PROFIBUS System Description

Technology and Application

Introduction

The field of industrial communications is continu- communication, thereby linking the field level with
ing to develop at an astonishing pace with the the corporate management level. Both communi-
result that the field of automation technology is cation systems are, therefore, able to facilitate
constantly changing. Initially, automation focused cross-networked, integrated solutions that are
exclusively on production, but now it is part of a optimized for the automation tasks concerned.
network that covers service and maintenance,
warehousing, resource optimization and the pro- Since 1989, PROFIBUS has developed into a
vision of data for MES and ERP systems in addi- worldwide leading fieldbus system used in ma-
tion to the actual task of automation. chine and production plant automation. The main
reason why PROFIBUS stands out from other
Fieldbus technology, which has facilitated migra- fieldbus systems is because it offers such an ex-
tion from centralized to decentralized automation traordinary breadth of applications. Application
systems and supports the use of distributed intel- specific requirements have been integrated into
ligence, has been the driving force behind this application profiles, and these applications have
development. Ethernet-based communication been combined as a whole to create a standard-
systems link automation technology with infor- ized and open communication system. The use of
mation technology, thus implementing consistent open standards instead of proprietary solutions
communication from the field level to the corpo- ensures long-term compatibility and expandability,
rate management level. which forms the basis for implementing compre-
hensive investment protection for users and man-
Standardized solutions can be found in PROFI- ufacturers. This is a very important concern of
BUS and PROFINET, which provide absolute PROFIBUS & PROFINET International. Estab-
consistency and are highly application-oriented. lished worldwide support offers members long-
With its standard protocol, PROFIBUS takes in all term perspectives.
subprocesses found in production and process
automation, including safety-related communica- With well over 30 million devices (as of the end of
tion and drive applications, thereby providing the 2009), PROFIBUS is currently present in every
ideal basis for ensuring horizontal consistency branch of industrial automation and makes an
within an automation system. PROFINET also important contribution to the economic and tech-
features a standard protocol which, in addition to nological success of the companies.
horizontal communication, also supports vertical

PROFIBUS System Description

I
 Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION TO PROFIBUS.............. 1 3.5 STANDARDIZED FUNCTION BLOCKS (FB)

1.1 MARKET POSITION .............................. 1 ........................................................ 12
1.2 MODULAR DESIGN IN SYSTEM BUILDING 3.6 COMM FBS AS A SYSTEM-NEUTRAL
BLOCKS ............................................. 1 INTERFACE WITH PROFIBUS ............. 12
1.3 APPLICATION-SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS ....... 2 4. APPLICATION PROFILES ...................... 13
1.4 HYBRID AUTOMATION .......................... 3 4.1 PROFIDRIVE .................................... 14
1.5 OSI LAYER MODEL AS A BASIS .............. 3 4.2 PROFIBUS PA (PA DEVICES, "PA
1.6 STANDARDIZATION .............................. 3 PROFILE") ......................................... 14
2. TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY ............. 4 4.3 IMPROVEMENTS IN PROFILE 3.02 ......... 14
2.1 TRANSMISSION AS PER RS485 AND 4.4 HART ON PROFIBUS ...................... 15
RS485-IS ......................................... 4 4.5 PROFISAFE ..................................... 16
2.2 TRANSMISSION AS PER MBP AND 4.6 IDENTIFICATION & MAINTENANCE (I&M)
MBP-IS ............................................ 5 ........................................................ 16
2.3 OPTICAL TRANSMISSION ...................... 5 5. DEVICE INTEGRATION .......................... 16
2.4 W IRELESS TRANSMISSION .................... 5 6. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND
2.5 TRANSMISSION TECHNOLOGY IN CERTIFICATION ..................................... 17
HAZARDOUS AREAS ............................. 5
7. PRODUCT IMPLEMENTATION .............. 19
2.6 TOPOLOGY ......................................... 6
2.7 REDUNDANCY..................................... 7 7.1 STANDARD COMPONENTS ................... 19
2.8 INSTALLATION INFORMATION FOR 7.2 IMPLEMENTING TRANSMISSION
RS 485 ............................................. 8 INTERFACES ...................................... 20
2.9 INSTALLATION INFORMATION FOR MBP . 8 8. USER BENEFITS .................................... 20
2.10 BUS DIAGNOSTICS ............................... 9
8.1 STANDARDIZED AND CONSISTENT ........ 21
3. COMMUNICATION WITH PROFIBUS...... 9 8.2 ECONOMY ......................................... 21
3.1 PROFIBUS DP COMMUNICATION 8.3 QUALITY CONSCIOUSNESS .................. 21
PROTOCOL ......................................... 9 8.4 INNOVATION AND PROTECTION OF
3.2 DEVICE CLASSES .............................. 10 PRIVILEGES ....................................... 21
3.3 CYCLICAL COMMUNICATION AND 8.5 GLOBAL SUPPORT .............................. 21
PROFIBUS DIAGNOSTICS ................. 11 8.6 FUTURE COOPERATION ...................... 21
3.4 ACYCLICAL COMMUNICATION AND 9. PROFIBUS & PROFINET
PARAMETER ADDRESSING .................. 11 INTERNATIONAL (PI) ............................. 22
9.1 RESPONSIBILITIES OF PI ..................... 22

Information on Contents

This system description deals with all the main profiles) with technical and application-
aspects of PROFIBUS in 2010 without delving oriented information.
into technical details. Please refer to appropriate • Chapter 5 deals with the topic of device inte-
technical literature. In this regard, we would also gration and explains the current technologies
like to point out that, despite the fact that the used here.
utmost care was taken while creating this • Chapter 6 deals with the topic of certification
brochure, only the normative documents from and quality assurance of PROFIBUS and ex-
PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) are plains the process for obtaining a certificate.
authoritative and binding. • Chapter 7 addresses those responsible for
products and contains information on product
• Chapter 1 contains an introduction of PROFI- implementation.
BUS and gives the hurried reader an overview • Chapter 8 again deals with the most important
of the market position and technologies used, features of PROFIBUS and shows how they
the modular design and the application- benefit users.
specific solutions made possible by it.
• Chapter 9 provides information on PROFI-
• Chapters 2 through 4 deal with the core BUS & PROFINET International as the world's
technologies of PROFIBUS (transmission largest interest group for industrial automation
technology, communication and application with information on the organization, member-
ship, service offerings and global positioning.

2 PROFIBUS System Description

 organization was comprised of 10 companies,
1. Introduction to four scientific institutes and ZVEI. Two years later,
PROFIBUS it grew to over 100 members, and today (2010)
there are about 1,400 members who have jointed
Automation technology has been characterized by together under the globally positioned PROFIBUS
rapidly changing technology for many years. The & PROFINET International (PI) fieldbus organiza-
driving force for this was and still is the pressure tion, which was founded in 1995. Today, there are
to lower production costs, the demand for high 27 regional PI associations in countries on every
and consistent product quality, improved operat- continent. The common goal is the continuous
ing reliability and the availability and flexibility of development and global distribution of PROFI-
the systems, especially the consistent flow of data BUS and PROFINET technologies. With well over
within a company. A visible sign of this change is 30 million devices installed in the field, PROFI-
the development of fieldbus technology with a BUS is a global market leader in the field of indus-
transition from analog to digital communication trial communication systems.
and thus the possibility to exchange detailed
The success of PROFIBUS is equally due to its
information on the status of a production system
advanced technology and the successful activities
and its environment very quickly. Digital commu-
of the organization, which was founded to repre-
nication also enables functions of the centralized
sent the interests of manufacturers and users.
controller to be relocated to decentralized field
devices, which simplifies cabling considerably. In addition to the many measures employed for
The world-wide standardization of the interfaces technological development and its propagation,
opens up the path to consistent automation, and additional global support services for members
leaves previous solutions using a large number of (users and manufacturers) are available in the
proprietary systems behind. form of consulting, information and measures for
quality assurance and standardization of the
PROFIBUS contributed considerably to the de-
technology in international standards.
velopment of fieldbus technology. It links control-
lers and control systems with sensors and actua- PI forms the largest user group for industrial
tors on the field level (field devices) and also ena- communication in the world, which offers oppor-
bles simultaneous consistent data exchange with tunities for the future and at the same time comes
superordinate systems. PROFIBUS is the with certain obligations. The opportunities are in
fieldbus-based automation standard of PROFI- the creation and propagation of market-leading
BUS & PROFINET International (PI). PI has also technologies which are beneficial to the user. The
developed the PROFINET Ethernet-based auto- obligation is for those responsible for this user
mation standard and launched it successfully on group to fully maintain PROFIBUS's goals of
the market. PROFIBUS and PROFINET use iden- openness and investment protection in the future
tical device profiles, thereby creating investment as well. This obligation serves as a guideline for
security and investment protection for the users everyone involved.
and manufacturers of these technologies. Both
systems cover the fields of production and pro-
cess automation and therefore also enable mixed 1.2 Modular design in system
(hybrid) applications, which are often seen in the building blocks
pharmaceutical, food and
beverage industries. PROFIBUS's module concept is what has allowed
it to reach its top position in the global market.
PROFIBUS consistency is based on the standard- The communication protocol can be combined
ized "PROFIBUS DP" communication protocol, with a variety of application-specific technology
which supports a variety of applications in produc- modules which are compatible with one another
tion automation and process automation as well (transmission technologies, application profiles,
as motion control and safety-related tasks. This integration technologies). This ensures complete
integration makes planning, installation and ser- consistency with a large breadth of applications.
vice easier. Training, documentation and mainte- With such a "system building block" (Figure 1), all
nance need only be carried out for one technolog- the applications of automation technology can
ical aspect. cover tasks in the production and process indus-
tries, including safety-related ones.
1.1 Market position The core of the system building block is the PRO-
The first fieldbus systems, which were proprietary, FIBUS DP (Decentralized Peripherals) commu-
were introduced to the market in the 1980s. With nication protocol, which is the same for all appli-
the objective of far-reaching standardization, 21 cations and is used for communication between
companies and institutes came together in 1987 centralized automation devices and decentralized
to create a joint project with the task of developing field devices.
and testing an open fieldbus standard. This pro- A number of different data transmission alterna-
ject was the starting point for the development of tives are available, depending on the usage case.
PROFIBUS. After the joint project was complete, RS485 transmission technology is intended for
the PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO) use in the production industry and in the process
was founded in 1989 to continue the work. This industry in applications without explosion protec-

PROFIBUS System Description

1
 PROFIBUS application profiles are specified for
standard data exchange between field devices on
the user level. The use of such profiles guaran-
tees interoperability in the data exchange be-
tween field devices from different manufacturers.
These profiles specify application-typical device
features, and "profile devices" must comply with
them. They might be cross-device-class features
(e.g. safety-relevant behavior) or device-class-
specific features (e.g. to be exhibited by process
devices or drives). Field devices with different
application profiles can be operated in the same
automation system. Simple devices with univer-
sal functionality, e.g. decentralized binary I/O de-
vices, do not usually use application profiles.

