Adding GSD and EDS Boxes

The Profibus and DeviceNet fieldbus systems contain device-specific configuration files which are provided by the hardware manufacturers. These serve to integrate these external devices into any control system that supports that fieldbus. The files are described under Profibus as GSD and under DeviceNet as EDS (Electronic Data Sheet) files.

After selecting Append Box..., depending upon the selected fieldbus system (in this case Profibus), a ‘Generic Profibus Box (GSD)’ item is shown under Miscellaneous.

Adding GSD and EDS Boxes 1:

In the case of DeviceNet you would see ‘General DeviceNet Box (EDS)‘.

With double-click or press on Ok, a Windows file-selection dialog shows available *.gsx files stored in the \TwinCAT\IO\GSD directory.

Adding GSD and EDS Boxes 2:

Press the Open button to integrate the device into the System Manager configuration.

Notice:
The device manufacturers are responsible for the GSD and/or ESD files, i.e. Beckhoff Automation GmbH does not provide GSD/GSE (GSE = GSD files in English) or EDS files for 3rd party devices, nor does it offer any guarantee of their function.

Device description

The specific structure of the GSD/GSE and/or ESD files (specified by the corresponding user organisations (PNO and ODVA respectively) allows the TwinCAT System Manager to read and display device information (manufacturer, device type etc.). This is shown in the right-hand General dialogue for the device selected in the tree.

Adding GSD and EDS Boxes 3:

The dialogue contains the device name, type, manufacturer and GSD/GSE and/or EDS file revision number. The latter can be of particular importance if there is any confusion over currently valid versions.

There is also a "Checkbox" for disabling the device, i.e. if selected, the device will be excluded on the driver side from the current combination of the fieldbus telegram, but can be retained on the hardware side unless the address is assigned to another device.

Compact and Modular Devices

The integrated external devices may be compact or modular. In the case of a compact device, the length of the input and output data transferred by the fieldbus can be pre-set. In the case of a modular device the number of the input and output data bytes of the device can be configured. Further details are given in the Technical Reference (see Modular Profibus Devices), along with details about the specific settings for the Profibus tab seen above (see GSD Device). You will find information about the DeviceNet fieldbus system under DeviceNetNode.