“Fieldbuses Aren’t Going Away Anytime Soon.”
Millions of fieldbus installations and legacy devices still operate reliably in factories and machines worldwide. These facilities cannot replace an entire automation architecture every few years. In many cases, there is simply no reason to. Production sites depend on maintenance, replacement parts, and long-term compatibility to keep equipment running.
As Hilscher celebrates its 40th anniversary, we understand these requirements. When we launched netX 90 in 2018, our focus extended beyond the latest connectivity, security, and IIoT technologies. The same applies as we introduce the new netX 900 platform in 2026. We remain committed to established industrial networks and the customers who rely on them.
With the netRAPID 90IC, Hilscher bridges the physical-layer gap between established fieldbuses and modern Industrial Ethernet. The compact plug-in communication module combines fieldbus support, Industrial Ethernet protocols, IIoT connectivity, and hardware-based security on one platform.
Other Hilscher solutions follow the same approach. The PROFIBUS protocol extension for the new cybersecure cifX PCI Express PC cards, for example, further demonstrates our commitment to long-term protocol support.
One Platform for Established and Modern Networks
The transition to Industrial Ethernet and IIoT has not eliminated established technologies. PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, and CANopen remain relevant in industrial systems worldwide. Supporting these networks is essential for manufacturers serving existing machines, replacement applications, and markets with long equipment lifecycles.
At the same time, manufacturers need to support multiple Industrial Ethernet networks and connect equipment to IIoT applications. They also face growing cybersecurity requirements. Developing separate communication hardware for each requirement increases engineering effort, validation work, supply-chain complexity, and lifecycle risks.
Based on Hilscher’s established netX 90 technology, the netRAPID 90IC provides a common communication architecture for multiple generations of industrial networking.
Depending on the protocol, it supports:
- PROFINET with security extensions and OPC UA/MQTT
- EtherNet/IP with CIP Security and OPC UA/MQTT
- Modbus TCP with security and OPC UA/MQTT
- EtherCAT
- POWERLINK
- CC-Link IE Field Basic
- Sercos III
- PROFIBUS
- DeviceNet
- CANopen
Secure Boot and software signing provide a common security foundation across the supported protocols.
This multiprotocol approach helps manufacturers address different automation ecosystems with a common communication platform. It simplifies product variants and supply-chain management while reducing development effort.
From Fieldbus to Industrial Ethernet and IIoT
Modern industrial devices increasingly communicate beyond the factory network. Data moves from sensors and field devices to supervisory systems, enterprise applications, edge systems, and cloud-based services.
The netRAPID 90IC extends communication into the Industrial IoT with OPC UA and MQTT. Established real-time industrial communication and IIoT connectivity can coexist on the same Ethernet connection.
Manufacturers can use this architecture for applications such as condition monitoring, asset management, and dedicated data channels for edge applications. Hilscher provides the underlying hardware, protocol software, tools, and support from a single source.
Security Built into the Architecture
Increasing connectivity also changes cybersecurity requirements. Manufacturers need to address software protection, firmware authentication, and cryptographic credential management throughout the product lifecycle.
The netRAPID 90IC builds on the security architecture of netX 90. Its capabilities include CryptoCore hardware acceleration, Secure Boot, key generation, security configuration, software signing, and certificate, key, and user management. Signable firmware also supports protocol-specific security functions such as PROFINET Security and CIP Security.
These functions establish a security foundation at the communication level and provide consistent firmware-signing capabilities across supported protocols.
Supporting Evolving Cybersecurity Requirements
The European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) increases the focus on cybersecurity throughout the lifecycle of products with digital elements. Device manufacturers therefore need to consider security early in product architecture, software development, and lifecycle planning.
The netRAPID 90IC provides Secure Boot, firmware signing, cryptographic support, and credential-management functions. These capabilities help manufacturers establish a technical foundation for broader cybersecurity and compliance activities.
CRA compliance, however, depends on the complete product and its intended use. Software lifecycle processes, vulnerability management, documentation, and other applicable requirements also play a role. Starting with integrated security functions reduces the risk of costly architectural changes later in development.
Plug-In Design Reduces Integration Effort
The netRAPID 90IC combines this communication architecture with a compact plug-in design. The 18 × 45 mm module connects to the host board through a modern SMT connector and can be secured with screws.
The modular architecture also provides physical-layer interfaces for PROFIBUS, CANopen, and DeviceNet through established AIFX modules used across Hilscher network interface products.
Combined with the multiprotocol architecture of netX 90, this design provides flexibility at both the engineering and manufacturing levels.
Moving Forward Without Leaving Customers Behind
Industrial communication does not simply move from one technology to the next. Today’s market is multigenerational. Equipment manufacturers need to support established fieldbuses alongside Industrial Ethernet, IIoT connectivity, and cybersecurity over long product lifecycles.
The netRAPID 90IC brings these requirements together on one communication platform: preserve compatibility with established industrial networks, enable modern Ethernet and IIoT connectivity, and integrate security into the architecture from the start.
Based on netX 90 technology, the compact module supports major Industrial Ethernet, fieldbus, and IIoT technologies. Integrated security includes CryptoCore, Secure Boot, firmware signing, key generation, and credential management. OPC UA and MQTT provide IIoT connectivity.
The result is more than a new communication module. The netRAPID 90IC gives manufacturers a common platform for the industrial networks their customers rely on today while providing a path toward connected, IIoT-enabled, and more secure automation.
By Jamie Gallant
OEM Sales Manager at Hilscher North America, Inc.