Additionally to the layers for transmission and

communication, the system building block also
provides the required engineering technologies
for device description and integration.

1.3 Application-specific
solutions
Blast furnaces are operated without inter-
ruption and can only be modernized The system building block makes it possible to
at long intervals. This makes especially cover very different applications using "solutions"
future-proof automation technology all the specifically arranged for them by combining the
more important. PROFIBUS has proven appropriate components. Examples include
itself through and through in large-scale solutions for the production industry, process au-
projects like this. tomation, drive engineering and safety-related
systems. The structure of these modular
"solutions" can be seen in Figure 2. Only the
tion. RS 485-IS (Intrinsically Safe) covers uses in communication protocol is the same with all
explosion protected areas. The MBP (Manchester solutions and ensures the high consistency of
coded Bus Powered) and MBP-IS transmission PROFIBUS already mentioned.
technology is specifically oriented toward the pro-
cess industry and also handles power supply to
devices on the bus, in addition to data transmis-
sion. Several optical transmission technologies
are also available.
LabAutomation
Ident Systems
PROFIdrive

PA Devices

PROFIBUS
Weighing &

Specific
HART on
Encoder

Dosage

Application
Engineering Technologies
GSD, EDD, FDT / DTM, TCI

Profiles
XY

....

Common
PROFIsafe, I&M, iPar-Server,
Application
Time Stamp, Redundancy, …
Profiles

Communication PROFIBUS DP (DP-V0, -V1, -V2)

Technology

Transmission Wired Optical Wireless

RS485 / RS485-IS Glass, PCF, Plastic
Technologies
MBP / MBP-IS

Figure 1: PROFIBUS system building blocks

2 PROFIBUS System Description

 Market Process Factory Motion Safety In vehicle production, the paint shop, with its pro-
Automation
Segment Ex / non-Ex areas
Automation Control Application cess-control requirements (explosion protection),
PROFIBUS is part of a production chain that otherwise in-
Solution PROFIBUS PA PROFIBUS DP PROFIdrive Safety
(Common term) volves production-control tasks.

Application
Profile
PA Devices
(and others)
e.g.
Ident Systems
PROFIdrive PROFIsafe 1.5 OSI layer model as a basis
Communication
Technology
PROFIBUS
DP
PROFIBUS
DP
PROFIBUS
DP
PROFIBUS
DP
The design of the technology modules with PRO-
FIBUS is oriented toward the OSI layer model
Transmission
Technology
MBP / MBP-IS
RS 485 / 485-IS
RS 485 RS 485
RS 485
MBP-IS
(Open Systems Interconnection Reference Mod-
el). Here, the communication process
Figure 2: PROFIBUS solutions for different market between two nodes is distributed over seven
segments "layers", from layer 1 ("physical layer", trans-
mission technology) to layer 7 (“application layer”,
interface to the application). PROFIBUS uses
layers 1, 2 and 7 (Figure 4):
1.4 Hybrid automation
• Layer 1 defines the physical transmission.
In the past, production automation and process
With PROFIBUS, there are copper-wire
automation had to be viewed as two strictly sepa-
versions (RS485 and MBP) and optical and
rate fields and automated using different technol-
wireless transmission.
ogies. The reason for this were the different mar-
• Layer 2 defines the description of the bus
ginal conditions of an automation system. Produc-
access method, including data security.
tion automation is based on fast processes and
With PROFIBUS, this is the master-slave
an accordingly shorter system service life. Pro-
method in conjunction with the token method.
cess automation, on the other hand, is character-
ized by slow procedures and a longer system • Layer 7 forms the interface to the application
service life. This led to insular solutions within the and thus represents the link between the
overall system. Today, a user can avoid such application and communication.
insular solutions by using a PROFIBUS solution With PROFIBUS, the communication protocol
that is consistent for all the applications of the PROFIBUS DP is used here.
production chain. PROFIBUS is the only fieldbus • The actual application process lies above
that fulfills the requirements of such consistent layer 7 and is not part of the OSI model.
(hybrid) automation of production-control (inbound
and outbound logistics) and process-control User program Application profiles
process steps (Figure 3).
PROFIBUS DP Protocol
7 Application Layer
(DP-V0, DP-V1, DP-V2)
6 Presentation Layer.
Production flow 5 Session Layer
Not used
4 Transport Layer
Inbound Production Outbound 3 Network Layer
Logistics Processes Logistics Fieldbus Data Link (FDL):
2 Data link Layer Master Slave principle
Token principle
Identifying Mixing Filling Transmission technology
1 Physical Layer
Checking Heating Packing OSI Layer Model OSI implementation at PROFIBUS
Storing Separating Storing

Conveying Drying Conveying Figure 4: References between OSI model and

PROFIBUS PROFIBUS PROFIBUS PROFIBUS PROFIBUS

Figure 3: Consistent PROFIBUS solution in a Figure 4 shows the definition of the seven
single production system OSI layers on the left and the implementation of
PROFIBUS on the right.
Examples
1.6 Standardization
In the pharmaceutical industry, the manufacture
of medicines is a process-control procedure. The The contents of the OSI layers are specified by
packaging of tablets, for example, uses produc- standards so that the openness of the system is
tion-control tasks with complex packaging ensured when the standards are complied with.
machines, however. Together with other fieldbus systems, PROFIBUS
is part of IEC 61158 ("Digital data communication
In the food industry, at a brewery for example, the for measurement and control – Fieldbus for use in
typical process-control procedures in the brew- industrial control systems") and IEC 61784 ("Pro-
house and fermenting cellar are followed by the file sets for continuous and discrete manufactur-
production-control procedures of bottle cleaning ing relative to fieldbus use in industrial control
and filling and the stacking of crates by robots. systems").

PROFIBUS System Description

3
 2. Transmission
technology
2.1 Transmission as per RS485
and RS485-IS
The easy-to-use and cost-effective RS485 trans-
mission technology is preferred for use with tasks
which require a high transmission speed, but
which do not require explosion protection (intrinsic
safety). It is widely used in the production industry
The supply of clean water requires major and is also found in parts of the process industry.
investment in existing and new waste A twisted, shielded copper cable with a pair of
water treatment plants. Maximum availabil- wires is used. The bus structure enables non-
ity and optimum utilization of process reactive coupling and decoupling of stations and
technology are required. PROFIBUS is the incremental commissioning of the system. Subse-
preferred solution of many planners and quent system expansions do not affect stations
operators in this area. already in operation within certain specified limits.
Details can be found in Table 1 and Table 2.

IEC 61158 In compliance with certain values, the use of the

RS485 interface with its high transmission rates is
IEC 61158 deals with the technologies used and also possible in intrinsically-safe areas (RS485-
describes the method of functioning of the IS). When the interface was specified, the levels
fieldbus. It is divided according to the OSI model. for the current and voltage, which must be
The individual fieldbuses are differentiated by the complied with by each individual node to ensure
definition of "fieldbus protocol types" in this stand- safe functioning when connected together, were
ard. Here, PROFIBUS is type 3 and PROFINET defined. Within a circuit, certain maximum
type 10. currents are permissible with a set voltage. When
connecting active sources together, the total
IEC 61784 current of all the nodes may not exceed the max-
IEC 61784 defines the subsets of the service and imum permissible current. The difference between
protocol supersets specified in IEC 61158 (and this concept and the FISCO model (see 2.5) with
other standards) which are used by a certain only one intrinsically-safe source is that all nodes
fieldbus system for its communication. They are represent active sources here.
collected in "Communication Profile Families
(CPF)"; for PROFIBUS, it is "Family 3" with a
subdivision into 3/1 (RS485 and fiberoptics) and
3/2 (MBP). Part 3/3 is concerned with PROFINET.

RS485 RS485-IS MBP MBP-IS Fiber Optic

Digital; differential Digital; differential Digital, bit- Digital, bit- Optical, digital, NRZ
Data transmission signals acc. to RS485, signals acc. to synchronous, synchronous,
NRZ (no return to zero) RS485, NRZ Manchester coding Manchester coding

Transmission rate 9.6 to 12000 Kbit/s 9.6 to 1500 Kbit/s 31.25 Kbit/s 31.25 Kbit/s 9.6 to 12000 Kbit/s

HD=4; parity bit; HD=4; parity bit; Preamble; fail-safe Preamble; fail-safe HD=4; parity bit;
Data security start/end delimiter start/end delimiter start/end delimiter start/end delimiter start/end delimiter

Twisted, shielded two- Twisted, shielded Twisted, shielded two- Twisted, shielded two- Multi- and single
Cable wire cable, two-wire cable, wire cable, wire cable, mode glass fiber;
cable type A cable type A cable type A cable type A PCF; plastic fiber
Remote power Possible using Possible using Optional using signal Optional using signal Possible using hybrid
supply additional cores additional cores cores cores cable

Ignition protection None Intrinsic safety None Intrinsic safety None

Ex ib Ex ia/ib
types
Line topology with Line topology with Line topology with Line and tree topology Star and ring topology
Topology termination termination termination with termination; also typical; line topology
combined possible
Up to 32 nodes per Up to 32 nodes per Up to 32 nodes per Up to 32 nodes per Up to 126 nodes per
Number of nodes segment. Max. total segment. Max. total segment. Max. total segment. Max. total network
126 per network 126 per network 126 per network 126 per network
Max. 9 with signal Max. 9 with signal Max. 4 with signal Max. 4 with signal Unlimited with signal
Number of
refreshing refreshing refreshing refreshing refreshing; note signal
repeaters propagation delay

Table 1: Overview of transmission values

4 PROFIBUS System Description

 Transmission
incoming bus supply or more frequently in the
Transmission rate installation components in the field. Working on
range per Applies to
[Kbit/s] field devices during active operation is made pos-
segment [m]
sible, for example, by means of intrinsically safe
9,6 19,2 ignition protection. The easiest way to be verified
1200 RS485
45,45 93,75
for intrinsic safety is to go through models such as
187,5 1000 RS485 FISCO or Entity. If all the components used con-
500 400 RS485 form with the standards, no further calculations
are necessary.
1500 200 RS485
3000 6000 12000 100 RS485 2.3 Optical transmission
31,25 1900 MBP
There are fieldbus usage conditions under which
The values above apply to cable type A with the following wired transmission technology reaches its limits,
properties for example in an environment with heavy inter-
Wave resistance 135 ... 165 Ω ference or when bridging long distances. In these
Capacitance per unit ≤ 30 pf/m cases, optical transmission via fiberoptic cables is
available. The corresponding PROFIBUS guide-
Loop resistance ≤ 110 Ω/km
line specifies the technology available for this.
Core diameter > 0.64 mm When the specifications were being made, it was
Core cross-section > 0,34 mm2 ensured that existing PROFIBUS devices could
be integrated into a fiberoptic cable network with-
Table 2: Transmission values of RS485 and MBP out adverse affects. This ensures compatibility
with existing PROFIBUS installations.

