Schneider Electric Implementation

PROFINET for Schneider Electric

Real-time Industrial Ethernet standard by PROFIBUS International. Primary protocol for Siemens automation systems.

Type: Industrial EthernetSpeed: 100 Mbps / 1 GbpsReleased: 2001Organization: PROFIBUS & PROFINET International (PI)

1 Gbps

Bandwidth

256 per segment (thousands with routing)

Max Nodes

100m per segment

Max Distance

Yes

Real-Time

Protocol Overview

Schneider Electric M580 has built-in PROFINET device (slave) capability. M340 requires BMXP342030 CPU or add-on module. Primarily operates as PROFINET device in Siemens-dominated networks.

When to Use PROFINET

Choose PROFINET for Siemens-based systems, high-performance applications, motion control, or when real-time deterministic communication is critical.

Schneider Electric Hardware Requirements

Compatible Communication Modules

M580 integrated PROFINET device

BMXP342030 (M340 with PROFINET)

BMXNOM0200 (serial + PROFINET)

Wiring Details

Network Setup

100Mbps Ethernet. Functions as PROFINET IO device (slave), not controller. RT support.

Configuration

Import GSDML file for M580 into Siemens TIA Portal. Configure M580 as I/O device in PROFINET controller.

Schneider Electric Software & Programming

Function Blocks & Instructions

Automatic I/O mapping via PROFINET controller

Unity Pro configuration for local I/O mapping

Schneider Electric Code Example

// M580 as PROFINET device
// Configure I/O mapping in Unity Pro:
%MW100 := ProcessValue;  // Mapped to PROFINET input
ControlValue := %MW200;  // Mapped from PROFINET output

// Siemens controller reads/writes these automatically

Schneider Electric-Specific Implementation Notes

Schneider primarily implements PROFINET device (slave) role, allowing M580 to be controlled by Siemens PLC. Not typically used as PROFINET controller. Main use case: Modicon PLC in Siemens-dominated facility.

Technical Specifications

Physical Layer

Physical Layer: IEEE 802.3 Ethernet
Cable Type: Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet, fiber optic
Topology: Line, Star, Tree, Ring
Power Over Cable: No

Data Layer

Data Link: Real-Time (RT) and Isochronous Real-Time (IRT)
Encoding: Binary
Error Detection: CRC-32
Frame Size: 1500 bytes (MTU)

Performance

Scan Time: 250μs to 32ms
Deterministic: Yes
Real-Time: Yes
Cycle Time: 31.25μs (IRT)

Certification

Certification Required: Yes
License Cost: Device certification required
Version: V2.4

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

✓True real-time performance (IRT mode)
✓High speed and bandwidth
✓Extensive diagnostic capabilities
✓Hot-swapping devices
✓Integrated safety (PROFIsafe)
✓Large installed base
✓Support for motion control
✓Web-based management

Disadvantages

✗More complex than Modbus
✗Requires PROFINET-certified devices
✗Steeper learning curve
✗Higher initial cost
✗Requires managed switches for IRT
✗Siemens ecosystem bias

Common Use Cases & Applications

High-speed manufacturing lines

Motion control applications

Process automation

Automotive manufacturing

Robotics integration

Safety-critical applications

Industry Adoption

Adoption LevelVery High

Market Share35-40% of industrial Ethernet

Geographic PresenceWorldwide, strongest in Europe

Primary Industries

AutomotiveManufacturingProcess IndustriesPackagingMaterial Handling

Supported Message Types

Cyclic data

Acyclic data

Alarms

Diagnostics

Supported PLC Brands

Siemens ABB Schneider Electric

Phoenix Contact

Beckhoff Rockwell

Wago

Omron

Quick Links

Alternative Protocols

EtherNet/IP
EtherCAT
POWERLINK

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