Translations for manufacturers of IPCs and network technology

Technical translations for IPC / network technology

The technical translation of product information for all important components in the field of IPC / network technology, such as gateways, routers, switches and access points, is our most important service. Especially in recent times, the translation of websites into Chinese, for example, has become increasingly important.

For technical information on all conceivable network products, we provide translations from German or English into all major industrial languages.

Especially in this IT-related field, software localization is often part of our portfolio.

Quick overview of network technology

Without network technology, which enables communication between as many production components as possible via bus systems, highly automated production in Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things would be unthinkable.

The technology of such networks is obviously not only the basis for the modern automation industry.

As the technical basis of the Internet, it has long been found in almost every private household.

Communication within the network takes place via so-called protocols. The best known include TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol), which are used for the Internet.

There are many other protocols used in the industrial sector, such as PROFIBUS.
In addition, PROFINET is a further development based on TCP/IP.

Both are supported by the PROFIBUS user organization, which is also responsible for other important network technologies such as PROFIsafe, PROFIdrive & Encoder, PROFIenergy and IO-Link.

PRODOC is a member of the PROFIBUS user organization and is active in several associated working groups.

However, there are also specialized network technologies such as AS-interface for safety technology in safety at work or CANopen, which originated from the CAN standard for the automotive industry.

We are constantly dealing with all of these bus technologies in the context of technical translations and are also developing efficient workflows in order to be able to translate configuration files directly. Our articles Translating IODD files and Translating PROFINET GSDML files show specific application examples.

Network architecture and transmission technology

The two key criteria for successful network technology are the network architecture and the transmission technology.

Ethernet is usually used in local corporate and home networks, whereby copper or fiber optic cables are used unless wireless technology is used.

WLAN and mobile networks, which have become an integral part of everyday life, are common technologies for wireless networks.

In critical systems where security plays a decisive role, such as in automotive engineering or in the financial sector, so-called token ring technology is often used, in which token packets are used to determine which system is allowed to send how much data and for how long.

Hardware components of network technology

Besides passive components such as cables and antennas, active components are also required for a functioning network. These include gateways, routers, switches and access points, for example. However, some of these components can also be realized in virtual form.

Quick overview of IPC

In most cases, the structure of an IPC is basically comparable to that of a PC.

However, it fulfills completely different tasks.

In vielen Fällen ist ein IPC Bestandteil von größeren Systemen, in welchen mehrere IPCs sowie alle möglichen weiteren Geräte in Kommunikation treten können.

A robust IPC structure is important

An IPC has to meet much higher demands, both in terms of hardware and software.

An IPC is generally expected to withstand much stronger external influences unscathed, as entire production processes sometimes depend on them.

The breakdown of an IPC should be avoided as far as possible, as this could cause major financial damage.

As a result, they are generally much more expensive than mass-produced PCs for everyday use.

The industrial environment, whether in a production hall or even outdoors, is generally harsh – the electronics of an IPC must therefore be much better protected than those of a PC.

An IPC must also be specially insulated against electromagnetic interference.

Easy maintenance

An IPC must be as uncomplicated as possible to maintain. Ideally, however, maintenance work on the hardware is not necessary because production downtimes must be avoided.

Reliable software

The software of IPCs must also fulfill important criteria. For example, IPC systems must remain stable for as long as possible.

A breakdown can bring a company’s entire production to a standstill, which could result in enormous costs.

Real-time capability

Furthermore, an industrial PC must be able to process process data in real time and be integrated into the existing network.

User friendliness

The operation of IPCs is also a responsible task. Especially when companies operate internationally, it is therefore important for industrial companies to optimize communication and documentation.

High-quality software localization and technical translation, such as those offered by PRODOC Translations, are particularly in demand for the industrial PC sector.