Configuring 
  4.11 Planning subnets 
S7-300, CPU 31xC and CPU 31x: Installation 
Operating Instructions, Edition 08/2004, A5E00105492-05 
4-33 
Equipotential bonding 
For information on what to take into account with respect to equipotential bonding in your 
network configuration, refer to the corresponding chapter in the appendix. 
Reference 
For further information, refer to the Communication section in 
CPU 31xC and CPU 31x 
Manual, Technical Data
. 
4.11.2.3  Multi-Point Interface (MPI) 
Availability 
All CPUs described in this manual are equipped with an MPI interface X1.  
A CPU equipped with an MPI/DP interface is configured and supplied as MPI. To use the DP 
interface, set DP interface mode in STEP 7. 
Properties 
The MPI (Multi-Point Interface) represents the CPU interface for PG/OP connections, or for 
communication in an MPI subnet. 
The typical (default) transmission rate for all CPUs is 187.5 kbps. You can also set 19.2 kbps 
for communication with an S7-200. The 315-2 PN/DP and 317 CPUs support transmission 
rates up to 12 Mbps. 
The CPU automatically broadcasts its bus configuration via the MPI interface (the 
transmission rate, for example). A PG, for example, can thus receive the correct parameters 
and automatically connect to a MPI subnet. 
 
 
Note 
You may only connect PGs to an MPI subnet which is in RUN.  
Other stations (for example, OP, TP, ...) should not be connected to the MPI subnet while 
the system is in RUN. Otherwise, transferred data might be corrupted as a result of 
interference, or global data packages may be lost. 
 
Devices capable of MPI communication 
•  PG/PC 
•  OP/TP 
•  S7-300 / S7-400 with MPI 
•  S7-200 (19.2 kbps only)