4
PfofiBus Gateway
1.4 Features and Key Functions
1.4.1 Features
The ProfiBus gateway unit lets you select a desired operation mode from three modes including the
position number specification mode, direct numerical specification mode and command specification
mode.
(1) Position number specification mode
In this mode, a desired position number is specified to operate the actuator. Up to 16 axes can be
connected. The position data, speed, acceleration/deceleration, etc., must be input to the position
table beforehand.
Although the input/output of various status signals and completed position number can be read, the
current position cannot be monitored in this mode.
(2) Direct numerical specification mode
In the direct numerical specification mode, the position data, speed, acceleration/deceleration,
positioning band and push-current limiting value are specified directly as numerical values to operate
the actuator.
Various status signals can be input/output and current position data can be read.
There are five patterns in the numerical specification mode, each accommodating a different number
of connected axes.
[1] Direct numerical specification mode/Up to 4 axes can be connected
[2] Direct numerical specification mode/Up to 6 axes can be connected
[3] Direct numerical specification mode/Up to 8 axes can be connected
[4] Direct numerical specification mode/Up to 10 axes can be connected
[5] Direct numerical specification mode/Up to 16 axes can be connected
(3) Command specification mode
In this mode, the actuator can be operated in one of two operation patterns: “positioner operation” in
which a desired position number is specified to operate the actuator, and “simple direct operation”
where only the position data is specified directly as a numerical value and all other items such as the
speed, acceleration/deceleration, positioning band and push-current limiting value are specified via a
position number. As for the axis configurations, these two operation patterns can be used separately
or in combination. If the two patterns are combined, the axis numbers must be assigned sequentially
from the axes used in positioner operation, followed by the axes used in simple direct operation. You
can select the Large mode (160 input bytes, 160 output bytes), Middle mode (128 input bytes, 128
output bytes) or Small mode (64 input bytes, 64 output bytes) depending on the size of the assigned
areas, and up to 16 axes can be connected.
1.4.2 Key Functions
A comparison table of key functions provided by the gateway unit in the respective modes is given on the
following page.
Use this table as a reference in conjunction with the explanation of each operation mode in Chapter 5.
