Industrial Data Xchange (IDX) presented at the August Technology Evening on the topic “What is new from Profibus and Profinet International?”
What is Profibus? Simply put, it is a digital communication system used in automation.
According to IDX’s Michael Garnham, digital communication is the way of the future and the reasons for this are:
• Analog signals can get corrupted by noise or signal attenuation, whereas digital signals can be accurately defined even though there is a noise effect.
• Hardwired analog signals can only send one value at a time whereas digital systems can send multiple pieces of information at once.
Johan Maritz (right) thanks Michael Garnham after the presentation.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) is very important when it comes to Profibus. The following is a list of guidelines to prevent electrostatic/electromagnetic interference on Profibus systems:
• Keep profibus cables separate from other cables (the distance between the cables will depend on the voltage on the cables).
• Shield/screen cables, and remember that the shield needs to be earthed.
• Use steel cable trays to minimise electro-magnetic interference and remember to earth the cable trays.
• Earth the Profibus cable at both ends.
• Avoid running Profibus cables close to motor cables. If this is not possible, use any of the following screening methods on the motor cables: copper braid/tape; steel braid; solid copper cladding or aluminium tape armour,
• Cables between drives (VSD) and motors can carry high currents, in such cases use symmetric cables and remember to earth them.
In summary, it seems like Profibus and Profinet might be the way of the future, but there is still a long way to go in replacing the current analog systems on existing plants. Furthermore, it seems like installation of Profibus systems on existing plants can become an issue due to the fact that they need to be installed as a complete separate system in order to avoid EMC.
SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council started 2025 with its first event in the ‘Knowlege Sharing 4 Industry’ event series on the 19th of March.
Read more...Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Quo vadis South Africa SAIMC
SAIMC
In the nineteen hundreds, South Africa built the country while strict sanctions were in place. Control instrumentation and other computer equipment were given codes to ensure the most powerful equipment ...
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Johannesburg technical evening held on 12 February, Jozua Joubert from TANDM gave a presentation on wireless condition monitoring.
Read more...SAIMC: A tribute to two legends SAIMC
SAIMC
Change is never easy, especially when it means saying goodbye to two valued colleagues, John Owen-Ellis and Kevin McElroy.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The first SAIMC Durban management team meeting was held in early February, with secretary John Owen-Ellis leading the meeting for the last time before he retires.
Read more...How to claim CPD points SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
Visiting Mossel Bay in December was an absolute delight. The weather was fantastic, and we had family visiting, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We spent our days challenging the sand ...
Read more...How to claim CPD points SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
printer friendly version