Profibus/MPI/PPI to Ethernet gateway

January 2004 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking Power Electronics / Power Management

Having earlier this year acquired new agencies (one of them is IHBSoftec), RJ Programmable Techniques offers S5 and S7 for Windows - and also this new gateway device.

If an S7 200, S7 300 or S7 400 has to be connected with a PC via Ethernet, the normal way is to make use of a communication processor. IBH Softec has now developed another solution - IBH Link. Anyone needing to connect their PC via Ethernet may now easily do this with the IBH Link. The IBH Link is a very small gateway integrated in a Sub D connector. Users may connect the IBH Link with a hub or switch or via a Crossover cable direct with their PC network card. The protocol used is standard TCP/IP, so users can control their systems using VPN or a router. Of course they may also use an Internet connection.

With IBH Link online functions are possible via Profibus DP with up to 12 Mbit/s or via PPI/MPI. The IBH Link will reduce costs because there is no need for the CPs from Siemens nor is the Simatic Net software required. The driver for Simatic MicroWin, Step7, WinCC, Protool and of course S7 for Windows is supplied on CD with every IBH Link. The IBH OPC Server may also be used to connect the user's visualisation with a PLC via IBH Link. The IBHNet driver offers direct variable access via standard programming languages like Visual Basic or Delphi. The configuration of the adapter is easily performed and normally completed in a few minutes. The IBH link automatically detects whether it is connected to a 10 or 100 Mb/s network.

Technical data Ethernet interface transmission rate 10/100 MBaud Interface 10/100Base-TX, isolated Connector RJ45 Profibus Interface RS485, max 12 MBaud, optically isolated according to EN 50170 power supply +24 V/50 mA operating temperature 0°C-50°C safety type IP20 dimensions (L x W x H) 65 x 48 x 16 mm weight ca 140 g with cable.

For more information contact Robert Wright, RJ Programmable Techniques, 011 781 0777, [email protected], www.rjprogtech.co.za

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