Supports the PROFIBUS DP protocol (compliant with EN 50170 Vol. 2), operating in both Master and Slave modes:

PROFIBUS DP Master Mode: Manages up to 125 PROFIBUS DP slave devices, handling cyclic process data exchange for real - time control and acyclic configuration tasks, such as parameter setting and device diagnostics. It can efficiently poll slave devices for data, ensuring seamless operation of complex automation systems.

PROFIBUS DP Slave Mode: Responds promptly to master polling, transmitting and receiving process data accurately. This mode enables the host PC to function as a remote I/O node within existing PROFIBUS DP networks.

Adheres to PROFIBUS DP’s token - passing bus access mechanism and supports data transfer rates from 9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps. This wide range of supported baud rates ensures compatibility with a vast array of PROFIBUS DP - certified devices, regardless of their age or origin.

Physical Form Factor: Features a standard PCI form factor, with dimensions of approximately 120 mm × 86 mm × 18.5 mm. This size is optimized to fit into standard PCI slots (3.3 V) of industrial PCs, making it suitable for use in various industrial control cabinets, even those with limited space. The card's robust construction ensures durability in harsh industrial environments.

Power Requirements: Operates on a single +3.3 V DC supply (± 5%), drawing a maximum current of 700 mA at 3.3 V. Power is sourced directly from the PCI bus, eliminating the need for an external power supply and simplifying the power setup process.

Integrated Memory: Equipped with 8 MB of SDRAM for high - speed data buffering during communication. This substantial buffer size allows for efficient handling of large volumes of process data, ensuring smooth data flow between the host PC and the PROFIBUS DP network. It also has 4 MB of serial flash EPROM for storing firmware, which enables easy firmware updates and configuration storage. The firmware can be updated to support new features or to adapt to changes in the PROFIBUS DP network.

Connector Interface:

PC Connection: Utilizes a standard PCI edge connector, which provides a reliable and high - speed connection to the host PC. The connector is designed to withstand the rigors of industrial use, ensuring stable signal transmission even in challenging environments.

PROFIBUS DP Connection: Features an RS - 485 interface (galvanically isolated up to 1000 V DC for 1 minute) for connection to the PROFIBUS DP network. The isolation helps protect against electrical surges and ground loops, which are common in industrial settings. The interface uses a 9 - pin D - sub connector, compliant with PROFIBUS DP standards, and supports twisted - pair cabling for reliable data transfer.

Certifications: UL 508 certified for industrial control equipment, ensuring safe operation in industrial environments. CE marked for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per EN 61000 - 6 - 2 (industrial environment) and EN 61000 - 6 - 4 (generic immunity), validating its performance in electrically noisy industrial settings. These certifications demonstrate the card's compliance with strict safety and EMC standards.

Data Transfer Efficiency: Powered by Hilscher's NetX 100 communication controller, the card offloads protocol processing tasks from the PC's main CPU. This significantly reduces CPU utilization, typically by up to 80% during peak operation. It supports high - speed data transfer rates, with a maximum of 12 Mbps, enabling rapid cyclic data exchange (cycle times as low as 1 ms for small data volumes) for time - sensitive control applications. The use of dual - port memory or direct memory access (DMA) for data transfer between the card and the host PC further enhances data transfer efficiency.