- Regarding installation cost, and due to the Ethernet infrastructure, implementing PROFIBUS would be more economical and simpler. However, since PROFINET is a more modern protocol that builds on its predecessor’s technology, the return on investment when migrating is undeniable.
Where are they used?
PROFIBUS and PROFINET lead the industrial communication protocol sector. Although the former has been used longer, the user community investing in its successor continues to grow. In any case, both are used to automate all types of applications (hybrid, motion control, process control, etc.).
Where is PROFIBUS used?
PROFIBUS is widely used in applications that prioritize stability. This is the case for industrial sectors that must operate under adverse conditions (e.g., wastewater treatment).
Its ability to maintain reliable communication between devices is why many industries continue to rely on PROFIBUS. As a result, this standard is frequently used in energy industries and water treatment plants.
Where is PROFINET used?
When applications require maximum flexibility and speed, the PROFINET protocol is the clear favorite. It delivers optimal performance in complex and dynamic environments (e.g., robotics). For this reason, it is widely used in motion control applications and automated production lines.
When it comes to integrating numerous devices and quickly transferring large amounts of data (as happens in the healthcare sector), no other system matches PROFINET.
Which option is best for your company?
Beyond the PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS comparison, it’s clear that the ideal protocol is the one that best fits the needs of your hospital or care facility. Ask yourself the following questions before choosing one or the other:
- How much speed does your application require?
PROFINET is the most suitable for applications that need fast real-time data transmission and precise synchronization. - Does your industrial environment usually face adverse operating conditions?
Critical industrial sectors that demand greater stability work very well with a robust protocol like PROFIBUS. - Do you need a highly scalable and flexible protocol?
If your industrial processes are constantly evolving and expanding, PROFINET is the most recommended option thanks to its high adaptability. - What is your budget?
Consider installation and maintenance costs. In principle, PROFIBUS tends to be more affordable. However, PROFINET will always be a smart investment if you already have, or plan to implement, Ethernet infrastructures.
PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS: Where do you stand now?
There is one last question you should ask yourself before choosing between PROFIBUS or PROFINET: what network technology do you currently have? You may already be working with PROFIBUS and want to upgrade it (brownfield), or you may be implementing a communication protocol from scratch (greenfield).
- Brownfield installations:
You can continue adding PROFIBUS nodes or migrate to PROFINET. The latter is advisable when you either need Ethernet (progressive migration) or your hardware has become obsolete (full replacement). - Greenfield installations:
Since it is the most modern and powerful system, PROFINET is the ideal solution.
Once the results of the PROFINET vs. PROFIBUS comparison are laid out, it becomes clear how much the former outperforms the latter. As specialists in healthcare communication systems, at Advantecnia we make implementation as simple as possible. Get in contact with us to equip your hospital, care facility, or healthcare center with the technology of the future.
