PROFIBUS-DP in M.2 format

Since Hilscher introduced the smallest multiprotocol PC-Card for industrial network connectivity in summer 2020, the portfolio constantly grows by new protocols and card formats. As of March 1st, 2021, users of netX 90-based cifX cards in M.2 2230 format can equip their products with a PROFIBUS-DP Slave interface.

Switching from one of the previously available Real-Time Ethernet protocols as PROFINET-IO, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, or Open Modbus/TCP to a new one could not be easier. Device drivers, configuration tools, and the cifX application interface remain unchanged. The changeover is realized by updating to the latest version of the configuration tools, physically connecting the PROFIBUS-DP connector, and updating the configuration and application.

Thanks to Hilscher’s platform strategy, one cifX card is capable to run traditional Fieldbus protocols, as PROFIBUS-DP, and Real-Time Ethernet protocols. The network connectors, AIFX ‘assembly interfaces’, are connected to the cifX card to turn it into the desired communication interface. Users benefit from a maximum of flexibility and an easy connection of their products to traditional Fieldbus and state-of-the-art Real-Time Ethernet communication standards.

After a long presence in factory automation, the PROFIBUS-DP protocol still plays a role in the market. While the state-of-the-art Ethernet-based PROFINET-IO protocol is experiencing strong growth rates of up to 25% and 6,4 million new installed devices, PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI) reports that also 1,9 million new PROFIBUS nodes were installed in 2019. With cifX technology, Hilscher enables users to prepare for the requirements of both worlds with only one technology platform.

In case of questions during the commissioning of the cifX solution, Hilscher’s Service team is available to support users. Get in touch with us for more details about PROFIBUS-DP on cifX in M.2 format.