2.2 Transmission as per MBP The supported fiberoptic cable fiber types are
shown in Table 4. Due to the transmission charac-
and MBP-IS teristics, typical topology structures are the star
MBP (Manchester Coded, Bus Powered) trans- and the ring; linear structures are also possible.
mission technology implements the simultaneous The implementation of a fiberoptic cable network
supply of power to the connected field devices in the simplest case involves the use of electro-
and communication of the data over a single ca- optical converters which are connected to the field
ble, i.e. directly via the bus medium. This enables device with the RS 485 interface and the fiberop-
wiring overhead to be significantly reduced, meets tic cable on the other side. This also makes it
requirements for much simpler and safer installa- possible to switch between RS 485 and fiberoptic
tion and boasts all the benefits of digital transmis- cable transmission within an automation system,
sion down to the field device. MBP was specifical- depending on the prevalent conditions.
ly developed to meet the demands of process
automation and is standardized in IEC 61158-2. Fiber type Core diameter [µm] Transmission range
Details can be found in Table 1 and Table 3. Multi-mode glass fiber 62,5 / 125 2 - 3 km
Single-mode glass fiber 9 / 125 > 15 km
Plastic fiber 980 / 1000 Up to 100 m
HCS® fiber 200 / 230 Approx. 500 m
Fieldbus standard IEC 61158-2 for
MBP transmission technology Table 4: Supported fiberoptic cable types
Up to 32 nodes in one segment
Data transmission rate 31.25 Kbit/s
Per field device: Min. working voltage 9 V DC 2.4 Wireless transmission
Min. current consumption 10 mA
Transmission of digital communication signal in zero-mean PROFIBUS is also used in wireless communica-
Manchester II coding (MBP) through ± 9 mA amplitude tion. Even if PI has not made any provisions in the
Signal transmission and remote power supply using twisted-pair form of specifications or guidelines, interoperabil-
cable ity with wired systems is still ensured. This is sup-
Fieldbus cable type A
ported by the many applications in use.
Connection of field devices via stubs (spur) to a main cable In PROFIBUS systems, solutions for the wireless
(trunk) for trouble-free disconnection of devices without affecting
other nodes
connection of sensors and actuators are also
possible. Corresponding guidelines which specify
Max. total length of main cable, including all stubs, is 1900 m
the integration of WirelessHART (used in process
automation) and Wireless Sensor/Actuator Net-
Table 3: Characteristics of MBP and MBP-IS work (WSAN, used in production automation) are
in process.
In the MBP-IS version, this transmission technol-
ogy is especially suitable for use in hazardous 2.5 Transmission technology in
areas and is therefore widely used in applications hazardous areas
of the chemical, oil and gas industries. Explosion
protection is implemented via limiting power in the When operating fieldbuses in hazardous areas,
the interface PROFIBUS MBP is the typical

PROFIBUS System Description

5
 choice. Besides the IEC 61158-2 (fieldbus stand- device replacement during operation. In other
ard, Table 3), the more stringent explosion protec- areas, e.g. at the trunk cable, this requirement
tion standard IEC 60079-11 (electrical equipment generally does not apply, which is why ignition
for hazardous areas) must be observed. Here protection type Ex e (increased safety) is applied
two concepts are principally used there with the ability to transport more power. This
enables longer cable length and increased
• The FISCO model (IEC 60079-27) enables the number of field devices without obstructing opera-
implementation of explosion protection, includ- tion. It is therefore possible to use a mixed
ing regulatory approval without individual concept comprised of protection types increased
calculations. It is characterized, however, by a safety (Ex e) for the trunk and intrinsic safety (Ex
considerable low input power into a segment i) at the spur, which can be implemented with
and thus by short cable length and low num- devices called fieldbus barriers. The outputs of
ber of field devices. the field barriers are conventionally intrinsically
• The High-Power Trunk concept, whereby the safe for the connection of field devices. An over-
limitations in power of FISCO are removed by view on this can be found in Figure 5.
using the ignition protection type increased
safety. Intrinsic safety is applied where work- Likewise, in automation systems with hazardard-
ing on field devices is permitted also without ous zone 2, the trunk is designed in the "non-
“hot work permit”. sparking (Ex nA)" protection type and thus

In certain cases, the RS485 interface in compli- General Purpose (safe) area
PROFIBUS DP
ance with Ex e ignition protection type can also be
used in the hazardous area. Segment coupling
and power supply

The FISCO model (IEC 60079-27)

Zone 1 (EEx e)
PROFIBUS PA
The FISCO model (Fieldbus Intrinsically Safe Field barriers Terminator
Concept) makes it easy to plan, install and T
expand PROFIBUS networks in hazardous zones Trunk: EEx e
of type 1. This model is based on the specification Spur: EEex i
that a communication network is intrinsically safe Field devices
and does not require calculations for validating Zone 1 (EEx i) Zone 0
intrinsic safety if the relevant components, such
as the field devices, cables, segment couplers
Figure 5: Utilization of different ignition protection
and bus termination values conform to a set of types
limit values (for voltage, current, output, inductivity
and capacity). Intrinsic safety is considered veri-
fied if all the components operated in the segment enables the introduction of high currents into zone
in question are certified as per FISCO. The follow- 2. Due to the less stringent explosion protection
ing constraints have also be met: requirements simple field distributors can be used
here instead of field barriers. Field devices of pro-
• Each segment only has one power supply tection type "energy limited" (Ex nL) can be
source connected to their short circuit-proof outputs of 40
• The total cable length is up to 1000 m mA output current each.
FISCO ensures that
2.6 Topology
• The field devices always act as passive sinks
If RS485 transmission technology is used, all
• the permissible input values of each field de-
field devices are typically connected in a line
vice are greater than the possible and permis-
structure (see Figure 6) with up to 32 nodes (mas-
sible output values of the associated supply
ter and slaves) in one segment. The beginning
unit if a fault were to occur.
and end of each segment are provided with active
The ignition protection type intrinsic safety Ex i bus termination, which must be supplied with
(IEC 60079) is the most often used protection power continuously. The bus terminations are
type in measurement and control technology. It is usually implemented as optionally activatable in
based on the parameter of limiting current and the devices or plugs. If there are more than 32
voltage in intrinsically safe circuits to levels where nodes or the network span is being extended,
neither thermal effects nor sparking could lead to repeaters must be used to link the networks.
the ignition of explosive mixtures. This is associ-
ated with a limitation of the supply current of a PA
segment to 100 mA with corresponding limitations
in cable length and the number of bus nodes.

The High-PowerTrunk Concept

The "intrinsically safe" ignition protection type is

only really required in a process control system
where access is required for maintenance or

6 PROFIBUS System Description

 Field devices Controller
(Slaves) (Master)
T
PROFIBUS DP
Segment coupling
and power supply
T

Field distributors (barriers) Terminator

PROFIBUS PA
T

Trunk
Spur

Field devices

Figure 6: The connection of DP and PA segments

Drive technology is required for every au-
tomation task: Whether it's moving, adjust-
If MBP transmission technology is used (in ing, positioning, conveying or storing, it all
process automation), basically any topology is demands perfect communication between
permissible. Linear and tree structures and com- drives and the automation system. No
binations of both are thus possible. In practice, technology in the world is used more than
the "trunk & spur topology" (see Figure 6) has PROFIBUS here.
established itself as the de-facto standard, as it is
especially clear and well-laid-out. Thanks to the to be integrated into a single DP network via
technically-mature installation technologies avail- segment couplers or links.
able on the market, it also exhibits a high degree
of robustness. The overall length of a segment
may not exceed 1,900 meters, and the length of 2.7 Redundancy
the stubs in intrinsically-safe applications is max. For applications which demand high system
30 m and must be taken into account when calcu- availability, such as with continuous processes,
lating the overall length. redundant systems are generally used, whereby
the redundancy can extend to all system compo-
Coupling RS485 and MBP transmission tech-
nents. A differentiation is made between different
nology. The MBP transmission technology is
concepts which can be combined with one anoth-
typically limited to certain subsegments of a sys-
er as desired and, in special cases, also contain
tem, e.g. a group of field devices in a hazardous
complete spatial separations:
area. The connection of such subsegments (des-
ignated as MBP or PA segment or PA spur) to the • Master redundancy:
RS485 segment (also designated as DP segment The control system or the controller is de-
or DP spur) is carried out using segment couplers signed redundantly (system redundancy,
or links. They handle the following tasks: Figure 7, right)
• Media redundancy:
• Implementation of the asynchronous signal
The cable paths are designed redundantly
encoding with RS485 into synchronous signal
• Coupler/link/gateway redundancy:
encoding with MBP
The segment couplers are designed redun-
• Provision of incoming supply voltage for the
dantly (Figure 7) If a coupler fails, the other
PA segment and limiting of incoming current
ones seamlessly take over its function. The
supply
master does not notice the switchover and no
• Decoupling of transmission speed
messages are lost.
• Isolation and power limiting for hazardous ar-
eas (optional)
Host Host Host
Segment couplers are transparent from the
standpoint of the bus protocol, the devices of the DP-Master DP-Master DP-Master

MBP segment are directly visible on the DP side

and the segment coupler itself does not require
PROFIBUS DP

PROFIBUS DP

configuration. Segment coupler Segment coupler

Links, on the other hand, are intelligent and map Segment coupler Segment coupler
all devices connected in the MBP segment as a
single slave in the RS485 segment. The link
needs to be configured and restricts the total PROFIBUS PA PROFIBUS PA
amount of data which can be transferred to and
from the connected devices to 244 bytes. The Segment Coupler Redundancy
with single host
Flying Redundancy combined with
Segment Coupler Redundancy
cyclical data from the PA devices is compressed
into a single DP telegram on the DP side and
must be reselected by the DP master. The faster Figure 7: Various redundancy concepts
DP segment enables a number of PA segments

PROFIBUS System Description

7
 • Ring redundancy The plugs offered on the market enable incoming
The combination of redundant couplers and and outgoing data cables to be connected directly
field devices with active field distributors in the plug. This avoids stubs, and the bus plug
implements ring redundancy and creates ex- can be connected to and disconnected from the
panded media redundancy. Subsegments bus at any time without interrupting the data traf-
which have become defective due to a short fic. The plug connectors suitable for RS485
circuit or wire break are automatically and transmission technology differ by protection type.
seamlessly operated further via a coupler In protection type IP 20, a 9-pin D-Sub plug con-
each in a line structure (Figure 8). nector is preferable for use. In protection type IP
• Slave redundancy: 65/67, different solutions are recommended as
The field devices or the PROFIBUS connec- per the guideline:
tion in the field device are designed redun-
dantly. Concepts for slave redundancy are • M12 round plug connector as per
described in the PROFIBUS specification titled IEC 60947-5-2
“Slave Redundancy”. Field devices designed • Han-Brid plug as per DESINA recommen
with redundancy need to be on an equal foot- dation and
ing and determine between themselves which • Hybrid plug connector
is to act as the primary node and which as the • 7/8" plug
secondary node. Manufacturer-specific solu-
tions are available for transmission media and The hybrid plug systems also include a variant for
master redundancy. transmitting data over fiber-optic cable fibers and
24 V operating voltage for the peripheral devices
via copper cables in a single hybrid cable.
DP/PA – Link (redundant) Experience shows that difficulties with the trans-
PROFIBUS DP

Active field distributors mission technology in PROFIBUS networks can

most often be traced back to improper cabling
and installation. Bus test devices, which can ferret
out many typical cabling errors before commis-
sioning, can remedy this situation.
PROFIBUS PA
The reference addresses of the many different
plugs, cables, repeaters and bus test devices can
be obtained from the PROFIBUS product catalog
(www.profibus.com).
Figure 8: Ring redundancy with PROFIBUS PA

2.9 Installation information

2.8 Installation information for MBP
for RS 485 The intrinsically safe MBP transmission technolo-
gy is normally limited to certain subsegments
A number of different cable types (type designa- (field devices in the hazardous area) of a system
tion A through D) for different usage cases are which are then linked to the RS485 segment (con-
available for the connection of devices to one trol system and engineering devices in the
another and to network elements (e.g. segment measuring station) via segment couplers or links.
couplers, links and repeaters). If the RS485
transmission technology is used, cable type A As already mentioned, segment couplers are
(data in Table 2) is strongly recommended. signal converters which adapt the RS485 signals
to the MBP signal level and vice versa. They are
When connecting the nodes, ensure that the data transparent from the viewpoint of the bus proto-
cables are not mixed up. To achieve high interfer- col.
ence resistance of the system against electro-
magnetic radiation, a shielded data cable (type A Links, on the other hand, are intelligent. They
is shielded) should definitely be used. The shield- map all field devices connected in the MBP seg-
ing is to be connected to the protective ground on ment upwardly as a single slave in the RS485
both sides ensuring good conductivity via large- segment; downwardly, it functions as a master. If
area shield clamps. Equipotential bonding of all links are used, the transmission rate in the RS485
connected field devices is also recommended. segment is not influenced by the connected PA
Also ensure that the data cable is laid as far away segments. This also allows fast networks to be
from all high-current cables as possible. Stubs implemented using field devices with an MBP
must absolutely be avoided with transmission connection for control tasks, for example.
rates greater than or equal to 1.5 MBit/s. The
number of nodes which can be connected to a A two-wire shielded cable (type A) is used as the
segment is limited to 32. transmission medium. The bus' main cable is
provided with passive line termination at both
ends. The bus termination is already permanently
integrated at the segment coupler or link. A field
device using MBP technology which is connected

8 PROFIBUS System Description

with wrong polarity in most cases does not nega-
tively affect the functionality of the bus, as these
3. Communication with
devices are normally equipped with automatic PROFIBUS
polarity detection.
PROFIBUS devices communicate using the
A typically free of charge planning software
PROFIBUS DP (Decentralized Periphery) com-
should be used for segment design.
munication protocol, which is the same for all ap-
(www.segmentchecker.com) Hereby the electrical
plications and which allows cyclical and acyclical
function of a segment can be checked before in-
communication and specifies rules for this. The
stallation work starts. Planning and checking
core of the communication process is the master-
steps comprise cable length and number of
slave method, where a master (active communi-
devices possible. This planning procedure
cation nodes: PLC, PC or control system) cyclical-
protects the user from possible costly subsequent
ly prompt the connected slaves (passive
modifications of the installation.
communication nodes: field devices, I/Os, drives)
The operation of bus-supplied and externally- to exchange data. The polled slave answers the
supplied devices together is permissible. Note prompting master with a response message. A
that externally-supplied devices draw a base request message contains the output data, e.g.
current via the bus connection, which must be setpoint speed of a drive, and the associated re-
taken into account accordingly when calculating sponse message contains the input data, e.g. the
the maximum available supply current. latest measured value from a sensor. A bus cycle
comes to an end once all connected slaves have
been polled in order.
2.10 Bus diagnostics
In addition to this cyclical communication for the
Bus diagnostics enables the physical layer to be fast exchange of input and output data between
measured on a segment- and field device-specific the master and slaves at regular intervals, need-
basis and simplifies commissioning. Once installa- based data can also be transmitted using PRO-
tion is complete, the loop check is carried out at FIBUS, e.g. device setting data. A master has the
the push of a button using corresponding tools initiative, accessing the data of a slave in read or
available on the market. Extensive expert know write mode acyclically. There can be more than
ledge about waveforms and possible causes are one master in a PROFIBUS system. In such a
no longer required for commissioning. case, the access authorization passes from the
Although simulated aging tests of installations did active master to the next master (token-passing
not show any relevant risks, there are other, principle).
substantive reasons for continuous monitoring of
the physical layer itself. The most common cause 3.1 PROFIBUS DP communica-
of changes on a fieldbus installation are tion protocol
authorized interventions during maintenance or
assembly operations, more so than unwanted For optimum fulfillment of the requirements of
changes due to environmental conditions. All different areas of use, the functions of the PRO-
important parameters affecting transmission FIBUS DP communication protocol are
quality are monitored using diagnostics tools to distributed over three performance levels: DP-V0,
ensure that they remain within permissible limits. DP-V1 and DP-V2 (Figure 10).
By integrating bus diagnostics into the power Version DP-V0 provides the basic function of the
supply technology, it becomes possible to monitor communication protocol. This includes, in particu-
systems permanently rather than just sporadically, lar, cyclical communication and device-, module-
thereby facilitating the identification of errors and channel-specific diagnostics for quick fault
which might otherwise slip through unnoticed localization. Examples of this include "excess
during operation. This also makes it possible to temperature" and "short circuit on output".
detect changes on the physical layer and rectify
errors which might cause the bus to fail. Bus
diagnostics also make troubleshooting much PROFIBUS DP Token PROFIBUS DP
easier, as maintenance personnel are provided Master Class 1 Master Class 2

with detailed information, often with information in

plain text, about possible errors.

Notice: Explanations of field device diagnostics

are found in Chapter 4 under "PA profile".
DP Slave 1 DP Slave 2 DP Slave 3

Cycle

Slave 1 Slave 2 Slave 3 ..... Slave 3

Cyclic Access Acyclic Access

( Master 1) (Master 2)

Figure 9: Cyclical and acyclical communication

with DP-V1

PROFIBUS System Description

9
 Field devices for process automation are typically
slaves of performance level DP-V1 and can there-
fore communicate acyclically to set device pa-
rameters.

3.2 Device classes

PROFIBUS devices are divided into three classes
based on their functions:

PROFIBUS DP master (class 1)

A PROFIBUS DP master of class 1 (DPM1) is a
master which uses cyclical communication to
exchange process data with its associated slaves.
Manufacturers of fine chemicals must re- Devices of this type are often integrated in a
spond flexibly and quickly to customer memory-programmable controller or an automa-
orders and frequently adapt their systems tion station of the process control system.
accordingly. Thanks to its enormous flexi-
bility, PROFIBUS offers the best prerequi- PROFIBUS DP master (class 2)
site for this. A PROFIBUS DP master of class (DPM2) was
originally defined as a master used as a tool in
Version DP-V1 supplements DP-V0 with functions the context of PROFIBUS system commissioning.
for acyclical communication, i.e. for functions such In the course of the DP-V1 and DP-V2 functional
as parameterization, operation, monitoring and expansions, a DPM2 has been more specifically
alarm handling. DP-V1 enables online access to defined as a master which can be used to set
bus nodes via engineering tools for this purpose device parameters via acyclical communication.
(Figure 9). Devices of this type are usually part of an engi-
neering station used for device configuration. A
Version DP-V2 contains additional functions as DPM2 need not be permanently connected to the
extensions of DP-V1, in particular functions which bus system.
are required for drive control. These include
functions for communication between slaves, cy-
cle synchronization and time stamping.

