ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus – PROFIBUS DP Tester

Technical Parameters

PROFIBUS Diagnostics and Measurement

• Product type: portable PROFIBUS DP analyser / tester
• Purpose: maintenance, service, commissioning and preventive checks of PROFIBUS networks
• Measured network: PROFIBUS DP via RS-485
• Analyser mode: passive recording of data traffic in the PROFIBUS network
• Master station simulation: simplified simulation via ProfiCaptain; full Master station simulation is available with the Ultra PRO version
• Supported tools: Busmonitor, LiveList, statistics, ScopeWare oscilloscope, Bar graph, Topology Scan, cable length measurement and reporting
• Detected faults: communication errors, duplicate or incorrect addresses, missing devices, diagnostic and configuration errors, repeated requests, corrupted telegrams, interference, reflections, short circuits, wire breaks and termination problems
• Telegram recording: yes, including filtering and recording triggers
• PROFIBUS message decoding: DP-V0, DP-V1 and selected DP-V2 functions
• PROFIBUS PA: only with the optional PA Probe Ultra or with the Ultra PRO version

Oscilloscope and Signal Check

• Integrated digital oscilloscope: yes, ScopeWare
• Signal check: differential voltage, A/B wires, noise, overshoots, reflections and triggers
• Maximum captured PROFIBUS signal speed: 12 Mbps
• Oscilloscope sampling frequency: 2 × 192 MHz for A/B wires, 384 MHz for differential measurement
• Oscilloscope bandwidth: 100 MHz
• Oscilloscope measurement range: differential -9 to +9 V, single-ended -4.5 to +8.5 V
• Bar graph: display of average, minimum and maximum signal values for individual stations

Topology and Reports

• Topology Scan: automatic drawing of the PROFIBUS DP network topology
• Topology Scan limitation: works at speeds of 500 kbps and 1.5 Mbps
• Distance measurement in topology: distances below 2 m and above 230 m cannot be measured reliably
• Cable length measurement: yes, for a PROFIBUS DP segment without an active Master
• Measurement reports: automatic generation of detailed reports with signals, errors, topology and administrative data

Connection and ProfiCore Ultra Hardware

• Connection to PC: USB 2.0
• Power supply: via USB, normally without the need for an external power supply
• USB current consumption: 400 mA
• External power supply: 9 V / 500 mA, adapter is not included with the product
• Connection to PROFIBUS: galvanically isolated RS-485 interface with DB9 connector
• Bus load: 1/5 of a standard PROFIBUS load
• Built-in memory/cache: yes, to reduce the risk of telegram loss under higher Windows load

Software and PC Requirements

• Software: ProfiTrace 2
• Installation: on a Windows PC or notebook
• Minimum requirements according to the manual: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 or 10
• Required USB port: USB 2.0 high-speed with min. 400 mA power supply
• Free disk space: min. 100 MB
• Minimum display resolution: 1024 × 768 px
• Recommended display resolution: 1280 × 1024 px or higher
• User interface: multilingual

Mechanical and Operating Parameters

• Weight of the complete kit: 1394 g
• ProfiCore Ultra dimensions: 108 × 68 × 28 mm
• ProfiCore Ultra weight: approx. 125 g
• Housing material: plastic
• Operating temperature: 0 to +60 °C
• Storage temperature: -20 to +70 °C
• Protection rating: IP20
• Contains battery: no

Ultra Plus Kit Contents

• ProfiCore Ultra
• USB A-B cable
• USB A-mini cable for optional additional power supply
• ProfiTrace 2
• ScopeWare oscilloscope
• Bar graph
• Topology Scan
• Reporting
• Tap Connector for connection to a PROFIBUS DP network
• Blue portable case
• Manual
• Manufacturer order code: 37021

Certifications and Standards

• CE: yes
• UL: yes
• RoHS: yes
• WEEE category: IT and telecommunications equipment

Overview of ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus Tools

ProfiCore Ultra Hardware Module

The ProfiCore Ultra is the required hardware module for using ProfiTrace 2. It connects via USB, which also provides power, and translates PROFIBUS signals to USB and vice versa. It allows measurements from both laptops and PCs without creating spur lines on the bus. The module features an isolated RS-485 interface with a DB9 connector and a built-in high-speed digital oscilloscope capable of capturing signals up to 12 Mbps. In analyzer mode, it passively records data traffic, and when ProfiCaptain is activated, it can act as a MASTER. Its onboard memory ensures no telegrams are lost even under high Windows system load.

