Thanks to their wide scope of functions, the interface modules of the scalable SIMATIC ET 200SP I/O system, even in their basic versions, cover a wide range of applications. The basic functions of the interface modules include:

• Short data update times of typically 1 ms
• Single Hot Swap (withdrawing and insertion of an I/O module during operation without impairing the communication with the remaining modules)
• Operation with gaps (empty BaseUnits)
• Complete diagnostic support, extending to channel-by-channel diagnostics
• Configuration control / option handling (adaptation of the actual configuration via user software)
• Device replacement without programming device
• I&M data 0 to 3 (electronic rating plate with non-volatile storage of plant data)
• Firmware update
• Pluggable 24 V DC supply connection
• Network / power failure bridging time of 5 ms
• Labeling option via optional labeling strips and equipment labeling plates

When using PROFINET interface modules, the following basic functions are also included:

• Media redundancy (MRP)
• Integrated 2-port switch
• Freely selectable connection system (Standard function class and above) and physical connection (High Feature function class and above) by means of SIMATIC BusAdapters, also as system-integrated media converter from fiber-optic to copper cable
• Reset button for simple return to factory settings without the need for programming device
• Replacement without programming device even in case of non-topological configuration with subsequent automatic launching
• Automatic synchronization of the backplane bus to the PROFINET cycle to minimize the response time fluctuations (jitter)

Listed below is a short overview of the interface modules available for the ET 200SP, showing the essential differences. A clear and more precise comparison of functions of the different interface modules is offered by the TIA Selection Tool.

SIMATIC IM155-6DP High Feature with PROFIBUS connection

• Max. 32 I/O modules, also PROFIsafe modules with complete diagnostic support.
• Expansion option with max. 16 modules from the ET 200AL series using the BU-Send BaseUnit and the BA-Send BusAdapter
• Max. 244 bytes in each case for input and output data per module and per station
• Data update time: typ. 5 ms
• PROFIBUS connection via 9-pin sub D socket
• Package inclusive of server module and PROFIBUS connector with programming device socket

SIMATIC IM155-6PN Basic with PROFINET access

• Max. 12 I/O modules, no PROFIsafe modules, with complete diagnostic support
• Max. 32 bytes in each case for input and output data per module and per station
• Data update time: typ.1 ms
• PROFINET connection via 2 integrated RJ45 sockets (integrated 2-port switch)
• Package inclusive of server module

SIMATIC IM155-6PN Standard with PROFINET interface

• Max. 32 I/O modules, also PROFIsafe modules, with complete diagnostic support
• Expansion option with max. 16 modules from the ET 200AL series using the BU-Send BaseUnit and the BA-Send BusAdapter
• Max. 256 bytes in each case for input and output data per module and max. 512 bytes per station (depending on configuration)
• Data update time: typ.1 ms
• Selection of the type of connection of the PROFINET by means of SIMATIC BusAdapter (BusAdapter for copper cables only)
• Two types of delivery:
  • As package with IM155-6PN ST, with pre-assembled BA 2xRJ45 BusAdapter, including server module
  • As package with IM155-6PN ST, without BusAdapter, including server module

SIMATIC IM155-6PN High Feature with PROFINET interface

• Max. 64 I/O modules, also PROFIsafe modules, with complete diagnostic support
• Expansion option with max. 16 modules from the ET 200AL series using the BU-Send BaseUnit and the BA-Send BusAdapter
• Max. 288 bytes in each case for input and output data per module and max. 1440 bytes per station (depending on configuration)
• Fast data refresh time: isochronous mode from 250 µs
• S2 system redundancy
• Choice of connection type and physical connection of the PROFINET by means of SIMATIC BusAdapter. All BusAdapters with a connection for copper and/or fiber-optic cables can be used; BusAdapter must be ordered separately
• Package includes server module

SIMATIC IM155-6PN High Speed with PROFINET interface

• Max. 30 I/O modules, also PROFIsafe modules, with complete diagnostic support
• Max. 32 bytes in each case for input and output data per module and max. 968 bytes per station (depending on configuration)
• Fast data refresh time: isochronous mode from 125 µs
• Performance upgrade for PROFINET
• Choice of connection type and physical connection of the PROFINET by means of SIMATIC BusAdapter. All BusAdapters with a connection for copper and/or fiber-optic cables can be used; BusAdapter must be ordered separately
• Package inclusive of server module