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Industrial network CC-Link

NZ2FT.pdf CC-Link IE Field Network Basic.pdf

CC-Link (Control & Communication Link) is an open industrial fieldbus developed by Mitsubishi Electric in 1996 for automation at the machine, cell, and line levels. Managed by the CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA), it delivers high-speed data transfer, determinism, and compatibility with devices from over 300 manufacturers (more than 1,800 certified products). CC-Link has evolved into a network family: classic CC-Link, CC-Link/LT (for small systems), CC-Link IE (Ethernet-based, 1 Gbps), and CC-Link IE TSN (with Time-Sensitive Networking for Industry 4.0). It supports simultaneous transmission of bit-level (ON/OFF) and word-level data, IoT integration, motion control, and safety functions.


Key Features

  • Speed & Performance: Classic CC-Link — up to 10 Mbps; CC-Link IE — 1 Gbps; CC-Link IE TSN — real-time with minimal latency (down to 0.1 ms), supports big data for analytics.

  • Topology: Line, star, ring, mixed; max distance — up to 100 m (copper) or 550 m (fiber for IE).

  • Protocols: SLMP (Seamless Message Protocol) for seamless IT-level communication; supports Modbus, OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP (via multi-modules).

  • Integration: Compatible with MELSEC PLCs (iQ-R, Q, FX), GOT2000 HMI, MR-J5 servos, A800/E800 inverters; multi-CPU for PLC + motion + safety.

  • Environmental Durability: Operating temperature 0…55 °C, vibration 5.3 m/s², shock 300 m/s²; standards: IEC 61158/61784, ISO 15745-5, JIS, KS, GB, RoHS, CE, UL.

  • Security: CC-Link Safety (SIL3), built-in firewall, 32-character password, IEC 62443-4-2 (cybersecurity).


CC-Link Network Variants

  • CC-Link: speed 156 kbps – 10 Mbps, application — basic fieldbus for I/O, sensors, nodes — up to 64.

  • CC-Link/LT: speed 2.56 Mbps, application — small networks (sensors, actuators), nodes — up to 64.

  • CC-Link IE: speed 1 Gbps, application — controller level, motion control, nodes — up to 100.

  • CC-Link IE TSN: speed 1 Gbps with TSN, application — Industry 4.0, real-time, IoT, nodes — up to 64.

  • CC-Link IE Field: speed 100 Mbps, application — field level, Ethernet integration, nodes — up to 100.



Advantages of CC-Link Network

  • High Speed & Determinism: 1 Gbps with TSN — minimal latency, guaranteed punctuality (cyclic transmission isolated from messages).

  • Flexibility: Open architecture, multi-network (AS-i to Ethernet), scalable from field to enterprise.

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Reduced wiring, fast ROI, free development tools (LSI CP520, PC drivers).

  • Compatibility: Programs transferable between versions; integration with Mitsubishi (PLC, HMI, servo) and third-party (Cisco, Cognex).

  • Reliability: MTBF >1 million hours, error visualization via software/GOT, redundancy.

  • IoT-Ready: SLMP for seamless IT/OT, VNC, web server, big data analytics support.

  • Global Standard: CLPA certification, over 13 million installed nodes, focus on Industry 4.0 (e-F@ctory).


Software and Getting Started

  • Tools: GX Works3 / MELSOFT Navigator — software for configuration, diagnostics, simulation; CC-Link Engineering Software for visualization.