With Version 4.0 of the PROFIdrive profile released in September 2005 PROFIBUS International (PI) has created a standard that can be used on both PROFIBUS and PROFINET. The PROFIdrive profile established with PROFIBUS has now also been mapped on PROFINET while maintaining the user interface. The separation of application and communication makes it possible for device manufacturers as well as users to easily use PROFIdrive applications on PROFIBUS or PROFINET and to freely select of the optimal communication system.
The PROFIdrive profile describes the drive interface from the point of view of the control application, along with its mapping on the communication system. In six application classes, it covers scenarios from simple frequency converters to highly dynamic servo drives. After being available for several years as an application profile for drives with a PROFIBUS interface, PROFIdrive Version 4.0 is now also available for drives with PROFINET communication. The new profile has remained unchanged from the previous version. Only the mapping on PROFINET IO has been added, making it possible to operate drives for PROFIBUS and PROFINET with the same profile implementation.
Machine builders and OEMs have long since demanded these options, because they offer a greater degree of freedom. Now, they can quickly and cost-effectively react to the changing demands of international markets and thus secure or expand their competitive position.
The application classes defined in PROFIdrive encompass both simple applications as well as high-performance synchronous applications. The clock synchronous operation of several distributed devices of a motion control application is an elementary requirement for a modern drive profile. This feature significantly influences the quality of motion control systems, particularly when synchronizing movements in connection with electronic gears, for example.
On the SPS/IPC/DRIVES 2005, PI introduces for the first time a clock synchronous application of the PROFIdrive profile under PROFINET with IRT (Isochrone Real Time).
The stability and openness of the drive interface is an important deciding factor for the user. To meet this requirement, PROFIdrive profile V4.0 is currently being inserted into IEC 61800-7 in the framework of ongoing standardization activities for drive interfaces.
