DeviceNet is a network protocol used in the automation industry to interconnect control devices for data exchange.
Typical applications include information exchange, safety devices, and large I/O control networks.
[1] DeviceNet was originally developed by American company Allen-Bradley (now owned by Rockwell Automation).
It is an application layer protocol on top of the CAN (Controller Area Network) technology, developed by Bosch.
[3] In order to promote the use of DeviceNet worldwide, Rockwell Automation has adopted the "open" concept and decided to share the technology to third-party vendors.
In addition, nodes can be easily removed and added to reduce production downtime, increase network flexibility, and decrease troubleshooting time.
[5] Upon transmitting the first packet of data, the Start of Frame bit is sent to synchronize all receivers on the network.
The CAN identifier (denoted from 0–63) and RTR bit combine to set priority, at which the data can be accessed or changed.
Due to ease of implementation and immunity to most noisy networks, CAN provides a high level of error checking and fault confinement.