Profibus DP/AS-interface gateway
March 2005
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
IFM Electronic has added the SmartLink DP, an AS-i/Profibus gateway to its AS-i master family. All LEDs indicating AS-i voltage/communication error, projection mode, configuration error/periphery fault and Profibus diagnosis are clearly fixed on the front panel. The serial PC interface or handheld configuration devices are not necessary as the configuration of all AS-i slaves is easily done via the large and clear display menu.
The SmartLink DP has a height of only 70 mm and features tool less DIN rail mounting. Four clearly visible LEDs indicate correct operation, operating modes and faults, while detailed messages are indicated in the backlit LCD display. SmartLink DP supports IFM's AS-i Safety at Work. Up to 62 A/B slaves with four DI/3 DO are supported, and up to 31 analog slaves with four channels each are included.
The transmission of data via Profibus DP is compatible with the Controller e. It can be set in 11 modules via the SmartLink specific GSD file. There are, for example, modules for the master flags, A-slaves, B-slaves, analog values and a free command channel. The free command channel allows uploading and configuration of AS-i slaves from any manufacturers PLC side. This serves to reduce the cycle time on the Profibus by transferring only the available AS-i slaves, and not always, the entire data. All SmartLink DP status and error messages can be transferred to the higher-level PLC via Profibus and evaluated via the user software.
The AS-i slaves are addressed online via the AS-i SmartLink without any additional devices.
By using the integrated display and the four operating pushbuttons the connected slaves can be addressed manually or automatically via the operating mode 'Easy Startup' in rising order. This excludes any disallowed dual addressing.
The AS-i SmartLink modules can be used in a wide range of applications. Their easy bus wiring makes them particularly suited for conveyors where flexibility is required, as well as process applications such as those found in brewery, mining or chemical installations.
AS-interface is a suitable system for wiring simple binary and analogue sensors and actuators.
For more information contact Andrew Kerr, Shorrock Automation, 012 345 4449, [email protected], www.shorrock.co.za
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