PROFIBUS PA link/ coupler module for ComBricks

PROFIBUS PA link/ coupler module for ComBricks

ComBricks PROFIBUS PA Link / Coupler is a transparent coupling module for connecting PA devices to a DP network. It provides power to the PA segment and emulates the connected devices as DP. It enables remote monitoring of the PROFIBUS PA network using an oscilloscope, voltage graph, and message recording.

Key Advantages

• Online diagnostics and management via web interface without the need for additional software
• Direct replacement for Non-Ex PA coupler modules from other manufacturers
• No configuration required – behaves like a standard ComBricks repeater
• Possibility to combine up to 9 PA links and additional modules (RS485, fiber optics)
• Supports speeds up to 12 Mbps
• Optionally adjustable PA voltage
• Integrated ProfiTrace and oscilloscope
• Minimal dimensions

Jak funguje PROFIBUS PA link / coupler modul pro sestavu ComBricks

The installation of the PA module requires no complex configuration and is set up the same way as ComBricks repeater modules.

You can connect up to 9 PA coupler modules to the backplane (1 reserved for PLC/DCS) or a mix of PA modules and other ComBricks communication modules. The built-in PA termination is automatically enabled when the module functions as a PA coupler. If the module is used for network monitoring, the termination is automatically disabled.

The combination of built-in ProfiTrace and oscilloscope makes this product extremely useful for remote maintenance via Ethernet. Jitter, noise, DC current, DC voltage, bar graph, and oscilloscope – all are present and easily accessible. Free CommDTM communication allows access to management tools over Ethernet.

The web server allows configuration of PA-side behavior, such as retries (default 5x) and watchdog (default 3 seconds).





The module can operate in three modes:

• Monitoring mode
• Link mode
• Coupler mode

Monitoring Mode

If you have an existing PROFIBUS PA network, you can use this module as a monitoring and alarm tool. Through the ComBricks web interface, you can monitor network events and electrical signals similarly to an oscilloscope repeater for PROFIBUS DP. You can also configure event reactions (output trigger, log entry, or email notification).

For this mode, the following conditions must be met:

1. No power should be connected to the terminal on the top of the module; internal termination is automatically disabled.
2. The third DIP switch (LINK) on the front must be set to OFF (left position).

Note:
In this mode, ensure the module is set to a different network than other ComBricks modules to avoid issues caused by transferring all PA messages to the PROFIBUS DP network.

In the module status, the following information is displayed (see PA oscilloscope module status image above):

• DC voltage (PROFIBUS PA bus voltage measurement)
• DC max and min values
• DC noise
• DC unbalanced voltage (measured between +/- and shielding)
• Current consumption (supplied to the PA bus in mA)
• LED status: hardware error
• LED status: signal amplitude error
• LED status: power supply error
• LED status: network error

Oscilloscope signal waveforms are also available:



Another screen shows a graph of PA signal voltage levels, and the limits can be set in the oscilloscope settings:



On the PA/FF measurement screen, additional key data is shown: amplitude, jitter, polarity, and noise.



Oscilloscope Settings

Link Mode

To use the module in Link mode, firmware version 2.10.1 or higher is required (not version 1.x).

First, switch the third DIP switch to ON (right position) and connect power to the terminal on the top of the module. The supply voltage should match the PA side: minimum 11 VDC, maximum 28 VDC.

This module is a fully functional PROFIBUS PA Link/Coupler combination. It is semi-transparent at all transmission speeds and also forwards FDL status requests to the PA side. It supports up to 126 devices drawing a total of up to 500 mA from the bus. Additionally, all functions described in Monitoring mode are available in Link mode.

To receive messages (telegrams) from a PLC or DCS in Link mode, you need to install an additional module into the ComBricks backplane. This can be any PROFIBUS DP repeater module, including optical modules. Set this DP module to the same network as the PA module.

For correct functionality of PA devices in the DP configuration environment, you must modify the GSD file. We strongly recommend using our GSDConvert tool for this conversion – do not edit manually! The tool is available in the downloads section of this module (combricks-gsd-convertor.zip).

Watchdog parameters for Link mode can be configured in the web interface in the PA oscilloscope module status – see image above in this description.

Coupler Mode

To use this mode, set the third DIP switch to OFF (left position). Then connect the power supply to the top terminal of the module. The power supply should match the PA side: minimum 11 VDC, maximum 28 VDC.

This module is a fully functional PROFIBUS PA Coupler. It is fully transparent up to 1.5 Mbps and forwards FDL status requests to the PA side. It supports up to 32 devices drawing a total of up to 500 mA from the bus. Additionally, all functions from the Monitoring mode are available in Coupler mode as well.

You must adjust some bus parameters in your PLC or DCS configuration. Follow Table 8 for your main project: