Based on line, star, tree, and ring topologies, numerous network configurations can be implemented with PROFINET IO for the field communication of the SIMATIC PCS 7 process control system. The remote I/O stations can be connected directly via an interface module or using SCALANCE X switches.

The configuration settings available depend on the version of the automation system. PROFINET architectures with SIMATIC PCS 7 AS RTX PROFINET or SIMATIC PCS 7 BOX RTX correspond to architectures with an S7?400 AS single station, in which the PROFINET IO communication is carried out via the CPU interface. PROFINET architectures for AS single stations and S7-400 AS redundant stations differ in principle.

The following configuration examples are also applicable to safety-related PROFINET IO architectures. However, this requires the use of safety-related system components from the "Safety Integrated for Process Automation" product range as a communication partner (for more information, see the "Safety Integrated for Process Automation" chapter). The PROFIsafe profile for the transmission of safety-related data is integrated in PROFINET as standard.

Typical PROFINET configurations with S7-400 AS single stations

Networking of PROFINET IO stations via SCALANCE X switches

Direct networking of PROFINET IO stations via integrated interfaces

When using AS single stations, PROFINET IO configurations with ring topology and media redundancy ensure higher availability of the I/O devices than other configurations. If the ring wire is interrupted or if a station fails, the redundancy manager immediately activates an alternative communication path, thus preventing failure of the entire segment.

Fieldbus integration via network transition or fieldbus interface in the automation system

PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA fieldbus types can be integrated via an IE/PB Link PN IO network transition in PROFINET.

IE/PB Link PN IO

You can also integrate the PROFIBUS DP/PA or FOUNDATION Fieldbus H1 fieldbuses in the automation system via a PROFIBUS interface (for ordering data, see Automation systems chapter, Standard automation systems section):

• PROFIBUS DP interface in the CPU
• CP 443?5 communication module

Typical PROFINET configurations with S7-400 AS single stations

PROFINET IO ring configuration with AS redundancy station

The maximum availability with minimum error handling times is achieved by AS redundancy stations in conjunction with the system redundancy of the I/O devices. System redundancy refers to a type of PROFINET IO communication where each I/O device establishes a communication connection to each of the two CPUs of an AS redundancy station over the topological network. In contrast to the single-sided I/O device connection to only one CPU, failure of a CPU in this case does not automatically lead to failure of the connected I/O devices.