Tech Tip: What Is PROFINET DCP?

DCP is part of the PROFINET protocol suite and stands for “Discovery and Configuration Protocol”.  It is used by the engineering tool and controller to discover devices, identify device information, and configure device settings such as PROFINET device name and IP address on a PROFINET network. PROFINET DCP is an Ethernet link layer protocol and offers multiple services.  (more…)

Continue ReadingTech Tip: What Is PROFINET DCP?
  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:7 mins read

IO-Link: Did You Know?

Did you know that IO-Link has an incredible number of parameter assignment methods?

This article takes a look at five different use cases for accessing IO-Link devices and how configuration settings can be transferred to them.

Example 1: How are parameters assigned for an IO-Link device that is simply lying on the table? Several manufacturers offer IO-Link masters for this purpose, which are connected to a PC via USB or a wireless connection. Each IO-Link device has an IODD (IO Device Description-file). The device tool takes the IODD, which enables it to present the device on the screen and to read, write, and edit process data, parameters, and diagnostics. (more…)

Continue ReadingIO-Link: Did You Know?
  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:2 mins read

Tech Tip: Understanding PROFIBUS Diagnostics Part 2

PROFIBUS’s success in the industrial controls universe is partly due to its wide array of diagnostic capabilities. Every PROFIBUS slave device must support, at a minimum, 6 bytes of standard diagnostic data. This data is defined by PROFIBUS and PROFINET International and reports the device state, its controlling master and whether the device has any extended diagnostic data (additional fault information) available.

(more…)

Continue ReadingTech Tip: Understanding PROFIBUS Diagnostics Part 2
  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:4 mins read

IO-Link: Did You Know?

Did you know that IO-Link wiring needs only 3 wires of a parallel cable instead of 19?

The simple motto 3 instead of 19 wires vividly describes the saving potential of IO-Link compared to conventional wiring. The user benefits are made clear using the example of a passive distributor with 8 M12 connections. For comparison purposes, an IO-Link input module that can be connected to any IO-Link master is used.

(more…)

Continue ReadingIO-Link: Did You Know?
  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:2 mins read

IO-Link: Did You Know?

Did you know that the benefits of IO-Link are built on three pillars?

The tremendous success of IO-Link rests on three pillars whose value is clearly recognized no matter the industry sector: simplified installation, simplified parameter assignment, and diagnostics.

(more…)

Continue ReadingIO-Link: Did You Know?
  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:2 mins read

IO-Link: Did You Know?

Did you know that IO-Link allows automatic parameter assignment by the PLC?

With IO-Link, the parameter assignment of the devices is stored in the higher-level automation system and is transferred automatically if a device is replaced. Moreover, the PLC can access, read, and write any parameters during operation. (more…)

Continue ReadingIO-Link: Did You Know?
  • Post category:TECH TIPS
  • Reading time:2 mins read