The Virtual IO Module 2 (VIM2) Network Gateway provides a native DeltaV I/O interface to Industrial Ethernet networks and devices that use the PROFINET protocol. Using the VIM2, DeltaV Controllers can read and write signals from plant floor devices such as PLCs, Motor Control Centers, Drives and Weigh Scales.
Key Features of the VIM2 Network Gateway
Seamless DeltaV Integration - Each VIM2 is seen by the DeltaV Controller as up to 4 Virtual DeltaV PROFIBUS Cards. Commissioned VIM2's are auto-sensed by the DeltaV controller as DeltaV PROFIBUS Cards.
Intuitive Setup - The VIMNet Explorer makes setup of the VIM2 easy and intuitive. Graphical, drag-and-drop functionality makes setting up the plant PROFINET network quick and easy.
Configured in VIMNet Explorer - PROFINET device configuration is done in the VIMNet Explorer by reading vendor supplied GSDML files. User selects, maps and assigns PROFINET devices to PROFIBUS devices and signals. The configuration is then exported as an FHX file and imported into the DeltaV Explorer.
Powerful Integration Solution - Each VIM2 can emulate up to 4 DeltaV PROFIBUS Cards and support up to 128 PROFINET field devices. Communication over the plant Ethernet network is fast and efficient.
Flexible Networking - User configurable IP addressing allows the VIM2 to be used in almost any plant environment regardless of networking scheme. The VIM2 and plant PROFINET devices must be on the same IP subnet to communicate.
Module Redundancy - The VIM2 for PROFINET supports simplex mode only. For enhanced field device reliability and availability, simplex VIM2's may be deployed with an external switch which handles media redundancy network (ring) topology (via MRP). The external switch is expected to be the ring master.
Modular Rugged Package - The DeltaV VIM2 mounts in the same manner as the DeltaV controller. It mounts in the controller slot of a DeltaV 2-wide horizontal or 4-wide vertical carrier and uses a standard DeltaV Power Supply. The advanced design of the DeltaV VIM2 will provide years of uninterrupted use.
PROFINET Supported Messaging
The VIM2 is implemented as a PROFINET I/O Controller, and behaves as a gateway between DeltaV and plant floor devices residing in a PROFINET network. Specifically, real-time (RT) data exchange between the VIM2 and other I/O controllers (PLC, etc.) and I/O devices (field devices) is implemented. Isochronous real-time (IRT) communication is not supported. Field device communications comprise I/O data, alarms and diagnostics. Other aspects of field data, e.g., data records and logbook information, are not supported. Alarm and diagnostic information is reported to PC based VIMNet Explorer tools. Only I/O data and corresponding status are reported to DeltaV. This firmware supports PROFINET v2.2, CC-A.
PROFINET communications with field devices use 100 Mbps, Full Duplex, switched Ethernet. Real-Time (RT) data exchange can be summarized as follows:
| Cyclic Data Exchange | Supported | Real-time I/O data and status |
| Acyclic Data Exchange | Supported | Configuration and Diagnostic data |
| Alarms | Supported | Alarm information is reported to the PC based VIMNet Explorer tools. |
| Context Managment | Supported | Connection processing |
PROFINET I/O field devices are addressed using MAC addresses and IP addresses. I/O device address resolution is based on a symbolic name of the device, to which a unique MAC address is assigned. To perform this function, you must use a Siemens application called Proneta. This free software can be downloaded from the Siemens website.
After assigning the device names and corresponding IP addresses, the VIMNet Explorer is used to load and configure all information required for data exchange. This information is contained in a GSDML file supplied by the I/O device manufacturer. The resulting configuration is saved in the VIMNet Explorer VIO file, and also uploaded into the VIM2 where it is saved in non-volatile RAM.
Following configuration upload, the VIM2 can recognize the configured field devices and assign them the specified IP addresses using the DCP protocol (Discovery and Configuration Protocol) integrated in PROFINET. Following address resolution, device parameters are transmitted to the I/O Devices. This completes the startup process and productive I/O data traffic is initiated.
PROFINET uses a scalable real-time (RT) concept solution for data exchange which is implemented with standard network components, such as switches and standard Ethernet controllers. RT communication takes place without TCP/IP information. It is based on cyclical data exchange using a provider/consumer model. The communication mechanisms use layer 2 of the ISO/OSI model. A special Ethertype (0x8892) and VLAN tag according to IEEE 802.1Q (prioritization of data frames) are used for optimized processing of RT PROFINET frames.
Cyclic data frames communicated with each device are based on two user configured parameters:
| Phase | Calculated | This is the smallest unit of the schedule. Each IO Device is assigned a phase in the scan schedule during configuration. The distribution is handled automatically by VIMNet Explorer and the VIM2. The I/O Devices are distributed evenly over the available phases. This helps reduce jitter and latency between I/O messages of the same I/O Device. The length of time of a phase is calculated from the Send Clock Factor. |
| Send Clock Time (uSec) | User configurable | The Send Clock Factor is the base time unit for the scan schedule. The value can be between 1 and 128. The value defines the amount of time for a phase in the schedule. The Send Clock Factor is the number of 31.25 microseconds increments that constitute a phase. Each I/O Device configured in VIMNet Explorer can have its own Send Clock Factor. The send clock factors supported by a given I/O Device are listed in its GSDML configuration file. The PROFINET specification requires that all devices support a send clock factor of 32 (1000 microseconds). All other send clock factors are optional. |
| Reduction Factor | User configurable | The Reduction Ratio indicates how frequently the cyclic I/O messages should be exchanged. A reduction ratio of 1 indicates that I/O messages will be exchanged on every phase in the schedule. A reduction ratio of 16 indicates that I/O messages will be exchanged every 16 phases. Each I/O Device configured in VIMNet Explorer can have its own reduction ratio. The reduction ratios supported by a given I/O Device are listed in its GSDML configuration file. |
VIM2 Product Description and Specification
The VIM2 mounts on a 2-wide carrier on the left-hand-side of the DeltaV controller. A dedicated DeltaV power supply is required. The DeltaV Controller auto-senses a commissioned VIM2 as 4 DeltaV PROFIBUS Cards in slots 57-60 or 61-64.
More information: DeltaV Virtual IO Module Network Gateway Specifications
VIM2 Driver Software Support
Software Support for the PROFINET Driver for DeltaV VIM2 is included in the initial driver purchase for the first year from the date of shipment, and includes driver revision updates and technical support.
More information: VIM2 Driver Software Support Service
Ordering Information
The product numbers in the table below are for the complete DeltaV VIM2 Network Gateway. For each DeltaV VIM2 a Software License must be purchased. The VIMNet Explorer is included with each complete purchase. All software is distributed is subject to MYNAH Technologies Software License Agreement. A completed MYNAH software registration form is required before shipment. One year of technical support from the date of shipment is included with each purchase.
Hardware Module:
| VE4026 | DeltaV Virtual IO Module 2 (M Series VIM2), Manufactured by Emerson |
| SE4027 | DeltaV Virtual IO Module 2 (S Series VIM2), Manufactured by Emerson |
Software Licenses:
| IOD-4117 | PROFINET Protocol Driver for DeltaV VIM2 |
Contact
MYNAH Technologies
+1.636.728.2000
support@mynah.com