The ComBricks PROFINET Module can be used to build a PROFINET/PROFINET gateway (or coupler), or to build a remote PROFINET Remote I/O block. It can also be used as a combination gateway and Remote I/O. When used as a gateway, two or more PROFINET modules are used. It works in the same way as a PROFIBUS DP/DP Coupler, in that it allows two PLC masters to exchange data through a dual-port slave device. The gateway or coupler appears as a slave to both of the PROFINET PLC masters. What’s even more interesting is that you can keep adding modules and exchange data between two, three, or more PLCs – all the way up to ten modules can be used in gateway mode! When used to create remote PROFINET I/O systems, the PROFINET module is combined the four-channel relay or the eight-digital output modules. In this mode they are slave devices and are programmed into the PLC just like any other PROFINET device. When using the PLC Configuration tool, such as Step7, the ComBricks PROFINET Modules’ GSD file is used, and the respective I/O modules are selected in the configuration tool. Once configured the PLC can map the I/O’s to its applications and use the PROFINET module for remote I/O. This application is ideal for coupling small machines into your installation. Applications areas include: Coupling small machines Linking networks with different controllers Coupling PROFIsafe networks to regular networks Migrating from old control systems to new control systems Quasi master-master communication