You don’t need a 230 V socket to measure PROFIBUS networks

The tester connects to your computer via a USB cable, which transmits both data and power. The tester also includes a connector for external power, but we haven’t needed it in 13 years. Power from a laptop has always been enough, and you can measure for several hours. This is a major advantage, because not every control cabinet has a 230 V outlet, and dragging around an extension cord or external battery for the tester isn’t always convenient – or even possible.

ProfiTrace 2 Software

To measure a PROFIBUS network, you need the ProfiCore analyzer (the black plastic module), which connects to a PC running the ProfiTrace 2 software. The software can be installed on any number of computers and is not tied to a specific PC via software or hardware keys. Recorded measurements can be opened at any time in ProfiTrace 2, even without the ProfiCore module connected.

ProfiTrace 2 displays the status and communication of all devices in real time, detects errors, and stores logs. It includes an integrated oscilloscope, tools for voltage measurement, network topology mapping, and MASTER station simulation. The software supports long-term analysis and the generation of clear, professional reports.

1) LiveList and PROFIBUS Station Statistics

LiveList shows all found MASTER and SLAVE stations in the network along with various statistical information. Each station’s status is color-coded (background color):

• Green background = SLAVE station is actively exchanging data with a MASTER
• Yellow background = Station was detected at the beginning but lost during measurement
• Purple background = Configuration error (PLC configuration does not match the SLAVE station configuration)
• Red background = Parameter error (usually incorrect GSD file, wrong address, etc.)
• White background = Station is not part of the MASTER’s hardware project; no MASTER is communicating with it

LiveList also generates device names when a diagnostic message is captured (synchronized with the device’s GSD file). If the GSD file contains a list of error messages for a device, LiveList will display the exact description of the error provided by the device manufacturer when an issue is detected.

LiveList also includes communication statistics that track the frequency of unwanted network conditions, such as repeated requests, device losses, corrupted messages, communication cycles, message lengths, diagnostic messages, and more.

PROFIBUS Telegram Logging

In addition to precise measurement of electrical signals, ProfiTrace 2 can monitor and record all or selected PROFIBUS telegrams. Analyzing communication messages between MASTER/SLAVE stations is one of the most accurate tools for clearly identifying improper station behavior, presence of interference, power outages, cable shorts, etc. You can record all telegrams or only selected ones using sophisticated triggers – based on errors or the message content. Yes, that’s right – ProfiTrace 2 understands telegram content, so it’s easy to capture only specific messages, such as those related to the activation of a limit switch at the end of a conveyor. ProfiTrace 2 also speeds up message analysis by color-coding telegrams by type.

2) Network Condition

The network condition is displayed using a simple traffic light: green = network OK, yellow = minor issues, red = critical errors requiring attention. For each color, the percentage of time the network has been in that state is shown. In the network condition details, additional warnings based on electrical or telegram errors help quickly identify problematic devices and bus segments.

3) PROFIBUS DP Signal Oscilloscope

The oscilloscope is used to measure the signal quality on PROFIBUS. Once launched, the oscilloscope immediately begins displaying all signals detected on the connected network. For better clarity, the amplitude scale, voltage range, and signal display mode (B-A) can be adjusted. Double-clicking a station in LiveList displays only the signal for that specific station. This is an effective way to inspect the signal quality of individual devices at the measurement point and estimate the real distance to the problem location based on signal deviation levels.

The oscilloscope display can be switched between combined waveform (one oscilloscope trace) and split waveform (two separate traces for wires A and B). Thanks to the split display, it’s easier to identify interference in the network or pinpoint faults on a specific wire (A/B).