Functional Levels

DP-V2
 Data Exchange Broadcast (Publisher / Subscriber)
 Isochronous Mode (Equidistance

plus extensions:
 Clock Synchronization & Time Stamps
 HART on PROFIBUS
 Up/Download (Segmentation)
 Redundancy
DP-V1
 Acyclic Data Exchange between PC or PLC and Slave Devices

plus extensions:
 Integration within Engineering: EDD and FDT
 Portable PLC Software Function Blocks (IEC 61131-3)
 Fail-Safe Communication (PROFIsafe)
Device Features

 Alarms
DP-V0
 Cyclic Data Exchange between PLC and Slave Devices

plus extensions:
 GSD Configuration
 Diagnosis

Time

Figure 10: PROFIBUS DP protocol, performance levels

10 PROFIBUS System Description

PROFIBUS slave Successful establishment of communication is
then verified via the requested diagnostics data.
A PROFIBUS slave is a passive communication The slave reports invalid parameter or configura-
node which reacts to prompts from the master by tion data to the master through corresponding
sending a response message. Devices in this errors in the PROFIBUS standard diagnostics. If
class are usually field devices (remote I/O, drive, the parameter and configuration data is valid, the
valve, transducer, analyzer) which acquire pro- master will initiate cyclical communication with the
cess variables or play a part in the process by slave device.
means of manipulated variables. A differentiation
is made between compact and modular slave PROFIBUS diagnostics comprise both PROFI-
devices. A modular device comprises a head BUS-specific standard diagnostics and advanced
station containing the fieldbus interface and a diagnostics. The latter contains device-specific
number of slots into which various modules can diagnostics data relating, for example, to measur-
be inserted. By combining different modules, ing or setting procedures. Any changes to device-
modular slaves can be adapted flexibly to specific diagnostics data are reported by a slave
respond to prevailing requirements with regard to in the response message during cyclical commu-
input and output data. Compact devices have a nication; the master will respond accordingly in
fixed set of input and output data – comparable to the next bus cycle by polling the diagnostics data,
a modular device with precisely one permanently rather than the process data, of the slave con-
installed module. cerned. Each PROFIBUS slave can only engage
in cyclical data exchange with one DPM1. This
The majority of slave devices in process automa- ensures that a slave can only receive output data
tion are modular devices on which, rather than from one master, thereby avoiding data incon-
being physically present, the individual modules sistency.
simply exist in the device software (virtual mod-
ules). These virtual modules (and, therefore,
access to the associated input and output data) 3.4 Acyclical communication and
are activated or deactivated when cyclic commu- parameter addressing
nication is established. The virtual modules of
which a slave device in process automation is A key part of the acyclical data exchange process
able to make use are specified in the device is the writing or reading of device parameters at
profile for PA devices. the behest of the master. These device parame-
ters can be used by a centralized operator tool to
Frequently, PROFIBUS master devices support configure a field device, thereby adapting it to the
the functions of both a DPM1 and a DPM2. Simi- specific task it has been charged with performing
larly, there are also automation devices which are in the technical process.
able to operate as both masters and slaves. In
practice, it is rarely possible to unequivocally There are two different channels for acyclical
categorize physical devices into the function clas- communication, MS1 and MS2. In this context, a
ses outlined above. link between a master and a slave (MS1 link) via
the MS1 channel can only ever be established if
cyclical data exchange is taking place between
3.3 Cyclical communication and the master and slave concerned.
PROFIBUS diagnostics
As a slave is only able to exchange data cyclically
Once the configuration has been loaded on the with one master at once, a slave can only have up
class 1 master with the help of the configuration to one MS1 link. Subject to corresponding param-
tool, the master establishes cyclical communica- eterization data, the MS1 link is established
tion with the associated slave devices (MS0 implicitly when cyclical communication is initiated
channel). During this power-up phase, the slave and monitored by the watchdog time.
adopts a two-stage approach to checking the con-
figuration data received from the master. A slave can have an MS2 link with one or a
number of masters simultaneously as long as it is
First, the parameters set in the configuration (e.g. not engaged in cyclic communication. The MS2
master address, watchdog time and ID number) connection has to be established explicitly by the
are transferred to the slave (parameterization) master. It has a separate time monitoring mecha-
and checked (configuration). The ID number is nism by means of which an MS2 link will be
unique for each device type and is assigned by closed if it is not used for a set period of time.
PI. Cyclical communication can only take place if Unlike for cyclical communication, a complex
the ID number from the configuration tallies with configuration based on the device master file is
the ID number saved in the slave. Next, the infor- not required for acyclical communication; usually,
mation about the configured modules – in other knowledge of the address of the device
words, the configuration bytes – is transferred to concerned is all that is needed to establish an
the slave and checked. Cyclical communication MS2 link on the master side.
can only be established if the modules which are
physically present tally with those set in the Device parameters are addressed in a slave
configuration or if the device can adapt to the device by means of the specification of the slot
configuration received. and index. The "slot" (values from 0 to 254) is a
slot on a modular device; on PA devices, a slot

PROFIBUS System Description

11
 Proxy FBs are generally specified by device pro-
file working groups and provided to the user in
different ways, depending on the business model
The advantage here is that they can be used in
controllers from different manufacturers. Individual
device manufacturers can also make use of this
to give their "slaves" competitive advantages by
encapsulating certain functions.

For the practical use of FBs by application pro-

grammers, an interface that is system-neutral
from the viewpoint of the many controller manu-
facturers (Application Programmer's Interface or
API) must be defined in addition to the known
PROFIBUS communication interface (communi-
cation platform, MS0, MS1, MS2, Figure 11) spec-
ified in IEC 61158. This makes it easy to port user
software and the proxy FBs used from the pro-
grammable logic controller (PLC) of manufacturer
A to the PLC of manufacturer B using standard-
Foods are bound by especially stringent ized communication blocks ("Comm FBs") if the
specifications for quality and traceability of controller manufacturer offers Comm FBs in their
the manufacturing process, including the programming library.
communication technology. With PROFI-
BUS, these features are of the highest pri-
ority, which is evidenced by its wide distri-
3.6 Comm FBs as a system-
bution in the food industry. neutral interface with
PROFIBUS
addresses a function block (see Chapter 4). The The PNO has defined function blocks (shown in
"index" (0 to 254) is the address of a parameter yellow in Figure 11) for the system-neutral inter-
within the slot concerned. faces in the "Communication and Proxy Function
Blocks according to IEC 61138-3" guideline. The-
Devices with PA profile 3.0 and higher must have se function blocks are supported by the lan-
an MS2 channel, although the MS1 channel is guages of IEC 61131-3 and the communication
optional. Since, in practice, very few PA profile services of IEC 61158 defined for PROFIBUS.
devices implement an MS1 channel, the MS2 The guideline defines communication blocks for
channel is used universally for acyclical data master classes 1 and 2 and slaves and several
transmission in process automation. additional help functions as well. The technologi-
cal functions of a field device can be addressed
3.5 Standardized function uniformly using these Comm FBs. All FBs share a
blocks (FB) common concept for displaying errors with coding
as per IEC 61158-6.
When developing and using cross-manufacturer
application profiles, the technology of the stand-
ardized function blocks (FB) plays an important PLC (SPS) Engineering tool
role, because the growing functional scope of
User- Proxy-FB Device Type Application
modern field devices allows different controllers to Program IEC 61131-3 Manager (DTM) Programmer's
be integrated without specific communication Interface (API)

knowledge and without manufacturer-specific Process

Image
Comm-FB
IEC 61131-3
Field-Device-
Technology (FDT)
adaptations to the application program. Function
MS0 (Cyclic) MS1 (Acyclic) MS2 (Acyclic) Communications
blocks, which contain the sometimes complex Platform
PROFIBUS DP PROFIBUS DP (IEC 61158)
functions of field devices (e.g. calibration, motor
Master Class 2
power-up, speed change etc.) in encapsulated Master Class 1

form, are used for this. They therefore function as Slave

PROFIBUS DP
a "representative" (Proxy FB) of the correspond- Communications
MS0 MS1 MS2 Platform (IEC 61158)
ing field devices placed in the control program.
Device technology
The function blocks are generally created in the
standardized programming language of "Struc- Field device

tured Text" (ST) as per IEC 61131-3. A Proxy FB

presents access to its functions in encapsulated Figure 11: The use of function blocks (Proxy FB and
Comm FB)
graphic form and can therefore also be called by
the "simpler" programming languages of IEC
61131-3, such as LD/COP (Ladder Diagram/ Con- PLC manufacturers offer such standard commu-
tact Plan), FBD/FUP (Function Block Diagram/ nication blocks in PLC-specific "IEC libraries".
Function Plan) or IL/APL (Instruction List/ Applica-
tion List).

12 PROFIBUS System Description

Profile Name Profile Content PNO Guideline

Specific application profiles

Dosing / Weighing Profile describes the use of dosing and weighing systems on PROFIBUS 3.182a; 3.182 b

Profile describes the connection of rotary, angular, and linear encoders

Encoder 3.062
with single-turn and multi-turn resolution
Profile describes the control of hydraulic drives via PROFIBUS
Fluid Power 3.112
(cooperation with VDMA)

HART on PROFIBUS Profile defines the integration of HART devices in PROFIBUS systems 3.102

Profile describes the communication between identification devices

Ident Systems 3.142
(barcode reader, transponder)
Profile specifies the properties of laboratory automation devices on
LabDevices 2.412
PROFIBUS
Profile defines the use of liquid pumps on PROFIBUS (cooperation with
Liquid Pumps 2.422
VDMA)
Profile defines data exchange for low-voltage switchgear (switch
Low Voltage Switchgear 3.122
disconnector, motor starter, etc.) on PROFIBUS
Profile specifies the properties of process automation devices on
PA Devices 3.042
PROFIBUS
Profile describes the device behavior and access behavior to data for
PROFIdrive 3.172; 3.272
variable speed electric drives on PROFIBUS
Profile defines the interchangeability of remote I/O devices in process
Remote I/O 3.132
automation
Profile describes properties of semiconductor manufacturing devices on
SEMI 3.152
PROFIBUS (SEMI standard)

General application profiles

Profile specifies a concept for identification of PROFIBUS devices and

Identification & Maintenance 3.502
Internet access to device-specific information
Profile defines the saving of additional i-parameters in the controller and
iPar-Server 3.532
the read-back of i-parameters after a device replacement

Profile defines safe communication of safety-related devices (emergency

PROFIsafe 3.092
OFF switch, light array, etc.) with safety controllers via PROFIBUS

Profile specifies the mechanism for field devices with redundant

Redundancy 2.212
communication behavior
Profile defines the precisely timed assignment of certain events and
Time Stamp 3.522
actions by time stamping

Table 5: PROFIBUS application profiles

In addition to the previously mentioned "neutral- These can be cross-device-class features, such
ized" access to acyclical communication functions as safety-relevant behavior (Common Application
via MS1, the FDT interface (see page 17) com- Profiles) or device-class-specific features (Specif-
pletes the Application Programmer's Interface (via ic Application Profiles). Here, a differentiation is
MS2) for the access of engineering and configura- made between
tion tools.
• Device profiles
for robots, drives, process devices, encoders,
pumps etc., for example
4. Application profiles • Industry profiles
for laboratory technology and rail vehicles, for
To ensure smooth interaction between the bus example
nodes of an automation solution, the basic • Integration profiles
functions and services of the nodes must match. for the integration of subsystems such as
They have to "speak the same language" and use HART or IO-link systems
the same concepts and data formats. This applies
both for communication and for device functions Figure 1 shows the classification of profiles in the
and industry sector solutions. This uniformity is PROFIBUS system building blocks, and Table 5
achieved through the use of "profiles" relating to provides an overview of currently available PRO-
device families or special industry sector FIBUS profiles. The following contains further
solutions. These profiles specify features which information on several of them.
"profile devices" must exhibit as a mandatory
requirement.

