Bridging Profibus and Mod bus-TCP networks with an Anybus X-gateway
The Anybus X-gateway from HMS Industrial Networks enables system integrators to easily transfer I/O data between two different PLC systems and networks.
The X-gateway is a configurable stand-alone gateway that allows plant-floor devices on a Profibus network to communicate with the devices on a Modbus-TCP network and vice versa. Typical applications are installations with mixed usage of Siemens and Schneider Electric, ABB, or GE PLCs.
One example is automobile manufacturing plants where Profibus-based segments shall be integrated into industrial Ethernet-based control applications with the popular Modbus-TCP protocol.
The X-gateway is a compact device for standard DIN rail mounting and 24 Volt industrial power supply. It functions as a server (slave) on the Modbus-TCP network and as a master on the Profibus side. The Profibus master functionality is configured with HMS' Anybus NetTool for Profibus, a powerful but easy-to-use Windows-based configuration tool that comes free with the X-gateway.
After the initial configuration has been downloaded into the X-gateway, it passes up to 512 bytes of input and 512 bytes of output data transparently between Modbus-TCP and Profibus. Up to 124 Profibus slaves can be connected to the gateway. In addition to its data transfer capabilities, the X-gateway incorporates a powerful embedded web server on the Modbus-TCP side which supports web-based remote diagnostics and visualization.
Even an OPC server is included in the scope of delivery of the X-gateway. The X-gateway contains Profibus and Modbus-TCP communication interfaces that have been certified for full compliance with the respective protocol standards.
The Anybus X-gateway family is a product line consisting of over 200 proven, robust, and ready-to-use gateways aimed to connect almost every possible combination of two industrial networks. The product family supports 17 different fieldbus and industrial Ethernet networks such as Profibus, DeviceNet, CANopen, CC-Link, EtherNet/IP, Profinet, and many more. All versions work the same way and provide a flexible standard solution to connect two industrial networks.
