MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
AUTOMATION SYSTEMS CENTRE
PROFIBUS COMPETENCE CENTRE

Introduction to PROFIBUS
1. Overview
PROFIBUS is a type of fieldbus. Fieldbus is digital communication system for field devices. There
are many types of fieldbus in widespread use (Device Net, Interbus-S, Foundation Fieldbus and
many others). Fieldbus allows us to connect many devices together into a network, often using just
a single cable. Fieldbus cable replaces individual, point-to-point device wiring.

Fieldbus communication is two-way so that devices can receive information from controlling
stations and also can send information to controlling stations. The data can be simple – i.e. digital
on/off signals or can be complex – i.e. from and to sophisticated instruments such as on-line process
analysers or actuators such as variable-speed drives etc.

The main advantages of fieldbus include:

• Significant reduction in the amount of wiring, cable trays etc.
• Centralised commissioning of devices (from control room).
• More extensive data to and from devices (i.e. diagnostic information, device parameters etc.
• Greater flexibility in system layout and design.
• Ease of future expansion and modification.

And the disadvantages:

• More sensitive to wiring and layout faults.
• Installers must understand that the cable is not “just a wire”!

2. Background
PROFIBUS (PROcess Field BUS) is a well-proven, widely accepted open fieldbus standard, which
is supported by an industry supplying a wide range of equipment, tools and support. PROFIBUS
was introduced in 1989 as German standard DIN 19245, later adopted as International Standard
EN 50170. The PROFIBUS standard is now incorporated into IEC 61158, the international fieldbus
standard.

PROFIBUS is the world’s leading fieldbus system:

• Approaching 15 million devices installed in nearly a million networks,

• more than 2,200 products from over 250 different vendors,
• World wide support includes:
⇒ Over 1100 member organisations,
⇒ Regional PROFIBUS Associations (RPAs) in 25 countries,
⇒ 30 PROFIBUS Competency Centres (PCCs) in 20 countries,

Vendor independence and openness are guaranteed by strict adherence to the International Standard
and device certification by PROFIBUS International <http://www.profibus.com>.

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3. The PROFIBUS Family

The PROFIBUS family consists of three compatible version offering very high integrity and a
capability appropriate to the need.

− PROFIBUS DP - Decentralised Periphery

Low cost, high speed, simple field level communications.
About 90% of current PROFIBUS applications are DP
− PROFIBUS FMS - Fieldbus Message Specification
High-end, applications level communications. Used at cell or controller level. Provides
object oriented transmission of structured data, loading and control of programs, alarm
services etc.
− PROFIBUS PA - Process Automation
Developed specifically for the process industry, very cost effective two-wire connection
carrying both power and data. Particularly cost effective for hazardous environments
(intrinsically safe protection).

All three systems can operate together; DP and FMS share the same electrical transmission system
(RS485), PA uses a different electrical transmission system (IEC 1158-2) but shares the same
protocol as DP and FMS. PROFIBUS DP extensions and the integration of PROFIBUS with
Ethernet technology (PROFINet) mean that FMS is less important than in the past. FMS is no
longer supported by PROFIBUS International, however there are still FMS installations
successfully operating.

Areas of applicability
Because of the compatible versions, PROFIBUS is applicable to a wide range of applications:

− Simple low-cost distributed control and automation.

− High-speed, time-critical applications.
− Expensive/complex communication tasks.
− Operation in hazardous environments.

Recent developments mean that PROFIBUS is also applicable to:

− High reliability, safety critical systems (PROFISafe).

− Integration with management IT systems (PROFINet).
PROFIBUS is used across a wide range of industries:

• Factory automation,
• Robotics and numerically controlled machine tools,
• Continuous web and film production,
• Food production,
• Chemical and petro-chemical plant,
• Building automation,
• Automated warehousing and material handling, etc.

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Factory/plant level TCP/IP

Ethernet
Demanding tasks,
extensive data
PC
PLC

Cell/control level

High speed, PROFIBUS DP/FMS

modest data HMI

Exi
Controllers PROFIBUS DP PROFIBUS PA

Field level

Sensors Actuators Drives Remote Control Transmitters DP

I/O valves cells
PROFIBUS is applicable at all levels of automation

Factory/plant level TCP/IP

Ethernet
Demanding tasks,
extensive data
PC
PLC

Cell/control level

Other
High speed, PROFInet fieldbus
modest data PROFInet
HMI
networks

Exi
Controllers PROFIBUS DP PROFIBUS PA

Field level

Sensors Actuators Drives Remote Control Transmitters DP

I/O valves cells
AS-i
PROFIBUS and PROFINet allow easy integration with other fieldbus technologies

4. PROFIBUS Protocol
All three PROFIBUS versions (DP, FMS and PA) use a uniform bus access protocol. This protocol
is implemented by layer 2 of the Open Systems Connection (OSI) model. In PROFIBUS, layer 2 is
called the Fieldbus Data Link (FDL). The FDL handles transmission protocols and includes data
security and error detection measures.