4) Voltage Levels of PROFIBUS Stations

A bar graph shows the voltage levels at all PROFIBUS stations on the network. Unlike other analyzers, ProfiTrace 2 displays live voltage readings for all stations simultaneously, with a fast refresh rate. This is especially useful for identifying network faults. The average voltage should be around 5 V. If there are issues on the bus, the graph will show irregular voltage values, and the bar colors will change. The software displays the current voltage readings while also collecting maximum and minimum values since the beginning of the measurement.

5) PROFIBUS DP Network Topology Scanning

ProfiTrace 2 can generate a schematic of the PROFIBUS network topology without needing to shut down the network beforehand (works only at 500 kbps and 1.5 Mbps). Topology generation is based on precise measurement of outgoing and incoming messages between the MASTER and SLAVE stations, from which the tester builds the network topology. Due to the nature of this measurement, it’s essential that the PROFIBUS network is in perfect health to avoid inaccurate results. Another limitation is the presence of PROFIBUS repeaters or optical converters – these block visibility for the tester, making it impossible to render topology. For these reasons, topology generation should be considered approximate. We recommend using alternative topology mapping methods taught in our training courses.

Note: Live measurement is only possible at 500 kbps or 1.5 Mbps. At other speeds, the original Master must be disconnected.

6) Network Manager

The Network Manager is a tool for saving and loading measurements from the oscilloscope, bar graphs, and topology images. It allows you to assign names to segments, measurement points, and stations, which then appear in reports. The Network Manager is particularly useful when measuring networks divided into multiple segments, for example using repeaters, hubs, fiber optic converters, or other media.

It also includes template creation for repeated measurements, simplifying and speeding up regular testing. Additionally, it helps analyze oscilloscope recordings by showing minimum and maximum signal values.

Important: Once the ProfiCore Ultra module is initialized, the Network Manager automatically records electrical measurements in the background. This process runs continuously, so it should be considered, especially when relocating the ProfiCore Ultra. Measurement recording can be stopped at any time by clicking “Stop processing.”

7) ProfiCaptain – PROFIBUS MASTER Station Simulator

The Master station simulation can be run in different modes depending on the tester version used.

ProfiCaptain is a simulator of PROFIBUS DP-V0/DP-V1 MASTER stations, most useful for testing PROFIBUS Slave stations. Connect the tester to a PROFIBUS SLAVE station, enable termination on the connector, choose the PB speed, and launch the simulation of a PB MASTER station. In the oscilloscope and voltage level view, you’ll see only two stations – the tester as the MASTER and the other station as the SLAVE. Check the signal on the SLAVE station, split it across A/B lines, and immediately identify whether the SLAVE port is working correctly. This test often reveals issues on the PROFIBUS port. ProfiCaptain is a PROFIBUS DP Master software application used for testing, parameterizing, and demonstrating PROFIBUS products (PLCs, PC cards, cables, etc.). With ProfiCaptain, you can map the network topology, detect parameters of each station, test I/O, verify proper station configuration, and more. The application requires the ProfiCore module (sold separately), connected to the PC via USB.

Use Cases for ProfiCaptain

• Testing PROFIBUS SLAVE stations
• Testing I/O and station address settings
• Demonstrating PROFIBUS product functionality
• Educational and research purposes

Key Features of ProfiCaptain (MASTER Simulation)

• Automatic detection of PROFIBUS network parameters
  • Detects Tslot, MaxTSDR, Tset, etc.
  • Recommends Master address
  • Continuously updated live data
  • Supports speeds from 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s
  • Prevents sudden communication losses
• Support for Class 2 functions (only tester version 38022)
  • Slave station address configuration
  • Reading I/Os from all network stations
  • Configuration setup
• I/O Testing (only tester version 38022)
  • Monitor and edit selected value types (bool, hex, decimal, float, etc.)
• Stealing slaves function (only tester version 38022)
  • Ability to take over Slave stations from a Master without needing to remove them from the network or deactivate the Master
• Configuration
  • User-friendly program interface
  • GSD file import
  • No connection loss during parameter changes

8) PROFIBUS Network Measurement Reports

The reporting tool allows you to generate a detailed report after the measurement is completed, including the display of electrical signals of all devices, their faults, the network topology, voltage levels at the stations, and other information. The introduction of the report contains a recommendation on whether the PROFIBUS network is approved for operation. Reports also serve as handover protocols for new networks or as inspection documentation.

