PROFIBUS Communication in Industrial Automation Applications
With more than 13 million nodes installed worldwide, PROFIBUS is one of the world’s leading digital buses. With its long service life, PROFIBUS technology offers abundant cost-effective solutions for both factory and process automation applications. PROFIBUS communication protocols include PROFIBUS-DP, PROFIBUS-PA, PROFIsafe and PROFINET.
PROFIBUS-DP enables high-speed communication at baud rates up to 12Mbaud for fast discrete applications. PROFIBUS-PA is used in process plants as a replacement for traditional 4 to 20 mA technology and combines power and communication on the same cable. Both physical layers can be coupled via a DP/PA segment coupler to create one complete PROFIBUS network.
PROFIBUS physical layer components
DP/PA Segment Coupler (SK3)
Pepperl+Fuchs provides all of the PROFIBUS physical layer components for PROFIBUS-PA applications from the DP/PA coupler right down to the field devices. Our DP/PA Segment Coupler (SK3) is completely transparent, and plug and play, making commissioning of PA devices simple. The motherboard-based solution also allows easy integration of the Advanced Diagnostic Module for continuous monitoring of the physical layer health. Our R2-SP-N* segment protectors are used to connect the PA field devices to the trunk line while also providing short-circuit protection for the segment. A unique T-connector, LEDs, built-in test points, and terminator support easy installation and maintenance of the segment. Pepperl+Fuchs also offers type A fieldbus cable as bulk spools, or with molded quick connectors, and accessories like surge protectors, instrument receptacles, and field attachable connectors.
PROFIBUS - recommended reading
For additional information on how PROFIBUS works there are many books available. One book that we recommend as a reference is “Catching the Process Fieldbus” by James Powell. You can learn more about it by reading the recent article “Catching the Process Fieldbus : An Interview with James Powell” located at www.automationmedia.com.