The PROFIBUS protocol ensures that the three variations work seamlessly together, providing high
speed, deterministic operation at the field level (DP), cost effective two-wire connection (PA) and
the extended capability that is required at control level (FMS).

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Manchester Metropolitan University

FMS DP PA

layer

User FMS profiles DP profiles PA profiles

Fieldbus Message DP basic DP extensions DPV1, DPV2

application (7) Specification (FMS) functions DPV0

OSI Not used

(3) to (6)
model

Fieldbus Data Link (FDL)

data link (2) MBP interface

physical (1) RS485/Fibre optic MBP(IEC61158-2)

PROFIBUS structure related to the ISO/OSI model

Transmission Technology
PROFIBUS provides three possible transmission systems, each with its own area of applicability:

• RS485 (H2)
Provides simple yet robust, high-speed communication using balanced two wire data
transmission over shielded twisted pair wire. Four wire connection with power supply also
possible. Up to 32 stations per segment.
• Fibre optic (FO)
Plastic or glass fibre-optic cable can be used giving high speed, interference free
communication with electrical isolation.
• Manchester Bus Powered (MBP or H1)
Manchester Bus Powered transmission using shielded twisted pair wire, up to 32 stations per
segment. Power supply and data over same cable. Intrinsically safe certification possible -
can be used in hazardous environments. Used by PROFIBUS PA.

Topology
Up to 126 devices can be connected together in one PROFIBUS network. However the limitations
of RS485 and IEC 1158-2 mean a maximum of 32 devices on one segment. Segments are formed
by using repeaters or fibre optic links.

Repeater
Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 Segment 4
RS485 RS485 Fibre Optic RS485
M S S S S S
R O O
S S C S S M

Coupler S Fibre optic

S links

S
S
Segment 5
MBP

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Manchester Metropolitan University

Each RS485 segment must be laid out as a “linear bus”, that is a single cable daisy-chaining from
device to device. IEC 61158-2 segments can be laid out in a more flexible manner using Tee
junctions to create spur lines and/or tree structures.

5. Basic PROFIBUS Operation

Data is exchanged in all PROFIBUS systems using messages or telegrams that pass between
stations.

Master stations control the network communications. Slave stations respond to telegrams from
their controlling master. A network can have one or more master stations. Each master can control
(communicate with) one or more slaves. All devices have the same priority, no master is more
important than any other. No slave is more important than any other.

There are two types of master station:

• Class-1 masters provide the normal process information cyclically to and from slave
devices. Examples include Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), PC-based controllers
etc.
• Class-2 masters provide engineering functionality. Examples include configuration tools,
engineering stations, diagnostic devices etc.
PROFIBUS networks can have one or more masters and many slaves. Masters control the bus
communications, slaves can only respond to master requests.

All slaves monitor the bus continuously, however a station will only respond if it identifies a
message that is addressed to it. For security reasons, only one class 1 master can write to the
outputs of a particular slave. This avoids conflicts and improves system reliability. The allocation
of slaves to masters is done at configuration time. A Class 2 master can read the inputs and outputs
of any station whilst it is being controlled by its Class-1 master.

All slave devices have the same priority. No arbitration or collision detection takes place; no slave
can be locked out.

Device addressing
Within a network, each station is given an address through which communication is directed. The
address of every station must be set by the engineer during commissioning. Station addresses can be
set in several ways:

• A local switch on the device.

9 0 1 9 0 1
8 2 8 2
1 2 4 8 16 32 64 7 3 7 3
OFF
6 5 4 6 5 4
ON x10 x1
binary dip switch rotary switch

• Software setting of device address over the PROFIBUS #21 S

network using a configuration tool (called a class 2 master). DP

S
• Finally, some devices may use special software and a serial link or hand-held
tool to set the device address (e.g. some PLCs, drives or HMI devices. RS232

#21

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Manchester Metropolitan University

There are 128 different addresses available for devices (numbered 0 to 127). However, two
addresses are reserved:

• Address 127 is reserved for broadcast messages and so cannot be used for a device.
• Address 126 is used for generic (off the shelf) devices, who’s address is set over the bus.

The remaining 126 addresses (0 to 125) are available for PROFIBUS devices.

Operating speed
The network runs at a certain data rate (Baud rate). Standard PROFIBUS DP data rates are:
9.6, 19.2, 45.45, 93.75, 187.5 and 500 kbit/s,
1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 12.0 Mbit/s
Most modern DP slaves support several different data rates and will automatically detect the
network data rate. Occasionally the data rate needs to be set using switches (e.g. on repeaters or link
modules).

PA segments always run at a fixed speed of 31.25kbit/s.

