PROFIBUS
is an open, digital communication system with a wide range of applications, particularly in the fields of factory and process automation. PROFIBUS is suitable for both fast, time-critical applications and complex communication tasks.
Profibus is a family of protocols originally designed by Siemens to provide communications from real world sensors and actuators to controllers. Profibus as a family of protocols was designed to provide a communications hierarchy for a PLC system, primarily in discrete manufacturing and building automation. Profibus has historically been used in the process industry for peripheral processes such as packaging lines, and for control of prime movers such as motor and pumps in a motor control center. Extensions to the Profibus architecture in recent years are intended to extend the market of Profibus to process automation.
Figure: Technical system structure of PROFIBUS
To accomplish the wide variety of applications envisioned, Profibus is actually four separate protocols grouped under the common umbrella name of Profibus. The protocols are named Profibus FMS, Profibus DP, Profibus PA, and Profibus PAE. In addition, there are a number of totally proprietary protocols used by Siemens that the user must contend with when commissioning a system.
