control and communications link (CC-Link)

CC-Link stands for Control and Communications Link. It is an industrial bus that is used in automation and production. CC-Link is a master- slave concept via which data and control commands can be transmitted at a relatively high data rate in simplex or duplex.

CC-Link is an open standard developed by Mitsubishi for its own production control. The protocol can therefore be used by other companies. Further developments are available to all CC-Link users.

CC-Link is available in several versions that are optimized for specific areas of application. The standard version, which is based on the RS485 industrial bus interface, offers a data rate of 10 Mbps. The maximum network extension is 1.2 km without repeaters and can be increased to 13 km with repeaters. In total, up to 64 stations can be connected to the master-slave bus. The function of the master can be transferred to other stations.

CC-Link/LT version is designed for sensor networks. CC-Link/ LT is designed to be simple so that no mistakes can be made during wiring. The data rate is 2.5 Mbit/s and the trunk length is 500 m. The refresh rate of 1.2 ms is shorter than that of the standard version. The CC-Link Safety version operates with error detection, preventing emergency shutdowns in the event of communication errors. The safety functions of CC-Link Safety are implemented in a protocol extension and are executed by the master. CC-Link IE, the IE stands for Industrial Ethernet. It is a technology for real-time Ethernet that features lower latency and much higher data rates compared to standard CC-Link. CC-Link IE is based on Gigabit Ethernet with category 5e( Cat 5e) TP cables. 254 stations can be connected and the distance between stations is 100 m.