Link Mode (Module Firmware V2.10.1 And Higher Only); Converting Pa Gsd Files; Link Configuration - Bus Parameters - Procentec ComBricks User Manual

Profibus data hub for repeaters and fiber optics modules

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12.3 Link mode (module firmware v2.10.1 and higher only)

To use the module in Link mode, make sure it has module firmware version 2.10.1 and up, and NOT version 1.x.

Refer to paragraph 17.2 for updating your PA module. Also update the Head Station firmware to 1.279 or

higher.

Set the 3

dipswitch 'LNK' to 'ON' (to the right). Then connect a power source to the

connector on top of the module. The DC voltage offered to the PA coupler module is

the same as the output on the PA side. The minimum is 11VDC, maximum is 28VDC.

This module is now a fully functional PROFIBUS PA Link/Coupler combination. It is semi-transparent on all baud

rates, it also sends FDL status requests onto PA. It supports connection of up to 126 devices that can take up a

total of 500mA from the bus. Furthermore, all functionality described in paragraph 12.2 is also available in Link

mode.

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To receive telegrams from a PLC or DCS in Link mode, you need to install another module in the

ComBricks backplane. This module can be any PROFIBUS DP interface card, either fiber optic or

copper. All modules in chapters 7, 8 and 9 can be used. Set this DP card to the same network as the

PA module.

For PA devices to correctly work in a DP configuration environment, it is necessary to alter the GSDs. It is highly

recommended to use our GSDConvert tool for this, and NOT do it manually! The tool changes several lines in

the GSD file so that it can be used on all baud rates instead of only the PA baud rate.

Download the tool on www.procentec.com.

Simply choose a GSD file and click 'Open', then choose the location to save

it and click 'Save'. The program will create a new GSD file with 'LNK_' as the

first four characters. The last four characters are the Ident number of the

slave.

Import the new file into the configuration tool and use it as if it was a normal DP slave. Any baudrate can be

used on the DP-side.

In Link/Coupler mode, the module has a fixed master address 1 on the PA side. The use of address 1 for PA field

devices is therefore not possible.

12.3.2 Link configuration – bus parameters

The PA module in Link mode offers the possibility to configure the Watchdog time and the number of retries on

the PA bus. These bus parameters are independent from the DP master parameters. Click on the Status page

and then on the PA module to configure these parameters. See Fig. 85 for available options.

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