softing BC-700-PB PROFIBUS Tester 5 User Manual
- June 14, 2024
- softing
Table of Contents
User Manual
PROFIBUS Tester 5 (BC-700-PB) Version: EN-110823-1.34
© Softing Industrial Automation GmbH
Disclaimer of liability
The information contained in these instructions corresponds to the technical status at the time of printing of it and is passed on with the best of our knowledge. The information in these instructions is in no event a basis for warranty claims or contractual agreements concerning the described products, and may especially not be deemed as warranty concerning the quality and durability pursuant to Sec. 443 German Civil Code. We reserve the right to make any alterations or improvements to these instructions without prior notice. The actual design of products may deviate from the information contained in the instructions if technical alterations and product improvements so require.
Trademarks
FOUNDATION™ and HART® are marks of the FieldComm Group of Austin, Texas,
USA.
Modbus® is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric, licensed to the
Modbus Organization, Inc.
Open Source
To comply with international software licensing terms, we offer the source
files of open source software used in our products. For details see
http://opensource.softing.com/
If you are interested in our source modifications and sources used, please
contact: info@softing.com
Softing Industrial Automation GmbH
Richard-Reitzner-Allee 6
85540 Haar / Germany
http://industrial.softing.com
+ 49 89 4 56 56-340
+ 49 89 4 56 56-488
info.automation@softing.com
support.automation@softing.com
Scan the QR code to find the latest documentation on the product web page
under Downloads.
https://industrial.softing.com/en/products/network-tester-and- analyzer/profibus-tester-5.html
Introduction
1.1 About the PROFIBUS Tester 5 (BC-700-PB)
The PROFIBUS Tester 5 (BC-700-PB) is a powerful tool that allows full testing
of the bus physics and bus communication on PROFIBUS DP and PROFIBUS PA
segments (option). Using the integrated master simulator, you can also test
the bus physics if the PLC is currently not in operation. In addition you can
check individually check “suspicious” bus stations. The cable test function
examines the cabling in PROFIBUS DP segments. It locates unwanted reflections
on the line and verifies proper termination of cable segments. The tool is
powered either by its built-in battery or through an external AC adapter.
The PROFIBUS Tester 5 (BC-700-PB)s the first battery-powered tester, which
combines the assessment of bus physics and bus communication as well as cable
testing in one device. It is therefore the only and truly mobile PROFIBUS
diagnostic tool.
1.2 About this document
Read this manual before starting
For damages due to improper connection, implementation or operation Softing
refuses any liability according to our existing guarantee obligations.
CAUTION
Refer also to the safety precautions for battery and battery pack in Section
Notes on battery use.
1.2.1 Purpose
This document describes the BC-700-PB. It provides information about putting
into service and also provides detailed information regarding its safe and
correct operation.
1.2.2 Target group
This document is addressed to operating staff which is adept in operating
PROFIBUS-systems such as:
- Maintenance personnel
- Commissioners
- Application engineers and developers
- Trainers
1.2.3 Conventions used
The following conventions are used throughout Softing customer documentation:
Open Start → Control Panel → Programs
Press [Start] to start the application
MaxDlsapAddressSupported=23
Device description files are located in
C:\
CAUTION
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
Note
This symbol is used to call attention to notable information that should be
followed during installation, use, or servicing of this device.
Hint
This symbol is used when providing you with helpful user hints.
1.2.4 Document history
Documen version | Modifications compared to previous version |
---|---|
1 | none – initial publication |
1.01 | • Editorial modifications following internal review |
• Order numbers for optional accessories added
• New device status icons added
• New cable test note added
1.1| • Revised and enhanced PA-specific topics
• Internal battery is installed upon delivery – new section “Replace battery”
inserted.
• Added a recommendation with respect to cable shield
• Added reference about Softing License Manager
1.11| • New optional accessory
• Modified battery descriptions
• Document structure optimized
1.2| • Note regarding providing device serial number when ordering the PA-H1-
Adapter and activating the license
• New section describing how to work with the PA-Adapter BC-700-H1
1.3| • New test function Locate Stations
• New oscilloscope functionality in stand-alone mode with result display and
without need to use PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite (requires additional license,
refer to Licenses
• Segments, locations and networks can be created in the PROFIBUS
Diagnostics Suite and then be downloaded to the BC-700-PB (refer also to the
PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite online help for more information)
1.31| • Order numbers removed from document. Some additional minor changes.
1.32| • Order number changed in Fig 20, Chapter 3.4.
1.33| • Spare battery can no longer be ordered from Softing.
1.34| • Updated scope of delivery
1.3 Scope of delivery
The BC-700-PB carrying case contains:
- Test tool with RS485 interface.