PROFIBUS System Description

13
 quality of the value and possible limit violations. It
thereby provides the foundation for harmonized
applications, simplified engineering, device
exchangeability and increased reliability by
means of standardized diagnostic information.
PA profile version 3.02 has been expanded with a
host of application-oriented functions since the
previous version of 3.01. These functions take
into account the years of operating experience in
PROFIBUS PA systems and implements the
resulting user demands.

4.3 Improvements in PA-Profile

V3.02
The improvements made to PA profile 3.02
concentrate on the optimization of lifecycle
management of the devices with the goal of link-
ing the simplicity of traditional 4 - 20 mA technol-
ogy with the performance potential of fieldbus
technology.

Version flexibility when replacing devices

Up until now, it was necessary to fall back on
Humidity measurement plays an important devices of the same generation as the installed
role in the processes of almost all indus- devices when devices had to be replaced, even
tries, but it's integration into fieldbus tech- though a more state-of-the-art version with addi-
nology remained disregarded for a long tional innovative features was available on the
time. PROFIBUS provided the solution. market. Version 3.02 of the profile does away with
One example is the humidity measurement this limitation by enabling (new) devices to auto-
carried out when producing pasta. matically adjust themselves to the version and
functions of its predecessor device (Automatic ID
Number Adaption, Figure 12). Here, the (new)
4.1 PROFIdrive device is notified of the version of the predeces-
sor device from the controller or control system
The PROFIdrive profile is used in production au- and automatically adapts itself to that device's
tomation. It defines the device behavior, the ac- functions without interrupting the process. This
cess method and the data formats for the drive device feature is part of the certification testing of
data of electrical drives on PROFIBUS, from sim- devices with profile version 3.02. The next time
ple frequency converters to highly dynamic servo the system is planned to stop, the new device can
controllers. All the details on this can be found in be integrated into the control system and the new
the relevant system description (Order No. 4.322). functions can be used.

4.2 PROFIBUS PA (PA devices,

"PA profile")
The PROFIBUS PA profile is the basis for using
PROFIBUS in process automation. In addition to
this profile, this application is characterized by
frequently intrinsically-safe operation and device
power supply via the bus cable. The PA profile
defines the functions and parameters for process-
control devices, such as transmitters, actuators,
valves and analyzers. These functions and pa-
rameters are used to adapt the devices to the
respective application and process conditions.
The specifications are based on function blocks,
and the parameters are classified as input, output
and internal parameters. The profile also specifies Figure 12: Device replacement with transfer of the
how the various services of the PROFIBUS com- predecessors' functions
munication protocol are used. Accordingly, for
example, process data exchanged cyclically is
Simplified device integration
based on a standard format for all devices. In
addition to the measured value and/or manipulat- In contrast to the trusted configuration of 4 - 20
ed measurement value, this format also mA devices in the field, the integration of fieldbus
features a status providing information about the devices puts greater demands on the operator

14 PROFIBUS System Description

due to the larger function scope. Working with the owner therefore need not spend time or effort on
device descriptions required for this must be pos- any adaptations or changes. All devices provide
sible for the user without special knowledge, identically-structured diagnostic information by
however. default, thereby ensuring a quick and easy over-
view of the system. Additional detailed information
The simplification implemented in profile 3.02 is enables device replacement and repair to be
based on cross-manufacturer rules for ensuring planned, system downtimes to be avoided, which
unambiguous compatibility between the descrip- saves money, and the service life of the system to
tion files (GSD, EDD, DTM) and the field devices. be increased.
Among other things, the rules stipulate the
storage of standardized parameters in the device
and device description, which enables the integra-
tion tools to automatically assign devices and
description files (Figure 13). This means
considerable simplification during the initial
installation or device replacement. In addition,
simple and clean labeling on the device housing
makes unambiguous assignment of devices to
description files easier, e.g. when removing
devices from storage. These device features are
part of the certification testing.

Figure 14: Diagnostic mapping as per NAMUR rec

ommendation 107

4.4 HART on PROFIBUS

In view of the very large number of HART devices
installed in the field, their integration into existing
or new PROFIBUS systems is a pressing task for
most users. The “PROFIBUS Profile HART” doc-
ument (Order No. 3.102) offers an open solution
for this. It defines the use of the PROFIBUS
communication mechanism without changes to
the protocol and services of PROFIBUS.
The document defines a profile of PROFIBUS,
Figure 13: Unambiguous assignment of devices and
which is implemented in the master and slave
description files
above level 7 and therefore enables the mapping
of the client-master server model of HART on
Accelerating data uploads and downloads PROFIBUS. Full compatibility with HART specifi-
cations has been assured by collaborating with
Depending on the phase of the life cycle of a sys- the HART Foundation in drafting the specification.
tem, considerable amounts of data must be
transmitted when adapting parameters, during The HART client application is integrated in a
commissioning and during maintenance or device PROFIBUS master and the HART master in a
replacement. Depending on the function scope of PROFIBUS slave (Figure 15), whereby the latter
the devices, this could be several hundred serves as a multiplexer and takes over communi-
parameters, which makes the time required for cation with the HART devices.
transmission more important. Profile 3.02 optimiz-
es transmission through optimum grouping of the
parameters and simplified access. Depending on PROFIBUS Master PROFIBUS Slave HART Device
the amount of data being transmitted, the time
required could be reduced by a factor of 10. HART client HART HART
application master server
Continuously standardized device diagnostics HART profile HART profile HART HART
7 7 comm comm
Consistency in device replacement is also
2 2
ensured with regard to the output of diagnostic 1 1
information. Devices with profile 3.02 are required HART
communication
to output diagnostic information as per the cate-
gories of NAMUR recommendation 107 (Figure PROFIBUS DP
14), whereby the mapping is already carried out
by the manufacturer. When replacing devices, the Figure 15: Operating HART devices on PROFIBUS

PROFIBUS System Description

15
 4.6 Identification & Maintenance
(I&M)
The definitions collected in the Identification &
Maintenance (I&M) application profile are binding
specifications for the storage of specific data in
each PROFIBUS device. This gives the owner
standard access to all device data through all
devices during configuration and commissioning
as well during parameterization and update
procedures. The database for this are XML files
stored on the www.profibus.com server. These
files are managed online by the device manu
facturers and are therefore kept up-to-date over
The use of PROFIBUS with the PROFIdrive the entire device life cycle (Figure 16). Using an
profile is widespread in the control of engineering tool, this data can be read out at any
packaging machines. All functions are ex- time, whereby the "device-local" data is compared
ecuted on a single bus, which considerably to the centralized, daily-updated information from
reduces the expenditure for engineering, the manufacturer for the device in question. This
hardware and training. is very helpful for system documentation, order
processes and maintenance processes, for
example.
A communication channel which works inde-
pendently of the MS1 and MS2 connections has
been defined for the transmission of HART mes- Manufacturer PROFIBUS
Web Server Web Server
sages. One HMD (HART Master Device) can
support a number of clients. The number depends I CompanyWeb Cust. Service
on the implementation. 42 D
42 Siemens www.siem...
0911-8...http://.../

Version 2.0 of the profile extends the existing in-

tegration to include standardized PROFIBUS
Engineering MANUFACTURER_ID=42
modules for hard-wired HART devices as well as Tool (MS2) PROFILE_ID=F600
for the new WirelessHART® device generation. ORDER_ID=6ES7 141-1BF00-0XB0

As a result, there is no need to implement a

profile layer in the DP master for cyclic data PROFIBUS
exchange with DP and channel-specific diagnos- PROFIBUS
tics. Device

HART devices can be connected to the HMD via

various components or to PROFIBUS via mod- Figure 16: The principle of I&M functions
ules. These originate from a GSD of the compo-
nent or are created with a device-specific module
configurator. This is typically implemented as a
class 2 DP master and as an HMD; furthermore, it
can offer the detailed configuration of complex 5. Device integration
HART devices using an EDD or the FDT/DTM
concept. A particular advantage of PROFIBUS is open-
ness, which in turn brings with it compatibility with
a large number of device and system manufac-
4.5 PROFIsafe turers. However, this does mean that the benefit
The risk of human injury, damage to production of numerous different device and systems suppli-
systems and environmental harm is inherent in ers is countered by a correspondingly high
many industrial processes. This realization number of different possible HMIs. Standards for
resulted in "safety-related automation technology" the centralized and uniform integration of
becoming of great importance, as its safety fieldbuses into automation systems have been
requirements are far above and beyond those of developed in order to ensure that a disproportion-
standard automation technology. This demand ate amount of time and effort is not required with
must also be satisfied by the fieldbus technology, regard to installation, version management and
and the PROFIsafe communication profile serves device operation. Devices are usually integrated
this purpose for PROFIBUS. by means of mapping their functionality to opera-
tor software. The process is optimized by con-
All the details on this can be found in the relevant sistent data management throughout the life cycle
system description (Order No. 4.341). of the system, with identical data structures for all
devices. All standards cited in the following can
be used in conjunction with PROFIBUS.

16 PROFIBUS System Description

A summarized representation of device inte- The EDD Interpreter is the open interface
gration can be found in Figure 17. between the EDDs and the operator program. It
provides the operator program with data for
General Station Description (GSD) visualization with a standard look & feel, regard-
The GSD is provided by the device manufacturer less of the device and manufacturer.
and is the electronic data sheet for the communi- Device Type Manager (DTM) and Field Device
cation properties of each and every PROFIBUS Tool (FDT) interface
device. It supplies all information necessary for
cyclical communication with the PROFIBUS mas- In comparison to the GSD and EDD technologies
ter and for the configuration of the PROFIBUS based on descriptions, the FDT/DTM technology
network in the form of a text-based description. It uses a software-based method of device integra-
tion. The DTM is a software component and
communicates with the engineering system via
User
the FDT interface. The FDT/DTM technology is
Control / Engineering system being developed further by the FDT Group.

A DTM is a device operator program by means of

which device functionality (device DTM) or com-
Interpreter Frame Applic. Interface munication capabilities (communication DTM) are
GSD / EDD DTM TCI
made operational; it features the standardized
FDT (Field Device Tool) interface with a frame
Integration of device functionalities
application in the engineering system. The DTM is
programmed on a device-specific basis by the
manufacturer and contains a separate user inter-
Text Text Software Software face for each device. DTM technology is very
flexible in terms of how it is configured.
GSD EDD DTM Device Tool
The FDT interface is a cross-manufacturer open
interface specification which supports the integra-
Description of device functionalities
tion of field devices into operator programs using
DTMs. It defines how DTMs interact with an FDT
Field device frame application in the operator tool or engineer-
Manufacturer ing system. The interface itself is independent of
the communication protocol and is available at
present for more than 13 protocols including
Figure 17: Technologies for device integration PROFIBUS, PROFINET and IO-Link.

