PROFIBUS DP

Standard DP Operation

In order to configure standard DP operation, proceed as follows in the TwinCAT system manager:

FC310x

It is first necessary to configure a "Profibus Master FC310x, PCI" I/O device (selecting "I/O devices" with the right hand mouse button, and then selecting "Insert device"). The appropriate channel is on the "FC310x" tab and searched for ("Search" button) and the baud rate, which is set to 12 Mbaud as standard, adjusted if necessary.

EL6731

Procedure as above; configure "Profibus master EL6731, EtherCAT" (right-click on "I/O devices", then select "Append Device").

Add DP slaves

The Beckhoff slaves or devices from other manufacturers are to be configured. All slaves whose GSD files are stored in the system manager's Profibus subdirectory are displayed automatically, sorted according to manufacturer; in order to link other GSD files, "General Profibus box (GSD)" is to be selected under Miscellaneous.

In the case of modular slaves, it is then still necessary to add the terminal/IL modules (for Beckhoff slaves) or the DP module (for devices from other manufacturers).

TwinCAT Config mode

For the TwinCAT configuration mode, it is only necessary to exchange data with the configured slaves. To do this, TwinCAT configuration mode is started, and configuration of the DP master is activated using the "Reload devices" button on the toolbar. After this, the data relating to the configured slaves can be read and written on the associated Variables tab from the System Manager.

TwinCAT Run-Mode

For the TwinCAT Run mode, it is now necessary for at least one variable of the PROFIBUS master or of the configured slave to be linked to a task. The project is then to be stored in the registry, and the TwinCAT system then started in Run mode. Data exchange with the slaves is not carried out until the associated task is started. If a number of tasks are linked with the PROFIBUS master or with the configured slave, then whichever task has the highest priority must be started in order for data to be exchanged with the slave.

Bus parameters

The PROFIBUS DP-bus parameters can be found in the Bus parameters dialog, which can be selected via the "FC310x" or "EL6731" tab (Bus parameters (DP) button). They should only be modified by experienced users.