Profibus Terminology - Siemens SIMATIC ET 200AL System Manual

Description
2.1 Introduction to PROFIBUS
Objectives of PROFIBUS DP
Distributed automation systems are increasingly used in production and process automation.
This means a complex control task is divided up into smaller, more transparent subtasks with
distributed control systems. This creates a high demand for communication between the
distributed systems.
Distributed systems offer the following benefits:
● Independent and simultaneous commissioning of individual devices is possible
● Small, manageable programs
● Parallel processing due to distributed automation systems
● Reduced response times
● Higher-level structures can take on additional diagnostics and logging functions.
● Increased plant availability because the rest of the overall system can continue to work
when a subordinate station fails.
2.1.2

PROFIBUS terminology

Definition: Devices in the PROFIBUS environment
In the PROFIBUS environment, "device" is the generic term for:
● Automation systems (for example, PLC, PC)
● Distributed I/O systems
● Field devices (for example, hydraulic devices, pneumatic devices)
● Active network components (e.g., diagnostic repeater, optical link module)
● Gateways to AS interface or other fieldbus systems
12
PROFIBUS with STEP 7 V13
Function Manual, 12/2014, A5E03775446-AC