Tool Calling Interface (TCI)

contains the key data of the device, information
about its communication capabilities and infor- The requirement for centralized operability of
mation about, e.g. diagnostic values. The GSD communication-capable sensors and actuators of
alone is sufficient for the cyclic exchange of a production system from the engineering station
measured values and manipulated variables be- of the automation system led to the development
tween field device and automation system. of TCI. TCI is an open interface between the
engineering tool of the overall system and the
Electronic Device Description (EDD) device tools of complex devices, e.g. with drives
The GSD alone is not sufficient to describe the or laser scanners, which enable centralized pa-
application-specific functions and parameters of rameterization and diagnostics from the
complex field devices. A powerful language is engineering station during operation. TCI is
required for the parameterization, service, non-manufacturer-specific and allows dynamic
maintenance and diagnostics of devices from the parameters to be loaded to devices without
engineering system. The Electronic Device having to exit the automation-system engineering
Description Language (EDDL) standardized in tool. For users, this means a considerable simpli-
IEC 61804-2 is available for this purpose. Further fication and time savings when calling up device
development is promoted jointly by PI, the HART tools and when carrying out configuration and
Communication Foundation, the Fieldbus Foun- online diagnostics of the systems and machines.
dation and the OPC Foundation. In additional to directly-integrated device tools,
technologies such as EDDL and FDT can be used
An EDD is a text-based device description which via corresponding application software.
is independent of the engineering system's OS. It
provides a description of the device functions
communicated acyclically, including graphics
based options, and also provides device infor-
mation such as order data, materials, mainte-
nance instructions etc.

The EDD provides the basis for processing and

displaying device data on the EDD Interpreter.

PROFIBUS System Description

17
 6. Quality assurance and The test procedure, which is the same for all test
laboratories, is comprised of several steps:
certification
• A GSD/EDD check ensures that the device
description files comply with the specifications.
For PROFIBUS devices of different types and
manufacturers to be able to perform different • During the hardware test, the electrical
tasks in the automation process correctly, they properties of the PROFIBUS interface on the
must exchange information over the bus without test subject are tested for compliance with the
errors. A prerequisite for this is a standard- specifications. This includes, for example, the
compliant implementation of the communication terminating resistors, the suitability of driver
protocols and application profiles by the device modules and other modules used and the
manufacturer. To ensure that this demand is met, quality of the performance level.
the PI established a quality-assurance procedure • The function test addresses the bus access
where certificates are granted for test-passing protocol, transmission protocol and the
devices using test reports as a basis (Figure 18). functions of the test subject. The parameteri-
zation and adaptation of the test system are
carried out using the GSD. When the test is
being carried out, the black-box method is
used. Here, no knowledge of the internal
structure of the implementation is required.
The responses generated by the test subject
and their time relations are recorded by the
bus monitor.
• The conformity test is the focal point of
testing. It verifies that protocol implementation
is in line with the standard. The test primarily
covers the state machine, behavior in case of
errors, addressability, diagnostic data and
mixed operation.
• During the interoperability test, the interplay
between the test device and the PROFIBUS
devices from other manufacturers is tested
in a multi-vendor system. It is determined
whether the functionality of the system is
maintained when the test specimen is added
to it. Operation with various different masters
is also tested.
• The profile test is carried out to determine
whether the test devices work together
Figure 18: Device certification, test procedure
smoothly during operation. The profile test
is carried out for the PROFIdrive, PA device
The aim of certification is to provide users with the and PROFIsafe profiles. The test determines
assurance that PROFIBUS field devices from whether the profile functions were implement-
different manufacturers are capable of error-free ed in accordance with the specifications.
operation when used together. For this purpose,
the field devices are tested in practical applica- All the steps of the test are documented in detail.
tions in accredited independent test laboratories The notes are available to the manufacturer and
with the required testing accuracy as per the the certification office. The test report provided to
quality guidelines of PI. This makes it possible to the orderer is used as the basis for issuance of
identify any misinterpretation of the standards at the certificate by PI.
an early stage so that manufacturers can take the Once a field device has passed all the tests, the
necessary remedial action before devices are manufacturer can request a certificate from the
implemented in the field. The test also examines PROFIBUS user organization. Each certified
the field device’s compatibility with other certified device includes a certification number as a refer-
field devices. Once the tests have been passed ence. The certificate has a validity of 3 years and
successfully, a device certificate is issued by PI's can be extended by a manufacturer declaration or
certification center upon application by the manu- after new testing. The addresses of the test la-
facturer. boratories can be obtained from the PROFIBUS
The test procedures and certification process are website on the Internet.
described in the respective guidelines.

The test procedure

The prerequisites for testing are an issued ID
number and a GSD file. An EDD for the field de-
vice or the field device itself may also be required.

18 PROFIBUS System Description

 The decision for a suitable implementation variant
7. Product implementation mainly depends on the complexity of the field
device, the required performance, the quantity
This chapter contains information on options for and the performance scope to be implemented.
implementing communication interfaces in auto- Several examples are provided in the following.
mation and field devices.
Implementing simple slaves
A broad spectrum of base technology compo-
nents and development tools (PROFIBUS ASICs, Simple I/O devices can be implemented with
PROFIBUS stacks, bus monitors, test tools and single chip ASICs. All protocol functions are al-
commissioning tools) and services are available ready integrated on the ASIC. No microprocessor
for device development and implementation of the or additional communication software is required.
PROFIBUS protocol. They enable device manu- Only the components for bus connection, e.g. bus
facturers to carry out development efficiently. An driver, optical coupler, quartz etc., are required
overview of this is found in the product catalog externally.
from PI (www.profibus.com/products/product-
guide/). For further information, see the technical Implementing intelligent slaves
documentation, and for competent consulting, With this form of implementation, the essential
refer to the PI Competence Center. layer-2 portions of the PROFIBUS protocol are
implemented with a communication module. The
When implementing a PROFIBUS interface, note
remaining protocol portions are implemented as
that the device behavior is determined by the
software on a microcontroller. In most available
PROFIBUS protocol and the implemented appli-
ASICs, the cyclical protocol portions are realized
cation. For this reason, the entire field device is
on the chip and are generally responsible for the
tested during a certification test. Base technolo- transmission of time-critical data.
gies are generally only "pre-certified", i.e. tested
using a sample application. This does not guaran- For highly time-critical applications, protocol chips
tee that each field device based on this base with an integrated microcontroller represent an
technology behaves in compliance with the alternative which already handles the entire
standards. The application in a field device has a PROFIBUS protocol autonomously. If necessary,
major influence on the device's behavior. an externally-connected microcontroller can then
be used entirely for the application. Depending on
7.1 Standard components the performance required, the field device manu-
facturer can also use the microcontroller which is
Interface modules already integrated in the protocol clip for the
application.
For small to medium quantities, PROFIBUS inter-
face modules are suitable. They are available in a The available ASICs offer an easy-to-use inter-
wide variety of versions on the market. The face and work with commonly used microcontrol-
various designs of these modules implement the lers. Another option is presented by microproces-
full bus protocol and offer an easy-to-use user sors with an integrated PROFIBUS core.
interface for each application. This relieves the
device manufacturer of communication tasks. Implementing complex masters
They can be attached to the main PCB of the
device as a supplementary module. The time-critical parts of the PROFIBUS protocol
are also implemented using a communication
Protocol chips module and the remaining protocol portions as
software on a microcontroller here.
For large quantities, individual implementations of
the PROFIBUS protocol based on common base As with slave implementations, ASICs from differ-
technology components are available. Here, a ent manufacturers are available for implementing
differentiation is made between complex master devices. They can be operated in
conjunction with common microprocessors.
• single chips, where all PROFIBUS protocol
functions are integrated on the chip and which A corresponding overview of available protocol
do not require a separate microcontroller (this chips is provided on the PROFIBUS website. For
is a hardware-only solution with a fixed further information on the products, we also
functional scope). suggest you contact the respective providers.
• communication modules which implement
smaller or larger portions of the protocol on PROFIBUS stacks
the chip. An additional microcontroller and In many cases, chips and supplemental protocol
firmware offered for the chip are required for software (PROFIBUS stacks) come from different
full implementation of the PROFIBUS protocol. providers. This increases the number of solutions
• protocol chips which already include a micro- available on the market.
controller in the communication module. In
conjunction with firmware offered for the chip, Using this as a basis, technically custom-tailored
the application communicates via an easy-to- and cost-optimized products which fulfill industry-
use user interface. specific requirements can be created, which is
also the focus PI. The fact that the PROFIBUS

PROFIBUS System Description

19
 then be connected to PROFIBUS DP without a
segment coupler or link.

RS485 technology is characterized by its low

interface costs and great robustness. Data rates
from 9.6 KBit/s to 12 MBit/s can be supported
without any conversion. To supplement this, an
intrinsically-safe version, RS485-IS, was devel-
oped.

The RS485 modules are available from various

manufacturers and are time-tested (millions are in
use).

MBP transmission technology

When implementing a bus-powered field device
with MBP transmission technology, minimal power
From raw material supply to the brewing consumption is the main focus. For these devices,
process to filling: "Beer brewing" is a good a typical supply current of only 10 - 15 mA is
example showing the interplay between the available on the bus cable. This has to supply the
discreet and continuous procedures in a entire device, including the bus connection and
process. PROFIBUS handles precisely this the measurement electronics.
task with its own bus system and has no
competition here. Special modem chips are available for these re-
quirements. These modems draw the required
operating energy for the entire device from the
chip and the stack can come from different
MBP bus connection and make it available as
sources is further evidence of the openness and
supply voltage to the other electronic components
multi-vendor capability of PROFIBUS, which is not
of the device. In addition, they convert the digital
only limited to the specification, but extends to
signals of the connected protocol chip to the bus
product implementations as well.
signal of the MBP connection that is modulated to
Pure software solutions can seldom be found on the energy supply.
the market. The reason behind this is that the
A typical configuration with an industry-standard
price-performance ratio of the processors to be
roundboard is presented in Figure 19.
used is considerably less favorable than with
chip-oriented implementations. Pure software
solutions are therefore more likely to be used in
cases with specific marginal conditions. An over-
view of the available variants of the protocol soft-
ware is found on the PROFIBUS website.

Further information on the products is available

from the respective providers.

