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Complete Guide

DeviceNet Complete Guide

CAN-based fieldbus protocol for industrial automation. Part of the CIP family with EtherNet/IP and ControlNet.

Type: FieldbusSpeed: 125, 250, or 500 kbpsReleased: 1994Organization: ODVA
500 kbps max
Bandwidth
64
Max Nodes
100m (500 kbps), 500m (125 kbps)
Max Distance
Yes
Real-Time

Protocol Overview

CAN-based fieldbus protocol for industrial automation. Part of the CIP family with EtherNet/IP and ControlNet.

When to Use DeviceNet

Choose DeviceNet for existing Rockwell installations, small device networks, or when power-over-bus is needed.

Technical Specifications

Physical Layer

  • Physical Layer: CAN (Controller Area Network)
  • Cable Type: DeviceNet cable (CAN)
  • Topology: Trunk-line/drop-line, Star
  • Power Over Cable: Yes

Data Layer

  • Data Link: CIP (Common Industrial Protocol)
  • Encoding: NRZ
  • Error Detection: CAN error detection (HD=6)
  • Frame Size: 8 bytes

Performance

  • Scan Time: 5-20ms typical
  • Deterministic: Yes
  • Real-Time: Yes

Certification

  • Certification Required: Yes
  • License Cost: ODVA conformance testing
  • Version: Current

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

  • ✓Power and data on same cable
  • ✓Simple installation
  • ✓Cost-effective for small networks
  • ✓CIP family integration
  • ✓Robust error handling (CAN)
  • ✓Hot-swappable devices
  • ✓Well-established standard

Disadvantages

  • ✗Limited speed (500 kbps)
  • ✗Limited nodes (64)
  • ✗Being superseded by EtherNet/IP
  • ✗Short maximum distance
  • ✗8-byte data frames limit throughput

Common Use Cases & Applications

I/O device networks
Small sensor/actuator networks
Machine-level automation
Material handling
Packaging equipment
Legacy Rockwell installations

Industry Adoption

Adoption LevelMedium (declining)
Market Share5-10% (declining as EtherNet/IP grows)
Geographic PresenceNorth America, Asia
Primary Industries
AutomotiveMaterial HandlingPackagingDiscrete Manufacturing

Supported Message Types

I/O
Explicit messaging
Polled
Change-of-state
Cyclic

Supported PLC Brands

Allen-BradleyRockwell
Omron
Festo
SMC
Balluff

Protocol Comparisons

DeviceNet vs EtherNet/IP

Both are CIP family; EtherNet/IP is faster and replacing DeviceNet in new installations

View Detailed Comparison →

Quick Links

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Related Standards

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