Anybus-S - Technical Specifications

Functionality of the Anybus-S
Anybus-S is a powerful communication solution. The modules contain the complete functionality of an industrial network interface and provide a standardized and network independent parallel application interface for the host automation device. The Anybus-S module completely off-loads the microprocessor of the automation device from all time-critical protocol handling.
Supporting an unrivaled 18 industrial networks, with just one development, Anybus-S ensures that the host automation device is network ready irrespective of PLC manufacturer or geographical locations and their preferred network choice. An automation device with an Anybus-S slot can easily support EtherNet/IP for the North American market, Profibus, Profinet, CANopen for the European market and also support the popular networks in Asia.

Supported network features
Anybus-S incorporates the latest protocol specification of the chosen network. HMS continuously maintains the network functionality of the Anybus-S so that you automation device always complies to the latest standards and has unlimited interoperability. All Anybus-S modules are pre-certified for full network compliance with the chosen network. The network functionality includes cyclic I/O data, acyclic parameters, status and diagnostic information.

IT Functions for Ethernet versions
Most Anybus-S Ethernet versions contain embedded IT functions such as, an embedded dynamic web server, Telnet server, FTP server and an Email client.

Together these IT functions allow for example, that data can be monitored via the built in web server, or using event triggered Email messages. SSI technology enables web pages and Email messages to carry dynamic content such as I/O data, configuration, and settings and then visualizing in a user friendly way.

KEY TECHNICAL FEATURES - ANYBUS-S

Credit card sized high performance slave/adapter interfaces

Interchangeable interfaces supporting 18 industrial networks

Complete hardware and software of the network interface on-board

2kB Dual Port RAM host application interface for maximum performance and data throughput

512 bytes cyclic input and 512 bytes cyclic output data

Access to parameter data, status and diagnostic via the mailbox interface

Powerful on-board microprocessor

Galvanically isolated fieldbus interface

Diagnostic LED's and configuration switches on-board

Network connectors, LED's, configuration switches and application connector can be customized

Drive profile versions of Anybus-S available for certain networks. (Contact HMS for more information)

Evaluation board available

Tested and verified for fieldbus/Ethernet conformance

Weigh scales
Todays industrial scale is a networked device installed in the automated manufacturing line. Even if the primary measure is just the weight, a modern scale has a lot of built-in intelligence and needs an industrial network to communicate with the supervisory system, normally a PLC. The type of networks that is required for the scale, is normally dictated by the brand of PLC it's connected to.

Anybus-S supports all major networks for fieldbus and industrial Ethernet. This is a key benefit for scales applications since a scale also can also be used in “light industrial” applications, like warehouses and packaging.  As Anybus-S Ethernet versions supports real-time industrial Ethernet protocols and at the same time offers industrial IT functions, Anybus-S perfectly fulfills the requirements of a modern weigh scale. Support for pure TCP/IP communication allows vendor specific protocols to be used on top of the TCP/IP socket interface of Anybus-S. This allows easy integration into modern ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.

Drives/Inverters
The drives market is very fragmented and most drives manufacturers need to adapt to the communication system that is used on PLC systems that the drive connect to networks such as Profibus, DeviceNet, CC-Link, EtherNet/IP, CANopen and EtherCAT are all networks that are popular to use in manufacturing automation and this creates a need for drives manufactures to support these networks to comply with their customers needs.

Anybus-S interchangeability and high data throughput is essential for todays drive applications and are just some of the benefits Anybus-S gives drive manufacturers. Anybus-S is available without communication profile and in addition, specific versions supporting "Drive Profiles" are available.

The hardware interface of the Anybus-S is based upon a 34-pin 2mm strip application connector.
All Anybus-S modules are powered by a single 5V power supply. In addition to the application connector, all Anybus-S modules have a specific shielding and grounding method, for industrial robustness and high EMC compliance. The hardware interface of the Anybus-S is fully network independent.

Parallel application interface
Anybus-S modules provide a fast parallel 2kB (8-bit) Dual Port Ram interface. This allows the host application to access the Anybus module directly as a memory mapped peripheral. For increased efficiency, an optional interrupt request signal (/IRQ) allows the host application to service the Anybus module only when necessary. Polled operation is also possible. In addition to the address and data signals of the Dual Port Ram, the parallel interface provides status and control signals.

Network interface
The network interface is dependent of the selected industrial network (fieldbus, Ethernet). It uses the connector type that is specified by the specific network standard. The signaling complies with the respective network specification. In addition, four LED's and configuration switches are mounted on the module.

Mechanics
All Anybus-S modules are credit card sized. They are fastened to the carrier board of the host automation device via three screws. Typically the Anybus-S module is mounted behind the front plate of the host automation device and only the network connectors, LED's and configuration switches are visible. 

Module mounting
The Anybus-S module is inserted into the Anybus-S slot off the host automation device. The module is secured with three fastening screws. The electrical connection between the module and the electronics of the host application device is made through the 34-pin male strip connector.

Software Application Interface

The Anybus-S software interface is designed to be network protocol independent, allowing the host application to support all major networking systems using the same software driver, without loss of functionality.

The software interface of the Anybus-S provides a structured way to access:

Cyclic I/O data via pre-defined memory areas in the Dual Port Ram
Acyclic parameters and diagnostics via the mailbox interface
Network specific data via the mailbox interface
Fieldbus specific area is used for network specific diagnostic information
Control register contains Anybus information: revision, initialization parameters,
      fieldbus type and status etc.
Handshake register joins the Anybus-S with the host application interface


Anybus host application software driver
To speed up the development process, HMS supplies free source level (C-language) Anybus-S host application software driver.

This driver acts as “glue” between the Anybus-S module and the host application, thus separating low level communication tasks from the host software environment. There is a separate version for polled operation and for intetrupt operarion.

Download the Anybus-S driver here