CC-Link opens the "Gateway to China" –
and Weidmüller strides through

The "control and communications link" (CC-Link) is an open industrial network that facilitates communication between devices from various manufacturers. It is mainly used in the manufacturing sector, but can also be used for facility management, process control systems and building automation.

An "open" protocol means that the data transmission protocols are made available to all companies so that anyone can implement the protocol interfaces. The CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) was founded to promote the continual evolution of network technology in an open environment as a solution for industrial applications. Weidmüller's Passive Ethernet Infrastructure" has been a part of this process from the start.

Chinese manufacturers recognise that automation will be essential if they wish to maintain the strong global market share that they achieved over the past 25 years. Automation is thus very important nationwide – and CC-Link is already established as the de facto standard in many industries.

The "Gateway to China" programme was launched by the CLPA and is now supported by the key European CC-Link partners, including Weidmüller. The collective expertise of these partners encompasses all aspects of automation: including sensors, PLCs, drives, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), robotics, software integration and data transmission. For example, Weidmüller has contributed a starter kit for the on-site assembly of RJ45 Gigabit connectors.