- Rechargeable battery pack (internal battery).
- Wide-range power supply with European and US mains power cables.
- RS485 D-sub adapter cable ACA-NN-006032 “Standard” (cable petrol blue, light connector) for PROFIBUS DP.
- 2 m USB cable
- Terminal block for trigger input/output
- Carrying case with cut-outs for optional accessories (leakage current clamp, adapter for testing PROFIBUS PA networks, spare rechargeable battery).
1.4 Optional accessories
1.4.1 D-sub adapter cable for testing live systems
This D-sub adapter cable is optimized for reduced influence on live PROFIBUS
DP segment operation.
Thereby it is most suitable for testing of running plants. The risk of
critical influences on bus operation which can cause a plant standstill is
significantly reduced.
Note
Using this cable it is not possible to use both active functions master
simulator and topology detection (see Master simulator and topology scan).
Figure 2: D-sub adapter cable with reduced influence on bus operation
Softing order number: ACA-NN-006031
1.4.2 Adapter Set for M12 Connection Technology
Using the M12 adapter set, you can connect the PROFIBUS Tester 5 to field
devices with M12 connectors. The set comprises an M12 adapter cable with
special pin layout and an M12 terminating resistor that you can screw on, if
required.
Figure 3: Special adapter set for M12
Softing order number: ACA-NN-006033
1.4.3 Leakage current clamp
When routing PROFIBUS cables in high-interference environments,
electromagnetic interference can affect the signal quality. By measuring the
shield currents with the digital leakage current clamp, you can locate EMC
problem areas and take appropriate countermeasures. The digital leakage
current clamp is supplied in a handy case, including measuring cables. There
is also an empty compartment for the fieldbus shield digital leakage current
clamp in the carrying case of the PROFIBUS Tester 5 (BC-700-PB).
Figure 4: Fieldbus leakage current clamp
Softing order number: DDA-ZZ-004010
1.4.4 Adapter for testing PROFIBUS PA networks
The optional plug-in adapter (including test equipment set) for PROFIBUS PA
networks enables the BC-700-PB to analyze electrical signal quality and data
communication in PROFIBUS PA installations.
The BC-700-PB in conjunction with the adapter BC-700-H1 is the proper test
tool for identifying basic installation errors and defective PROFIBUS PA
stations.
License for PA option
If you want to use the PA-Adapter BC-700-H1 with your BC-700-PB you need a
corresponding license (upgrade). This license is related to the serial number
of your device. When ordering the PA option we kindly ask you to provide us
with the serial number of your BC-700-PB (see also Licenses).
Before using the PA adapter
Before using the PA adapter for the first time read carefully section PA-
Adapter BC-700H1 –before you start. Activate the PA license on your device and
preform the 28 required updates.
Note
Note the PROFIBUS PA-specific notes in sections Connecting to PROFIBUS
PAnetworks, Display and controls in stand-alone mode and Licenses.
Figure 5: BC-700-H1 adapter
Figure 6: Supplied test equipment set for connecting to PROFIBUS PA segments
Softing order number: DDL-NL-006010
1.4.5 Spare battery
Intensive use of BC-700-PB during the work day may exhaust the rechargeable
battery faster than expected. In addition charging and discharging will
typically wear out the battery pack over the time (refer to Notes on battery
use). BC-700-PB has an internal energy management. If the measures for energy
saving are not sufficient or are perceived as a disturbance it is recommended
operating on the device in conjunction with an external power supply. Each
unit comes with a rechargeable battery of type PA-L27.K02 which can be ordered
from any vendor and replaced if required.
1.4.6 Service interfaces for PROFIBUS DP
1.4.6.1 Connection type D-sub
The D-sub service interface provides a PROFIBUS access point for testing if
the existing D-sub connectors have no service socket or if the bus stations
are connected via a terminal block. The service interface can power the
terminating resistor of the D-sub connector. You can thus use it as an active
bus termination at the beginning or end of the bus.
If the PLC allows dropping and adding bus stations on the live bus, you will
need this external bus termination to be able to exchange the first and last
bus stations without causing problems on the bus.
The compact unit is rail mounted like a terminal block and powered by an
external 24 VDC power supply. The package includes an 90° angled PROFIBUS
connector with a switchable terminating resistor.
Softing order number: ACA-NN-006037
1.4.6.2 Connection type M12
The M12 service interface comprises an IP68 rated T piece, an end cap for the
service output of the T piece, and a 1m PROFIBUS DP cable fitted with a
male/female M12 connector on each end.
