Profibus/DP gateway module avoids PLC need

Mitsubishi has enhanced the flexibility of its FX family of control products with the launch of a Profibus/DP gateway module.

Mitsubishi has enhanced the flexibility of its FX family of control products with the launch of a Profibus/DP gateway module.

The FX2N-32DP-IF module enables users to connect standard FX series I/O blocks directly onto a Profibus network, without the need for a local PLC.

Thus users can standardise on a single control platform for both PLC I/O and remote I/O.

The ability to standardise on a single I/O format simplifies overall system installation and commissioning, whilst also delivering significant inventory savings since the same I/O modules can be used can be used both for PLC installations and for remote I/O.

The module enables connection of up to 256 controllable I/O points, offering robust and reliable high-speed communications.

In addition, whilst traditional Profibus slaves operate with a network capacity of 32 bytes per slave installation, the FX-32DP-IF can operate with 200 bytes per slave station, supporting users who want analogue devices and temperature sensors, etc, on their remote stations.

Using Mitsubishi's user-friendly GX Configurator DP software, or using a hand-held programming unit connected to the PLC, Profibus data such as the baud rate or I/O data can be directly monitored, facilitating easy error diagnosis directly at the remote I/O station.

Speed of communications is a key attraction of the Profibus architecture, with the new module facilitating a maximum data rate of 12000kbits per second over communication distances below 100m.

Although data rate drops off with distance, the maximum possible segment distance of 1200m delivers impressive flexibility in remote I/O applications.

Back to top