Moxa ICF-1180I-M-ST-T [2/16] Introduction

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Introduction

There are two variations of PROFIBUS protocol, PROFIBUS DP

(Decentralized Peripherals) and PROFIBUS PA (Process Automation).

PROFIBUS PA is used with applications for which the end device needs a

power supply from the PROFIBUS PA device and where an intrinsic safe

mechanism is also required. Due to the power supply criteria, the number

of attached devices is limited. PROFIBUS DP is used in production

automation and when centralized controllers are used to manage the

system. It supports up to 126 attached devices and is the most commonly

used PROFIBUS specification.

The ICF-1180I series PROFIBUS-to-fiber converters are based on

PROFIBUS DP. ICF-1180I products are used to convert PROFIBUS signals

from copper to optical fiber. ICF-1180I multi-mode models can be used to

extend PROFIBUS signal transmission up to 4 km and ICF-1180I

single-mode models can extend PROFIBUS signal transmission up to 45

km. ICF-1180I converters provide 2 kV isolation protection for the

PROFIBUS system and have dual power inputs to ensure uninterrupted

operation of the PROFIBUS device.

Why Convert PROFIBUS to Fiber?

Optical fiber communication not only extends the communication

distance, but also provides many advantageous features.

IMMUNITY FROM ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE: Fiber is immune

from electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference. It

provides a clean communication path and is immune to cross-talk.

INSULATION: Optical fiber is an insulator interface; the glass fiber

eliminates the need for using electric currents as the communication

medium.

SECURITY: Fiber cannot be tapped by conventional electronic means

and is very difficult to tap into optically while radio and satellite

communication signals can be captured easily for decoding.

RELIABILITY & MAINTENANCE: Fiber is immune from adverse

temperature and moisture conditions; hence, it does not corrode or lose

its signal, and is not affected by short circuits, power surges, or static

electricity.

Auto/Manual Baudrate Settings

The ICF-1180I series converts signals back and forth between PROFIBUS

and fiber and supports baudrates from 9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps. Engineers do

not need to know the baudrate of the connected PROFIBUS device since

the ICF-1180I can automatically detect the baudrate of the PROFIBUS

device and apply this baudrate directly. This is an extremely convenient

feature. If necessary, baudrates can be set to a fixed value via DIP

switches.