To gain practical skills and work efficiently with PROFIBUS networks, we recommend the 2-day PROFIBUS training – Principles, Diagnostics, and Troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus

What is ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus?

ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus is a portable tester and analyzer for diagnosing PROFIBUS networks. It is used for measurement, fault detection, and communication analysis in PROFIBUS DP networks. It is suitable for service, maintenance, commissioning, and troubleshooting hard-to-find faults during operation.

Which networks is ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus designed for?

This variant is primarily designed for PROFIBUS DP networks. Unlike the Ultra Pro variant, it is not intended for measuring PROFIBUS PA segments.

What is ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus used for in practice?

It helps detect communication faults, unstable stations, signal problems, interference, parameter errors, topology issues, and recurring diagnostic messages. It is useful during commissioning, regular inspections, and when looking for the causes of random PROFIBUS DP network failures.

Can the network be measured during operation?

Yes. ProfiTrace allows measurements during normal operation without the need to shut the network down. This is especially important where faults occur only occasionally or under load.

What can the LiveList tool do?

LiveList displays the detected MASTER and SLAVE stations in the network and their current status. It can show, for example, lost stations, configuration errors, parameter errors, or devices with which no MASTER is communicating. It also includes communication statistics such as repeated queries, corrupted messages, or diagnostic messages.

Can the tester display signal quality?

Yes. A digital oscilloscope called ScopeWare is available to display signal waveforms on the A and B lines, as well as a bar graph for an overview of the voltage levels of individual stations. This makes it easier to detect weak signals, reflections, or electromagnetic interference.

Can ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus display topology and create a report?

Yes. The functions include network topology scanning and reporting. Measurement outputs can be saved and used for documenting the network condition, handing results over to the customer, or comparing the state before and after an intervention.

Does ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus include MASTER station simulation?

Yes, but only in a simplified form. The tester can act as a MASTER mainly for diagnostic messages or for setting the address of a SLAVE station. Unlike the Ultra Pro variant, this is not full PROFIBUS MASTER station simulation.

Is an external 230 V power supply required?

In most cases, no. The tester connects to a computer via USB, which carries both data and power. In practice, a notebook is usually enough, and there is no need to deal with a power outlet in the control cabinet.

What is included in the Ultra Plus package?

The Ultra Plus variant includes the ProfiCore hardware module, a Tap connector for connection to the PROFIBUS bus, a USB data and power cable, a USB backup power cable, a manual, and a portable carrying case.

Is the software tied to one computer?

No. The ProfiTrace 2 program can be installed on multiple computers. In addition, recorded measurement files can be opened even without the connected hardware module.

Who is ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus suitable for?

It is suitable for service technicians, system integrators, maintenance staff, and specialists who diagnose PROFIBUS DP networks. It makes the most sense where a basic bus check is not enough and a deeper analysis of the signal, communication, and active device testing is required.

What is the difference between ProfiTrace 2 Ultra Plus and Ultra Pro?

Ultra Plus is a variant focused on PROFIBUS DP. Compared to Ultra Pro, it does not include the PA Probe Ultra for measuring PROFIBUS PA and does not support full PROFIBUS MASTER station simulation. Instead, it only offers simplified simulation, where the tester acts as a MASTER mainly for diagnostic messages or setting the address of a SLAVE station.

When should you choose Ultra Plus and when Ultra Pro?

Choose Ultra Plus if you work only with PROFIBUS DP networks and want a portable tester for routine as well as more advanced diagnostics. Ultra Pro makes sense where you also need to measure PROFIBUS PA or use full MASTER simulation.