Profibus nodes hit 18.8M - and still climbing

PI (Profibus and Profinet International) has recorded a significant increase in the number of installed nodes, at 18.8M installations total, and 3.4M new installations in 2006

Profibus thus remains on track to easily pass the milestone of 20 million nodes forecasted at the start of 2004.

The excellent overall growth figures have had a knock-on effect on business on the process automation market.

By the end of 2006, the total number of Profibus PA devices installed had risen to 630,000.

This means that there are now 3.3 million Profibus devices (DP and PA) in use in process automation, approximately five times more than any other fieldbus.

Commenting on these successes, Edgar Kuster, PI Chairman, said: "We have been able to achieve the forecast doubling in the number of installed nodes from 10 to 20 million within four years, faster than originally anticipated.

The market has acknowledged the strength of Profibus.

Last year, we sold more nodes than any other fieldbus organization - and this trend is set to continue.

The success story we saw unfold in discrete automation is currently repeating itself in process automation.

It is in typical hybrid applications in particular, where discrete field devices need to be connected in parallel with process instrumentation, that Profibus is the number one choice - not only from the point of view of technology, but also in terms of cost".

Profisafe, the functional safety profile for Profibus networks also saw impressive growth in 2006 and has been able to build on its position as a leading safety solution.

The number of installed Profisafe systems has risen to approximately 26,000 and the number of Profisafe products in use now tops 230,000.

Vendors are now able to offer a very diverse range of products.

Profisafe boasts particular benefits for customers when used in conjunction with Profibus and Profinet, thanks to their shared functional principle and a harmonised "look and feel" which characterises the entire system.

Globally, Profibus continued to build on its position as a market leader in all regions.

Developments on the Asian markets, spearheaded by China, have been particularly rapid.

Above-average growth is expected in China in the years to come.

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