Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Industrial communication

DeviceNet

Also known as: DeviceNet fieldbus

German: DeviceNet

In industrial communication, DeviceNet is a fieldbus based on the CAN bus that uses the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) as its application layer. It is managed by ODVA and standardized in IEC 62026-3 and EN 50325-2.

  • Industrial communication
  • Standards

In one sentence

DeviceNet is a CAN-based fieldbus using the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), managed by ODVA and standardized in IEC 62026-3.

Example

An older automotive assembly line connects valve manifolds and motor starters to its controller over DeviceNet trunk and drop cables.

How it applies

  • Engineering: DeviceNet shares CIP with EtherNet/IP, so device objects and profiles look alike on both networks. Trunk and drop lines, power supply on the bus cable and data rate determine the possible network length.
  • Commissioning: Each device needs a unique MAC ID (Node address) from 0 to 63 and the same data rate. A scanner in the controller is configured with the device list.
  • Maintenance: DeviceNet is mostly found in existing plants. Migration projects often replace it with EtherNet/IP while keeping the CIP application logic.
  • Documentation: The documentation team provides the EDS file, the supported connection types and the I/O assembly structure, and marks the product's status if DeviceNet support is being phased out.

DeviceNet vs. CANopen

Both run on CAN. DeviceNet uses CIP objects and ODVA device profiles; CANopen uses an object dictionary and CiA profiles. Devices of the two systems can't share a network without a gateway.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: IEC 62026-3, Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear — Controller-device interfaces (CDIs) — Part 3: DeviceNet

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Blog and are not part of any standard.

Seen a mistake? Send us a note!