BRONKHORST FLEXI-FLOW Compact Instruction Manual page 27

4 Communication interface
4.1 Configuration
Software
Configuration of the FLEXI-FLOW is best done with Bronkhorst FlowSuite, which is developed specifically for easy
configuration and monitoring of Bronkhorst® instruments. It can communicate with the FLEXI-FLOW through the
interface 8 or a Bluetooth wireless connection, without the need to break the operational communication connection.
Bronkhorst FlowSuite can be downloaded from the Bronkhorst website: www.bronkhorst.com/downloads
Support interface
· A regular USB connection provides sufficient power to allow instrument configuration outside of its operating environment.
During operation, the USB connection can be used to change the configuration or monitor the instrument, while powered
·
through the main power connector.
Bluetooth
· The FLEXI-FLOW™ Compact is delivered with Bluetooth disabled; it can be
· A Bluetooth wireless connection requires the instrument to be powered through the power connector or the support
interface.
· The Bluetooth wireless connection is only suitable for configuration and monitoring, but it can be used during operation.
4.2 Communication protocol
For information about the use of Bronkhorst® instruments with a specific communication protocol, consult the
according interface manual
FLOW-BUS
Bronkhorst FlowSuite provides a graphical interface to the
monitoring of Bronkhorst® instruments.
Modbus
In a Modbus system instruments can be monitored and operated using third party software as a master device, such as LabVIEW,
ModScan, or a Modbus PLC.
Ethernet based protocols
FLEXI-FLOW instruments with an Ethernet based communication interface support the following protocols:
EtherCAT®
·
· EtherNet/IP™
· Modbus TCP
POWERLINK
·
· PROFINET (default)
In an Ethernet based communication system instruments can be monitored and operated using third party software as a master
device, such as TIA Portal (by Siemens).
For most Ethernet based protocols, the master software platform needs a device description file for the according
communication protocol. The device description file contains all necessary information to operate the device in the according
system, including communication and network configuration, and all available operating parameters with their data types.
Device description files for Bronkhorst® instruments can be downloaded from the product pages on the Bronkhorst
website (search for 'fieldbus files').
9.17.158G
Bronkhorst®
.
11
ProPar 28
Instruction Manual FLEXI-FLOW™ Compact
enabled using Bronkhorst FlowSuite
protocol (used by FLOW-BUS), for easy configuration and
support
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