The X-gateway is a configurable, standalone gateway that enables communication between devices on a Profibus network and devices on a Modbus-TCP network, and vice versa. Its most common applications are installations with a mix of PLCs from Siemens, Schneider Electric, ABB, or GE. One example is automotive manufacturing plants, where Profibus-based segments are integrated into industrial Ethernet-based control applications using the well-known Modbus-TCP protocol.
The X-gateway is a compact device for mounting on a standard DIN rail with a 24V industrial power supply. It functions as a slave on a Modbus-TCP network and as a master on the Profibus side. The Profibus master functionality is configured using HMS's Anybus NetTool for Profibus, a powerful yet user-friendly Windows-based configuration tool supplied free of charge with the X-gateway. Once the initial configuration is downloaded to the X-gateway, it transparently transfers up to 512 bytes of input and 512 bytes of output data between Modbus-TCP and Profibus. Up to 124 Profibus slaves can be connected to the gateway. In addition to its data transfer capabilities, the X-gateway incorporates a powerful web server embedded in the Modbus-TCP section, providing web-based support for remote diagnostics and visualization. An OPC server is also included among the X-gateway's capabilities. The X-gateway contains communication interfaces to Profibus and Modbus-TCP that have been certified for their full compliance with the respective protocol standards.
