Softing PROFIBUS Tester 5 - Test Locations

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Chapter 3 - Connection to PROFIBUS-DP

3.5.5 Test Locations

There are several ways to connect bus stations to PROFIBUS PA:

Using terminals for direct connection

Using M12 connectors in the field (unfortunately there is no rule defining on which sides the male

and female connectors are to be used)

Field distributors and T pieces are widely used. As opposed to PROFIBUS DP, spur cables are allowed to

a limited extent for PROFIBUS PA.

The following types of DP/PA fieldbus couplers are the most common:

Simatic DP/PA couplers from Siemens, also as part of DP/PA links

SK1, SK2 and SK3 segment couplers, e.g. from Pepperl+Fuchs (or sometimes under a different label)

Irrespective of the connection types used for the field devices, the fieldbus couplers are usually

installed in a control cabinet, and the PA output is connected there via terminals.

Connection to MBP-IS is not allowed.

You can use the connection points of bus stations or access points inside the field distributors as

connection points. Establishing the electrical connections required for measuring may vary from system

to system and might not be possible during operation.

Figure 24: Connection points for PROFIBUS PA

Hint

An appropriate connection point is located directly at the DP/PA coupler. At this point, the

tool can continue to analyze the bus communication even when lines are interrupted. The

measurements are not affected by repeaters or field barriers.