PROFIdrive – the standardized drive interface for PROFINET and PROFIBUS

PROFIdrive defines the device behavior and technique to access internal device data for electric drives connected to PROFINET and PROFIBUS – from basic frequency converters up to high-performance servo controllers.

It describes in detail the practical use of communication functions – slave-to-slave communication, equidistance and clock cycle synchronization (isochronous mode) in drive applications. In addition, it specifies all device characteristics which influence interfaces connected to a controller over PROFINET or PROFIBUS. This also includes the state machine (sequence control), the encoder interface, scaling of values, definition of standard telegrams, access to drive parameters etc.

The PROFIdrive profile supports both central as well as distributed motion control concepts.

What are profiles?

For devices and systems used in automation technology, profiles define properties and modes of behavior. This allows manufacturers and users to define common standards. Devices and systems that comply with such a cross-manufacturer profile, are interoperable on a fieldbus and, to a certain degree, can be interchanged.

Are there different types of profiles?

A distinction is made between what are known as application profiles (general or specific) and system profiles:

• Application profiles (also device profiles) predominantly refer to devices (e.g. drives) and include an agreed selection regarding bus communication as well as specific device applications.
• System profiles describe classes of systems, including master functionality, program interfaces and integration resources.

Is PROFIdrive fit for the future?

PROFIdrive has been specified by the PROFIBUS and PROFINET International (PI) user organization, and is specified as a standard that is fit for the future through standard IEC 61800-7.

The basic philosophy: Keep it simple

The PROFIdrive profile tries to keep the drive interface as simple as possible and free from technology functions. As a result of this philosophy, referencing models as well as the functionality and performance of the PROFINET/PROFIBUS master have either no influence or only a low influence on the drive interface.

One drive profile – different application classes

The integration of drives into automation solutions depends very strongly on the particular drive application. In order to be able to address the complete, huge bandwidth of drive applications – from basic frequency converters up to synchronized multi-axis systems with a high dynamic performance – using just one profile, PROFIdrive defines six application classes, to which most drive applications can be assigned:

• Class 1 – standard drives (pumps, fans, agitators, etc.)
• Class 2 – standard drives with technological functions
• Class 3 – positioning drives
• Class 4 – motion control drives with central, higher-level motion control intelligence and the patented "Dynamic Servo Control" positioning concept
• Class 5 – motion control drives with central, higher-level motion control intelligence and position setpoint interface
• Class 6 – motion control drives with distributed motion control intelligence integrated in the drives