Softing order number: ACA-NN-006034
1.5 System requirements
Hardware
- PC
- USB 2.0 Port
Operating system
- Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (each in 32 bit and 64 bit version)
1.6 Connectors and controls
Figure 10: Connectors, buttons and status displays on the BC-700-PB
Power up and down the device
Install PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite before connecting to a PC
Before connecting the BC-700-PB for the first time with a PC make sure the
latest PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite and the required drivers are installed on
your PC. For detailed installation instructions refer to the Quick Startup
Guide supplied with your PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite CD-ROM.
Always connect device directly to an USB port
Use the included USB cable to connect the tool to a PC or notebook. When you
use external USB hubs, notebook docking stations or USB 3.0 ports for
connection, problems may occur.
2.1 Power-up
-
Acclimate to room temperature
Before being connected to the AC mains power, the PROFIBUS Tester and the AC adapter must be acclimated to room temperature to avoid condensation. This may take up to 60 minutes. -
Power-up
Make sure that you have either connected it to a power supply, or that you have inserted the battery. Then switch on the tool by pressing the power key at the upper front edge. The display lights up and self-test starts. -
Check battery charge level
The display shows the battery charge level indicator . If the charge level is too low, recharge the battery as described in Charge battery.
Hint
We recommend operating the device solely using the wide-range power supply
supplied or using the integrated battery to avoid equalizing currents which
can falsify the test results.
The tool is powered by a built-in three cells lithium ion accumulator with
11.1 VDC. Alternatively the tool can be powered by 24 VDC through the external
wide-range power supply.
2.2 Power-on behaviour without USB connection
If not connected to an USB port, the BC-700-PB starts up in stand-alone mode
(see Display and controls in stand-alone mode) and is immediately ready for
testing. During program start-up the splash screen is shown for a few seconds
and displays “USB NOT CONNECTED”:
2.3 Power-on behaviour when USB connected
Install drivers before connecting to USB
Install the PC software “PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite” and the corresponding
drivers before connecting for the first time to a PC or to a notebook. You
will find software and drivers on the PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite CD-ROM.
The internal battery of BC-700-PB is NOT charged when being connected to a USB
port.
On successful completion of the self-test, the BC-700-PB displays:
When you start the PROFIBUS Diagnostics Suite control and evaluation software on your computer and select the PROFIBUS Tester and a network for testing in its user interface, the test tool switches to PC mode. At this point, a firmware update instead of using the control and evaluation software might be started automatically. See Firmware update.
2.4 Power-off and sleep mode
Power-down
Press power key for more than three seconds in order to power-down the device.
There is no power consumption if the device is powered down. The device can be
stored for long a period of time.
Activate sleep mode
If you want to change manually to sleep mode, shortly actuate the power key.
During sleep mode the BC-700-PB is saving energy and the power key will blink
slowly. If a measurement function is currently active, it is not possible to
switch to sleep mode. Depending on the settings in energy management, the
BC-700-PB may automatically change to sleep mode after a predefined period of
time.
Return to normal operation mode
You can recover normal operation very quickly by shortly actuating the power
key a second time. The lastly shown menu screen will be displayed which was
active before changing to sleep mode.
Automatic power-down
If the BC-700-PB is in sleep mode for more than 2 hours, it will automatically
power down.
Connection to PROFIBUS-DP
3.1 Basics
3.1.1 Note when testing a live bus
Test tool side effects
When you connect a test tool, side effects on the system under test are
generally unavoidable. If the PROFIBUS is already disturbed to a certain
degree or if Simatic Diagnostic Repeaters are used, the operation of the
PROFIBUS might nevertheless be affected occasionally. Observe the following
connection notes.
3.1.2 Connection types
There are several ways to connect a bus station to a PROFIBUS network:
-
Using connectors
D-sub connectors, most of which have an integrated terminating resistor and, optionally, an additional service socket
M12 connectors for environments requiring increased IP ratings
Special vendor-specific hybrid connectors; they are used in combination with special cables to supply power via the bus -
Using terminals for direct connection
Due to the typical daisy-chain topology, the connection points of the bus stations are the only possible points for connecting the test tool in most cases.
3.1.3 Adapter cable
The BC-700-PB is supplied with the D-sub adapter cable ACA-NN-006032 Standard
(light connector).
For testing on live systems the optional D-sub adapter cable ACA-NN-006031 is
recommended. An M12 adapter set is optionally available, see D-sub adapter
cable for testing live systems.
Only use original short cables
Use only the original short cables with special pin layout to connect the unit
to a PROFIBUS network. Do not cascade more than two D-sub connectors with
service sockets at the same time:
3.1.4 Strain relief
Avoid stress on connectors and bus stations
Avoid stress on connectors and bus stations which might be caused by the
device’s own weight.
