Software for DP protocol (SOFTNET-PB DP)

• DP Master Class 1

SOFTNET-PB DP offers DP master class 1 functionality. The central controller exchanges information with the DP slaves (e.g. ET 200S) in a specified, constantly repeating message cycle. The OPC programming interface provides the PC programmer with function calls for data transfer. The DP interface also provides the SYNC and FREEZE functions as well as activation and deactivation of slaves.

The DP function expansions for masters of Class 1 make it possible to perform read and write functions (DS_READ, DS_WRITE) as well as acknowledgement of alarms (ALARM_ACK) at the same time as processing cyclic data communication. Data that are to be transferred in acyclic mode (e.g. parameterization data) are only rarely changed in comparison to the cyclic measured values, and are transferred at lower priority in parallel with the cyclic high-speed user data transfer. Alarm acknowledgement by the master ensures reliable transfer of the alarms from DP slaves.

• DP Master Class 2

In addition to DP master Class 1 services, SOFTNET-PB DP also provides DP Master Class 2 services. Devices of this type are used (programming, configuration or control devices) during start-up, for configuring the DP system or for controlling the plant during normal operation (diagnostics). The DP programming interface provides the following services: Reading master diagnostics, slave diagnostics, inputs/outputs of a slave, configuration data and modifying slave addresses. These extended DP functions comprise non-isochronous access to the parameters and measured values of a slave (e.g. field devices of process automation and intelligent HMI devices). This type of slave must be supplied with extensive parameter data during start-up and during normal operation (DS_READ, DS_WRITE).

• DP slave (SOFTNET-PB DP slave)

A DP slave is an I/O station that reads in input data and transfers output data to the I/O. The volume of input and output information is determined by the user application and can be a maximum of 122 bytes each. For the slave interface, a simple example GSD file is provided that can be adapted by the user to the slave application. This GSD file can be configured using any configuration tool which complies with the PROFIBUS DP specification IEC 61158/EN 50170, e.g. STEP 7 or NCM PC.

Software for PG/OP communication

Special programming device packages are not required because the drivers are included in the STEP 7 scope of supply.

Software for S7 communication (SOFTNET-PB S7)

SIMATIC S7 system components communicate with each other using S7 communication functions. The S7 programming interface provides programming device/PC user programs with access to SIMATIC S7 system components. This provides easy, flexible access to the data of the SIMATIC S7 controller.

The following services are available with S7 communication:

Administrative services

• Connection management
• Mini database
• Trace

Data transfer services

• Read/write variables
• BSEND/BRECEIVE (up to 64 KB per task)

Software for open communication (SEND/RECEIVE based on the FDL interface)

This interface based on Layer 2 is used for communication between

• PG/PC and SIMATIC S5
• PG/PC and SIMATIC S7
• PG/PC and PG/PC

used

SEND/RECEIVE offers the following services:

• Management services
• Connection establishment services
• Data transfer services

This interface is included in SOFTNET-PB DP and SOFTNET-PB S7. No configuration is necessary.

User interfaces

• OPC interface

The OPC server included in the respective software package can be used as the standard programming interface for the PROFIBUS DP, open communication and S7 communication protocols for linking automation technology applications to OPC-capable Windows applications (Office, HMI systems, etc.).

Mode of operation

With SOFTNET, the complete protocol stack is processed in the PC.

This architecture means that in contrast to the CP 5613 or CP 5614 products, the performance of the SOFTNET packages is dependent on the configuration or loading of the PC used.

Configuration

• The S7 communication protocol, open communication protocol and DP protocol are configured in STEP 7/NCM PC V5.1 + SP2 and higher.
• A configuration tool is included in the scope of delivery of the PROFIBUS software packages.