PROFIBUS and PROFINET Test Lab
What is a standard worth without a control function?
PROFIBUS and PROFINET are based on the IEC standards 61158 and 61784. A standard must ensure every manufacturer and user availability and ease of use as well as interoperability. If anyone is able to develop PROFIBUS or PROFINET devices, the end customer expects them to function together; otherwise, it would be the same as with proprietary solutions.
The certification procedure must ensure the conformance of the device to the standard and - even more important - interoperability. Each certified device is tested according to strict guidelines to guarantee proper function on a PROFIBUS or PROFINET network.
End users should look for certified devices for PROFIBUS networks. PROFINET network devices require certification before being released by the manufacturer.
What is the procedure for PROFIBUS DP Slave or DP Master testing?
In order to develop a PROFIBUS DP device, a vendor must register the device and apply for an Ident number which is issued by PI North America. You can download the registration form here.
The vendor develops a device and describes the PROFIBUS functionality within a GSD file (device description file). The vendor next applies for a certification test at the lab.
The lab confirms a test date and then conducts the test.
At test completion, the vendor receives a test report and sends a copy of the report to PI for review. PI issues the certificate after completion of the test report review.
Advantages of the certificate are:
The vendor and the end customer know that the product works
in conformance to the PROFIBUS standard.
The vendor can refer to the certificate and the certification number
and use it for advertisement and publication.
The device information will be published in the PI catalog as well on the PI web site.
PI and PI North America offer common advertisement for the device.
The labs are able to support the device vendor in case of further conformance questions.
If you have any questions about certification or scheduling a test date, please contact the PROFI Interface Center (PIC) at (423) 262-2576 or email: pic.industry@siemens.com
What is the procedure for PROFINET testing?
Please click here for a detailed step-by-step description of the certification process for PROFINET devices.
What are the requirements to be a PROFIBUS / PROFINET Test Lab?
Each lab must follow the guidelines of PI (PROFIBUS International). The test lab is accredited and is audited bi-annually by the PI. In order to start a lab, the organization must define a quality manual which describes the independence within the organization and defines the operational part of the lab. The lab director is responsible for the lab itself, the facility and the technical training for each lab employee. For the startup, a lab must pass an accreditation review. During the accreditation review, a dedicated expert from PI checks if the lab is able to follow the guidelines, checks the quality manual, checks on the facility and the equipment as well the technical expertise to run a lab.
The PIC was officially accredited for PROFIBUS DP Slave testing in October 1995. The first PROFIBUS Master test followed in 1997. In the year 2004 the PIC also became an accredited PROFINET test lab.
The PIC is the only PROFIBUS and PROFINET Test Lab in the Western Hemisphere and serves English speaking customers around the globe.
Please contact the PROFI Interface Center (PIC) at (423) 262-2576 or mail: pic.industry@siemens.com for more information about PROFIBUS and PROFINET testing.
PROFI Interface Center's PROFIBUS and PROFINET Test Lab in Johnson City, TN.
11/09/2010 | Author: PaulTX