Glossary · Industrial communication
Communication matrix
Also known as: Signal list, Communication map
German: Kommunikationsmatrix
In automation engineering, a communication matrix is a table that lists which data are exchanged between which systems or devices, in which direction, over which protocol and at which cycle time or trigger.
- Industrial communication
- Technical documentation
In one sentence
A communication matrix lists which data flow between which systems, in which direction, over which protocol and how often.
Example
For a new filling line, the communication matrix lists every signal between the filler PLC, the capper and the MES, with data type, update rate and owner.
How it applies
- Engineering: The matrix is the working basis for interface agreements between suppliers. Typical columns are sender, receiver, data point, data type, unit, direction, protocol, cycle time or event, and responsible party.
- Security: The matrix also shows which connections must be allowed between network zones, so firewall rules and Conduit definitions can be derived from it. Connections that aren't in the matrix shouldn't exist.
- Commissioning: Signal tests are ticked off against the matrix. Deviations found on site are fed back into it so the matrix stays the reference.
- Documentation: The documentation team keeps the matrix under version control as part of the Interface control document (ICD) or the plant documentation and links it to the network drawings. An outdated matrix causes more harm than a missing one.
Communication matrix vs. interface specification
The matrix is a structured list of data flows. The Interface specification explains the behavior around them: handshakes, error handling, timeouts and states. Larger projects need both.