Implementing user profiles

The PROFIBUS protocol ensures the secure data
transmission of bit sequences. The interpretation
of data in a field device is handled by the user.
User profiles represent the links between the
PROFIBUS protocol and the actual application in
a field device. The data formats, data access
methods, parameterization and cyclical and acy-
clical communication diagnostics defined in the
profile descriptions are implemented in software,
Figure 19: Example of MBP transmission technol-
which is often handled by the device manufactur- ogy implementation
ers themselves. A host of technology
suppliers provide support here.

7.2 Implementing transmission

interfaces 8. User benefits
RS485 transmission technology Owners of machines and automation systems in
For field devices which do not draw the required the production and processing industries place
power from the bus, the standard RS485 interface high demands on reliability and economy. The
can be implemented. This provides greater flexi- systems must fulfill their function for years, and
bility when using the field device, because it can the interplay of components and systems from

20 PROFIBUS System Description

different manufacturers must be ensured. PRO- to properly fulfill their tasks in the automation pro-
FIBUS, the world's leading modularly-constructed cess. Globally-established, independent test la-
industrial communication system fulfills these boratories test devices in accordance with PRO-
requirements. The prominent feature of PROFI- FIBUS specifications for certification which are
BUS is its ability to optimally fulfill industry-specific derived from international standards and which
requirements by combining suitable guarantee high quality standards. Specially estab-
modules, especially those of application profiles. lished PI training centers offer "Certified Engineer"
PROFIBUS DP for the production industry, and "Certified Installer" courses for PROFIBUS. In
PROFIdrive for drive applications, PROFIBUS PA addition, PI organizes workshops for users on
for the process industry and PROFIsafe for safe- selected topics.
ty-related applications are the main examples
here. Application profiles also ensure uniform 8.4 Innovation and protection
behavior of the devices used, regardless of the
manufacturer, and therefore their interoperability of privileges
on the bus. PROFIBUS is known for its high degree of innova-
tion. User requests are collected and implement-
8.1 Standardized and consistent ed rapidly. Examples include the fulfillment of
urgent demands from the process industry with
PROFIBUS is based on modularity and stand- the new version 3.02 of the profile for process
ards; the benefits to the user are flexibility and devices and the development of direct coupling of
ease of use. Modern systems and machines are PROFIBUS to the Ethernet-based communication
often complex in structure and tightly integrated of PROFINET and thus to the MES and ERP
into the communication landscape of the compa- levels using proxy technology. Here, the design
ny. The unimpeded flow of data is therefore a and communication of PROFIBUS are adapted to
primary user requirement of the owner. PROFI- PROFINET, while the PROFIBUS segments and
BUS provides precisely this with its unique hori- their characteristics remain completely
zontal and vertical consistency. All PROFIBUS unchanged. At the same time, existing systems
solutions use the same communication protocol. can be modernized and expanded at any time
This enables discrete procedures (such as filling with PROFIBUS. HART technology and IO-link
and packaging), continuous procedures (such as can easily be integrated into PROFIBUS, and
mixing and heating) and safety-related proce- safety-related tasks are handled by PROFIsafe
dures in a system to be handled over the same and drive tasks by PROFIdrive. All of this ensures
bus. Separate systems are unnecessary. This comprehensive investment protection, because
"hybrid automation" with PROFIBUS overcomes installed equipment can still be used. It's not
limitations, makes things simpler and reduces replaced, but rather modernized and expanded.
costs over the entire operating timeframe, from
planning and engineering to installation and from
training and operation to maintenance and docu- 8.5 Global support
mentation. With over 30 million PROFIBUS nodes installed,
PROFIBUS has proven its reliability. Users can
8.2 Economy choose from over 2,500 devices from more than
300 manufacturers here. PROFIBUS is used
Economy in the operation of machines and sys- globally, continuously undergoes development
tems demands that they be highly available. and is intensively supported by the world's largest
The integrated redundancy of PROFIBUS is unri- fieldbus organization, PI. The regional organiza-
valed when it comes to uninterrupted operation. tions, Competence Centers and multiple test la-
Equally important are the diagnostic messages boratories and training centers spread out across
continuously available from the bus, devices and the globe provide the user with a high level of
process. They provide information regarding the quality and support.
current machine and system status and enable
timely, status-based intervention. The result is
higher availability with reduced maintenance 8.6 Future cooperation
expense. Economy is also based on the option to PI's target course for the coming years is "to pro-
use the respectively most suitable device tech- vide users with far-reaching solutions using PRO-
nology for certain tasks. PROFIBUS provides this FIBUS and PROFINET as an umbrella for new
very option, thanks to its comprehensive device technologies." Cooperation with other organiza-
catalog from a wide variety of manufacturers and tions, contact with users and user groups and
the compatibility of the devices on the bus using existing strengths are all to be expanded accord-
the device profiles. ingly. Key technologies are to be promoted to-
gether while always complying with international
8.3 Quality consciousness standardization and consistency. PI is determined
to provide direction and implement solutions that
Quality and quality assurance are of high im- benefit the user.
portance with PROFIBUS, because it enables
components of different types and manufacturers

PROFIBUS System Description

21
 from development departments of member com-
9. PROFIBUS & PROFINET panies.
International (PI)
Technical support
A vendor-neutral institution is needed as a work- PI maintains more than 40 accredited PICCs
ing platform to maintain, advance and dissemi- worldwide. These facilities provide users and
nate open technologies. For the PROFIBUS and manufacturers with all kinds of advice and sup-
PROFINET technologies, the PROFIBUS Nut- port. As institutions of the PI, they are vendor-
zerorganisation e.V. (PNO) was established in neutral service providers and adhere to the mutu-
1989 as a non-profit group representing the inter- ally agreed-upon rules. The PICCs are regularly
ests of manufacturers, users and institutions. The checked for their suitability as part of an individu-
PNO is a member of PI (PROFIBUS & ally tailored accreditation process. Refer to the
PROFINET International), the international um- website for current addresses.
brella organization founded in 1995. With 25 re-
gional PI associations (RPAs) and approximately Certification
1,400 members, PI is represented on every conti- PI maintains 10 accredited PITLs worldwide for
nent and is the world’s largest community of inter-
the certification of products with a PROFI-
est for industrial communication (Figure 20).
BUS/PROFINET interface. As institutions of the
PI, they are vendor-neutral service providers and
adhere to the mutually agreed-upon rules. The
testing services provided by the PITLs are regu-
PI (PROFIBUS & PROFINET International) larly audited in accordance with a strict accredita-
Regional PI PI Competence PI Test PI Training
tion process to ensure that they meet the neces-
Associations Centers Laboratories Centers sary quality requirements. Refer to the website for
current addresses.
Technologies
Training
The PI Training Centers have been set up to es-
tablish a uniform global training standard for engi-
Fieldbus based Ethernet based
Automation Proxy Technology Automation neers and technicians. Accreditation of the
Technology Technology training centers and their experts ensures the
quality of the training and thus of the engineering
and installation services for PROFIBUS and
Figure 20: PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) PROFINET. Refer to the website for current
addresses.

Internet
9.1 Responsibilities of PI
Current information about PI and the PROFIBUS
The key tasks performed by PI are: and PROFINET technologies is available on the
• Maintenance and ongoing development of PI website www.profibus.com. This includes, for
example, an online product guide, a glossary, a
PROFIBUS and PROFINET
variety of web-based training content and the
• Promoting the worldwide propagation of
download area containing specifications, profiles,
PROFIBUS and PROFINET
installation guidelines and other documents.
• Protection of investment for users and manu-
facturers by influencing standardization
• Representation of the interests of members to
standards bodies and associations
• Providing companies with worldwide technical
support through PI Competence Centers
(PICC)
• Quality assurance through product certification
based on conformity tests at PI test laborato-
ries (PITL).
• Establishment of a uniform global training
standard through PI Training Centers (PITC).

Technology development
PI has handed responsibility for technology de-
velopment over to PNO Germany. The Advisory
Board of PNO Germany oversees the develop-
ment activities. Technology development takes
place in the context of more than 50 working
groups with input from more than 500 experts

22 PROFIBUS System Description

PROFIBUS System Description - Technology and Application
Version November 2010

Order number 4.332

Publisher
PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. (PNO)
Haid und Neu-Str. 7
76313 Karlsruhe
Germany
Tel.: +49 (0)721 / 96 58 590
Fax: +49 (0)721 / 96 58 589
[email protected]

Exclusion of liability
PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation has examined the contents of this brochure carefully. Nevertheless,
errors can not be excluded. Liability of PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation is excluded, regardless of the
reason. The data in this brochure is checked periodically, however. Necessary corrections will be con-
tained in subsequent versions. We gratefully accept suggestions for improvement.

Terms used in this brochure may be trade marks and their use by third parties for any purposes may
violate the rights of the owner.

This brochure is not a substitute for the respective IEC standards, e.g. IEC 61158 and IEC 61784, and
the associated specifications and guidelines of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International. In case of doubt,
these documents take precendence.

© Copyright by PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e.V. 2010. All rights reserved.

Worldwide support with PI!
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Germany & Spain
Czech Republic Norway Switzerland
Austria
Denmark UK

Finland Slovakia

Italy China

Ireland India

Poland Japan

Brazil Chile South-East-Asia

Southern
USA & Canada Australia Korea Middle-East
Africa

More information & contact details: www.profibus.com/community

Regional PI Regional PI Associations represent PI around the world and are your perso-
Associations nal local contacts. They are responsible for local marketing activities for purposes
(RPA) of spreading PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and IO-Link, which include trade fair appearan-
ces, seminars, workshops, and press conferences, as well as public relations activities.

PI Compe- The PI Competence Centers collaborate closely with the RPAs and are your first point of contact
tence Center when you have technical questions. The PICCs are available to assist you in the development
(PICC) of PROFIBUS or PROFINET devices and the commissioning of systems, and they provide user
support and training.

PI Training PI Training Centers support users and developers in gaining experience with the PROFIBUS
Center and PROFINET technologies and their possible uses. Individuals who successfully com-
(PITC) plete the final exam of the Certified Installer or Engineer course receive a certificate from
PI.

PI Test Labs PI Test Labs are authorized by PI to conduct certification tests for PROFIBUS and PROFINET.
(PITL) You receive a certificate from PI for your product once it passes the test. The certification
program plays a major role in the sustainable quality assurance of products and thus
assures that the systems in use exhibit a high level of trouble-free operation and avai-
lability.

PROFIBUS Nutzerorganisation e. V. (PNO)

Member of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International
Haid-und-Neu-Str. 7 • 76131 Karlsruhe • Germany
Phone +49 721 96 58 590 • Fax +49 721 96 58 589
www.profibus.com • www.profinet.com