Device settings on the PROFINET IO

Introduction

This section briefly explains the basic concepts and properties of PROFINET IO.

PROFINET IO

PROFINET, as an Ethernet-based automation standard specified by PROFIBUS International (PI - PROFIBUS & PROFINET International), defines a manufacturer-independent communication, automation and engineering model.

PROFINET IO systems

A PROFINET IO system consists of a PROFINET IO controller and its assigned PROFINET IO devices. The PROFINET IO controller is a controller (e.g. SIMOTION D4x5-2 DP/PN) that controls the automation task. A PROFINET IO device is a device (e.g. SINAMICS S120) controlled and monitored by an IO controller.

RT classes and isochronous mode

PROFINET offers two transmission protocols that are adapted to the requirements of automation. These are PROFINET IO with RT and PROFINET IO with IRT. For typical motion control applications, an isochronous application with IRT is required. As well as synchronizing the transmission network, IRT enables the application (e.g. SIMOTION position controller and interpolator) to be synchronized in the devices (isochronous application).

Addressing of PROFINET IO devices

In addition to the MAC and the IP address, PROFINET also uses a device name (NameOfStation) to identify PROFINET devices.

Creating a PROFINET subsystem

To create a new PROFINET subsystem, proceed as follows:

1. Right-click the PN interface at which you want to create a subsystem.

2. Select "Create subnet" if you want to create a new subnet.

3. Select "Assign subnet" if you want to assign an existing subnet to the PN interface.

Editing an IP address

To set an IP address, proceed as follows:

1. In the network view / device view, select the interface whose IP address you want to edit.

2. In the Inspector window, select the "Properties" tab and click the "General" tab.

3. Select "Ethernet addresses".

   You will now see the IP address and subnet mask below the "IP protocol".

   Note:

   Make sure that all IP addresses and subnet masks are in the same area.

4. On this tab, you can select the subnet assigned to the interface with "Interface networked with".

Assigning device names

Before an IO device can be addressed by an IO controller, it must have a device name. In the case of PROFINET, this method was chosen because names are easier to handle than complex IP addresses.

The PROFINET device name must conform to the DNS naming conventions. Further information is available in the online help of the TIA Portal with the "Address and naming convention for PROFINET devices" keyword.

To change the device name, proceed as follows:

1. In the network view / device view, select the interface whose device name you want to edit.

2. In the Inspector window, select the "Properties" tab and click the "General" tab.

3. Select "Ethernet addresses".

   You now see at "PROFINET" the setting options of the device name.

4. Change the device name or select "Automatically generate PROFINET device name" for automatic generation.

Additional references

You will find detailed information and SIMOTION-specific settings and parameters described in detail in the SIMOTION Communication Function Manual.