Loop Controllers

A loop controller is a real-time, deterministic communications device that switches data around a fiber-optic loop, linking devices together the way a network switch links devices on Ethernet. It doesn't perform process control itself, reading a sensor and adjusting an output; that control logic runs in higher-level software external to the device, which relies on the loop controller's real-time, deterministic data path to reach the edge devices it's controlling.

A fiber-optic loop connects devices in a ring topology using fiber rather than copper cabling, carrying signals as light. This keeps every device on the loop electrically isolated from the others and immune to electromagnetic interference, which is valuable in high-voltage, high-radiation, or electrically noisy environments where standard copper Ethernet wouldn't hold up.

It plays a similar role, switching data between connected devices on a network, but it uses a fiber-optic loop topology and Pyramid's own real-time, deterministic protocol rather than Ethernet. That gives it guaranteed timing that standard Ethernet switches don't provide, along with the electrical isolation and noise immunity that fiber offers.

Loop controllers are designed as modular building blocks, so one can typically be added to extend or link devices on an existing fiber-optic loop without requiring you to replace the rest of your system. Contact us to talk through compatibility with your specific setup.

No. It only switches data between devices in real time and deterministically; any process control, feedback, or decision-making logic runs in higher-level software external to the device.