IAI America RCM-GW-PR - Manual (Page 8)

2
PfofiBus Gateway
1.2 What Is ProfiBus?
(1) FA communication system
In FA communication, each communication specification varies depending on the communicating
equipment, type of information, and purpose of communication, among others. In general, however,
the FA communication system is divided into the information level, controller level and field level, as
shown below.
(2) Information level
Also called “PLC upper network.” The main purpose of this network level is to transmit production
information, etc., to information terminals. Ethernet is the most commonly used communication
method for the information level.
(3) Controller level
Also called “Inter-PLC network.” This network level often handles real-time information of production lines.
(4) Field level
Also called “PLC lower network.” This network level is mainly used to save wirings for systems
controlled by a single controller. In this sense, this network is regarded as a means for “wire-saving
communication.” The field level is largely divided into the device level and the sensor level.
Infor
m
at
ion
lev
e
l
Cont
ro
ller level
Field
le
vel
FA computer
Robot Remote
I/O
Motor
driver
Installed
instrument
Solenoid
valve
Limit
switch
Sensor level
Device level
Key open network