Possible measures to avoid stress are
- support,
- strain relief using cable ties or
- using a retaining hand strap. Fastening eyes are premounted at the bottom of the tester. You can fix them either at the bottom or at the top of the tester. The retaining hand strap is not part of the delivery.
If avoiding stress is not possible, you need to select a different connection point to avoid damage.
3.1.5 Using the security lock port
When using trend logging, the BC-700-PB is typically operated in an unattended
manner over a prolonged period of time. You can connect a Kensington lock to
the security lock port to prevent your device being stolen. The Kensington
lock is not part of the product delivery and must be purchased separately. To
use the Kensington lock, refer to the product manual. Tie the Kensington lock
cable to a fixed object and install the other end of the cable to the security
lock port.
3.1.6 Test Locations
Basically you can carry out tests anywhere on a physical PROFIBUS segment
using the BC-700-PB.
Note that the use of repeaters creates separate physical segments that each
needs to be measured individually.
For the best and most informative signal quality results, perform the tests at
the beginning and end of each physical segment. If these test results indicate
problems that cannot be clearly classified immediately, you should carry out
one or more additional tests at the center.
3.2 Simple connection for tests during system shutdown
If all bus stations provide D-sub connectors with an additional service
socket, you can simply plug in the BC-700-PB at that socket. If a D-sub
connector does not provide a service socket, you can plug in the Dsub adapter
cable underneath. Keep in mind that you do not cascade more than two D-sub
connectors (see Adapter cable).
When using M12 connection technology, the M12 adapter cable is looped into the
bus. It is essential to ensure proper termination at the beginning and end of
the bus by using the terminating resistor provided with the M12 adapter set.
Shut down complete installation before connecting
All these simple connection types will divide the bus. You therefore need to
shut down the PLC and all the devices connected to the PROFIBUS; in other
words, you need to shut down the whole installation.
3.3.3 Connection Type M12
To test a live PROFIBUS, you will need additional service interface of the
type BC-M12DP-PB (see Adapter set for M12 connection technology).
Tests on a live PROFIBUS are only allowed on bus segments providing D-sub
connection technology.
Only D-sub connectors with service socket can be used as connection points for
the test tool. For this reason, tests can often only be performed at a bus
end.
Connect T-fitting between existing cable and 1 meter connection cable
Always connect one end of the T-fitting to the already existing cable and the
other end to the 1 meter connection cable which is supplied with the service
interface.
Do not screw the T-fitting of the M12 service interface directly onto a slave.
3.4 Master simulator, topology scan and cable test
Master simulator
The master simulator allows checking the bus cabling and the station addresses
during installation and commissioning, when the PLC (master) is not in
operation yet. In addition, you can use this mode to check individual
suspicious bus stations that have been disconnected from the bus.
Topology scan
The topology scan determines the sequence and distances of all passive bus
stations (slaves). This feature requires correct bus cabling, a very good
signal quality, and a connection point located directly at the beginning or
end of the bus.
Cable test
The cable test assesses the wiring and can be used to determine a faulty cable
location (e.g. short circuit) by means of reflection test. All three features
can only be used during shutdown of the installation. The D-sub cable ACA-NN-
006032 which is included in the standard scope of supply must be used. As long
as communication is detected on the bus, i.e. at least one device is an active
master, the functions are disabled. Check If necessary, disconnect every
single active device (PLC, MPI and, if necessary, diagnostic repeaters) from
the power supply or the bus. If an active device is at the end of the bus you
want to test, its PROFIBUS connector needs to be unplugged and connected
directly to the PROFIBUS Tester 5 (BC-700-PB). The bus termination in the
device connector will then be powered by the BC-700-PB.
Figure 20: Connection points for topology scan and cable test
Bus stations must only be disconnected from the power supply or the bus during
shutdown of the installation.
The three functions can be started also when the BC-700-PB is disconnected
from the bus. If you then connect the BC-700-PB to a live bus despite the
yellow bus status bar indicated by the PC software, this can cause bus
communication problems or a shutdown of the installation.
Special case: active devices at both ends o the bus during topology scan
On the very rare occasion when there is an active device at each end of the
bus, do the following:
- When using D-sub connection:
a. Additionally switch on the terminating resistor in the D-sub connector of the last slave.
b. Make sure the outgoing cable to the active device at the bus end is connected to the outgoing connector (marked with “OUT”, an outgoing arrow, or “A2/B2”).
Softing Industrial Automation GmbH
Richard-Reitzner-Allee 6
85540 Haar / Germany
http://industrial.softing.com
+ 49 89 45 656-340
+ 49 89 45 656-488
info.idn@softing.com
References
- Industrial Communication solutions and products for Process- and Factory Automation
- Downloads | Softing
- Telepathy - Powering Successful Brands
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