Cyclic communication
Most communication in DP systems is cyclic. In single master systems the master cyclically talks
to each slave in turn.
Cyclic operation:
Master MÆS1, S1ÆM
MÆS2, S2ÆM
MÆS3, S3ÆM
MÆS4, S4ÆM
MÆS1, S1ÆM
Slave Slave Slave Slave MÆS2, S2ÆM
1 2 3 4
etc.
Single-master system
In multi-master systems the masters pass a “token” around giving rights to control the bus. When a
master has the token it can communicate with its slaves.
Cyclic operation:
Token M1ÆS1, S1ÆM1
M1ÆS2, S2ÆM1
M1ÆS4, S4ÆM1
Master Master M1ÆtokenÆM2
1 Token 2 M2ÆS3, S3ÆM2
M2ÆS5, S5ÆM2
M2ÆtokenÆM1
M1ÆS1, S1ÆM1
Slave Slave Slave Slave Slave M1ÆS2, S2ÆM1
1 2 3 4 5
etc.
Dual-master system

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Manchester Metropolitan University

In most PROFIBUS systems the cyclic communication is carried out transparently. I.e. the
communication takes place automatically under the control of the master(s). Information which is
required to be sent to a slave as output data is simply written to the appropriate part of the master’s
memory. The information that is retrieved form the slaves appears in the memory of the master
ready to be accessed.

Master Slave Output data

Shared memory 1 Input data
Slave 1 output data
User
read Slave 1 input data Slave
2 Output data
and Slave 2 output data
write
Slave 3 input data
etc. Slave
3 Input data

Cyclic data transfer is normally transparent to the user

6. Network Configuration
PROFIBUS stations have different capabilities and characteristics. For example the number of I/O
channels, diagnostic messages, bit rate etc. Before any PROFIBUS system can operate the system
must be configured. That is the master(s) must be made aware of the characteristics of the slaves.
Configuration is normally carried out using a proprietary software tool supplied for the PROFIBUS
master station.

Electronic device data sheets (GSD) files

Configuration is made simple for the user because all PROFIBUS equipment suppliers provide
standardised “General Station Description” or GSD file. These GSD files can be read by the
configuration tool to provide detailed information on the PROFIBUS devices being used. GSD files
make integration of devices from different vendors system simple and thus promote
interoperability.

ig ur atio n PROFIBUS
t e m C onf configuration
Sy s
tool

PLC

GSD GSD GSD GSD GSD GSD

Electronic Device Data Sheets (GSD-files)

PROFIBUS Network

GSD files provide interoperability

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7. Bus start-up
PROFIBUS incorporates many features that help maintain system integrity in the event of faults or
discrepancies. One such mechanism occurs at system start-up. When a PROFIBUS master device
is initialised it performs two important operations to set up and check the associated slave devices:
a) “PARAMETERISATION” - perhaps better called “set parameters”
b) “CONFIGURATION” - perhaps better called “check configuration”.

The “set parameters” telegram, sent from the controlling (class 1) master, provides a slave with the
information on the required settings for the slave and locks the slave to that master. The “check
configuration” telegram provides a check that the slave is configured as expected by the master
device. Finally the master sends a “diagnostic request” which causes the slave to respond with a
diagnostic response. The diagnostic response indicates to the master whether the parameterisation
and configuration were successful and whether the slave has any problems. Once parameterisation
and configuration are successfully completed the slave can exchange data with the master without
any possibility of misinterpretation.

During cyclic exchange, the master constantly checks that the slave is responding and healthy. In
addition each slave constantly checks that the master is operational and healthy. Should a slave
detect a problem the outputs will automatically “fail safe”, i.e. the outputs will switch to a safe
condition (typically off).

The slave uses a watchdog timer to enable it to detect bus inactivity. The watchdog timer is reset
every time an error free message is received. If no valid message is received within the specified
time then the slave assumes a communication error and sets the outputs to fail-safe status.

8. PROFIBUS PA
PROFIBUS PA is specifically designed for the process and petro-chemical industries. PA shares
the same Fieldbus Data Link (OSI layer 2) as DP and FMS, however the physical layer is optimised
to meet the requirements of the process industry using Manchester Bus Powered (MBP)
transmission defined in IEC 61158-2 (identical to that used by Foundation Fieldbus).

Current/mA 0 1 1 0 0

+9mA

≥10mA …Etc.

-9mA

time
Tbit = 32µs (f = 31.25kbit/s)

Manchester Bus Powered current signal waveform

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Manchester Metropolitan University

The different transmission technology means that a “DP/PA coupler” is required to connect PA to a
DP network. However, the common layer 2 and 7 protocol means that PA integrates transparently
with the DP devices, i.e. the bus masters see no difference between the PA and DP segments.

MBP transmission uses changing current to transmit the data transmission over two wires. A fixed
transmission speed of 31.25 kbit/s is used and a special “Manchester coded” synchronous protocol
is used. Manchester coding simply means that the individual bits are transmitted as transitions
rather than simply logic levels. Like traditional analogue 4 to 20 mA current transmission, H1
transmission allows device power and data to be combined on one pair of wires. In addition PA
equipment may be certified for use in hazardous environments, i.e. in explosive atmospheres.

DP segment

DP/PA coupler Power for the PA segment

PA segment

εx or εx
PROFIBUS PA bus segment

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