PROFINET Conformance Classes


In this article, we will cover conformance classes, as they fit into the mandatory features of PROFINET.

CC-A, CC-B, CC-C

conformanceclasses-300x163Every PROFINET device has a defined set of features which are mandatory based on its conformance class.  The conformance classes are divided into three categories, class A, B, and C. Conformance Class A (CC-A) is the most basic while C (CC-C) is the most advanced and it should be noted that they build upon each other, so Class C also contains all functions from Class B and A.  For example the simplest “Class A”, provides real time and acyclic real time, as well as support for standard TCP/IP and basic functions such as topology information. CC-B adds in simple network management protocol (SNMP) support to make it possible to read statistics with standard SNMP tools.  And finally, for the most demanding applications, there is Conformance Class C which has support for motion control applications with a jitter of less than a microsecond and distributed clock synchronization protocol (allowing deterministic Ethernet).

Available Functions

PROFINET conformance classes make it simpler to evaluate what device or controller functions are available and mandatory for the target application by users. And this helps guide you in the product selection process when it comes to picking the products and talking with the vendors (visit PI’s online product guide to find current products).  For product managers or developers, conformance classes help determine which requirements and functions must be met or are necessary in order to release the product to the intended market space and we’ve got a more detailed post about that in the developer section. For example, what testing is required for device certification or what services are required (or optional) for a certain application or industry,for example, a process application in a chemical plant or a motion control application.

In the attached figure (click to expand), you can also see an overview of what functions are necessary for each conformance class.

Conformance classes are designed to differentiate PROFINET devices from one another. Conformance Class A devices are the most simple, while Conformance Class C devices have all the bells and whistles.

We describe the optional services and functions which are available in the next lesson.


For further study:

To get into details for developers, more information is in the full conformance classes document and in the latest profiles specification for PROFINET devices (recommended).

Continue your education by completing a PROFINET Certified Network Engineer Course.

These certification classes are intense, hands-on courses. You will learn how the underlying technology works from the application to the frame level. After passing both a practical and written exam, you become certified.

For more information, contact us or visit our website.