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An Introduction to Profibus DP Networking

Name: An Introduction to Profibus DP Networking
Rating: 4.8 (732 reviews)

Learn the fundamentals of Profibus DP networking using both a theoretical and practical approach

Created byEmile Ackbarali

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

Understand the technical need that led to the development of Profibus DP
The hardware, cabling, connectors used to connect Profibus DP devices
The steps required to build a Profibus DP network
How to build and simulate a Profibus DP network using Siemens SIMATIC software
How to program a physical Profibus DP network
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Profibus DP protocol frames and messages

Course content

12 sections • 40 lectures • 2h 55m total length

Introduction4:20
Accessing Attached Resources and Setting Optimal Video Resolution2:23

Understanding the PLC Backplane and Scan Cycle4:41
To understand the technical design of Profibus DP, one must understand the PLC Scan Cycle, and how it is enabled by the Backplane of modular rack based PLCs.
Using a Factory Floor Example to Show the Main Function of Profibus DP5:32
An example of a orange juice bottling line is used to show how Profibus DP is used to reduce costs, installation time and errors. In addition, it results in a system that is easier to maintain.
A Typical Profibus DP Network3:28
We look at the meaning of the term Profibus DP and what a typical Profibus DP network looks like.

The Relationship between Profibus DP and Siemens2:21
Siemens is the heaviest user of Profibus DP in the world. Working with Profibus DP on a practical level means that you will be interacting with Siemens PLC equipment.
Typical Network Layout and Structure2:58
An example diagram is used to illustrate the typical network layout and structure of a Profibus DP network. Similarities to a Modbus RS485 network are show to exist.
Setting the Addresses of Profibus DP Devices3:38
Typically, the address of Profibus DP slave devices are set using hardware switches on the device itself. However, there are exceptions to this. The address of the Profibus DP master device is typically set through software.
Special Reserved Addresses3:34
There are special reserved addresses that are used on the Profibus network.
Communication Port Parameters2:39
Number of start bits, parity and number of stop bits are standardized in Profibus DP. Baud rate is configurable.
Determination of Baud Rate on the Network5:17
The baud rate used is determined by the slowest device on the network.
Profibus Repeaters and Network Segments3:02
If the number of devices on a Profibus DP network exceeds 32, then repeaters must be used.

Cabling4:45
Cabling standard that is used on a Profibus DP network.
A Look at a Typical Profibus DP Connector4:27
A typical Profibus DP connector is shown and the various functions discussed.
Different Types of Profibus DP Connectors.4:33
A look at various types of Profibus DP connectors.
The Bus Termination Switch and How To Use It5:35
The function of the bus termination switch is illustrated as well as it's proper usage on the network.

An Outline of the Steps to Create a Profibus DP Network3:26
This lecture outlines the 7 steps that are used to create a Profibus DP network. Those same steps will be further expanded in the remainder of this section.
The Role of the Profibus Planning Software4:26
The profibus planning software is used to create a map of all of the slave devices on the profibus network, so that the master can use this information to communicate with the slave devices on the network.
Understanding GSD Files6:23
What a GSD file is, what it is for and how it is used. These topics are explored in this lecture.
A Look at the Contents of a Typical GSD File3:38
We go to the site of an automation vendor and download a GSD file, open it and examine the contents.
Adding Devices to a Profibus DP Network via Planning Software2:30
A screenshot of the Siemens Profibus planning tool is used to illustrate the concept of adding devices.
Address Mapping to the Process Image - Part 16:14
Address Mapping to the Process Image - Part 27:13

A Practical Profibus DP Project - The Plan5:02
The first Profibus DP project we will be doing will involve programming a simple Profibus DP network with a S7-315 as the master and a ET200S as the slave.
Creating a Project and Adding the Profibus DP Master6:25
Simatic Manager is started. A new project is created and the S7-315 is added as the Profibus DP master device.
Adding the Slave Device, Setting Parameters and I/O Mapping7:09
The slave device is added, then the parameters are set. Finally, the I/O addresses mapping is performed.
Downloading the Network Configuration and Testing the Network7:04
The hardware configuration is downloaded into the CPU and the network is started. The network is then tested.
Peripheral Addressing2:26
Some I/O is not read into the process image. Instead it is read directly to be used in the plc program. It is know as Peripheral Addressing.

Configuring a Profibus DP Network for the Simulator5:26
A Profibus DP network project is created to be used with the S7-PLCSIM simulator.
Downloading the Profibus DP Configuration and Simulating a Bus Fault4:28
The Profibus DP configuration downloaded into the S7-PLCSIM simulator and then a bus fault is simulated.
Writing a Simple PLC Program and Simulating it with / without a Bus Fault5:12
A simple PLC application is written and is simulated. Then a bus fault is created and we see how the system responds.

Requirements

Working knowledge of the process control devices in a typical Process Automation or SCADA system
Basic understanding of the operation of a Programmable Logic Controller
Basic understanding of binary systems and computer memory

Description

Profibus DP is one the most heavily used protocols in the automation industry. Yet learning about it is a real challenge. You could do your best with Internet based research on the topic and you will still find that the information would be mostly high-level. You just would not be able to get down to the practical details.

That's the point of this course, to demystify Profibus DP once and for all, to give the full picture and to give you the information that you need to actually work with Profibus DP at a practical level. If you are looking for a job that involves Profibus DP, you are supposed to be able to handle yourself well in the interview after doing this course.

In this course, you will learn:

- The reason Profibus DP was designed.

- The hardware, cabling, connectors used to connect Profibus DP devices.

- The steps required to build a Profibus DP network.

- How to build and simulate a Profibus DP network using Siemens SIMATIC software.

- How to program a physical Profibus DP network that will be on my workbench.

- Diagnostics and Troubleshooting.

- Profibus DP protocol frames and messages.

and much more ...

Who this course is for:

Electrical Engineers
Electrical Technicians
Electrical Tech or Engineering Students
Process Control Technicians and Engineers
Process Automation Engineers
Programmers working in the Process Automation field

An Introduction to Profibus DP Networking

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 7min

Profibus DP - What It Is and What It Does3 lectures • 14min

The Hardware Characteristics of Profibus DP7 lectures • 23min

Connectors, Cabling and Termination4 lectures • 19min

The Step by Step Process of Building a Profibus DP Network7 lectures • 34min

Download and Installing the Profibus Planning Software2 lectures • 8min

Using the Software and Hardware to Build a Simple Profibus DP Network5 lectures • 28min

Profibus DP Diagnostics and Troubleshooting2 lectures • 8min

Uploading and Using a GSD File2 lectures • 7min

Using the S7-PLCSIM Simulation Tool3 lectures • 15min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: