Article - ProfiHub A5 - A perfect solution to create star and tree networks in PROFIBUS DP installations

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Article - ProfiHub A5 - Star and tree networks with PROFIBUS DP

Date: April 2006

ProfiHub A5 - A perfect solution to create star and tree networks in PROFIBUS DP installations

In the process industry we see more and more PROFIBUS DP implementations. In these demanding environments the connection of the bus cable to the instruments is most of the time realized by glands to obtain the IP65/67 protection. The disadvantage of glands in combination with DP is that 2 PROFIBUS cables are required to connect the device in order to follow the rules for fault-free communication (cable-in and -out). The device cannot be added or removed without breaking the main cable. To overcome this a lot of times spur lines (T-connectors/terminal strips) are constructed to create an improvised solution for instrument exchange. This implementation produces new problems like data communication faults because of the exceeded stub lines.

An innovative component for these applications is the ProfiHub A5. It is a perfect economic solution to implement reliable spur lines in high-speed DP networks. It has the functionality of 5 galvanic isolated repeaters connected to an internal backbone. This allows transparent network structures with extended spur lines that individually handle a maximum of 31 devices and a length equal to the main bus.

Because the ProfiHub creates isolated segments, the devices can now be removed and added during operation. Also electrical bus problems and EMC disturbances in a spur do not spread to the other segments. The intelligent logic and isolation circuits of the ProfiHub do not change the bit width. This means the ProfiHub does not have limitations in serial placement. The logic also detects the baudrate automatically.

To assist the installation work, termination is integrated and can be switched on/off. The grounding concept is also selectable: direct or capacitive grounding. The ProfiHub is powered by a 10 to 32 DC Voltage (110/230V AC version is also available). For troubleshooting & maintenance the ProfiHub has a display on the outside which indicates the status of each channel (Data and Error).

Some applications:

	Dynamic spur lines to actuators, flow meters and pH analyzers.
	Removable drives and motors.
	Pull/Plug motor control centers (drawers).
	Outdoor applications with device and cable stress.
	Roof mounted devices in Tank Parks.
	Dirty and Humid environments.
	Barrier for non galvanic isolated equipment.
	Large star/tree structured networks.

Product page: www.procentec.com/profihub