HMS Anybus AB7646-F Gateway

The HMS Anybus AB7646-F is a protocol gateway that connects a PROFIBUS DP network to an EtherNet/IP network. It enables seamless data exchange between PROFIBUS devices (e.g., drives, I/O blocks) and an EtherNet/IP controller (e.g., Rockwell ControlLogix, CompactLogix). The gateway functions as a PROFIBUS DP slave and an EtherNet/IP adapter (slave), eliminating the need for complex multi‑protocol programming.

Technical Specifications

PROFIBUS DP side: DP‑V1 slave, 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s, galvanically isolated, 9‑pin D‑sub female connector. EtherNet/IP side: 10/100 Mbit/s, RJ45 connector, supports implicit (cyclic) and explicit (acyclic) messaging, up to 1440 bytes of I/O data. Input data size from PROFIBUS to EtherNet/IP: max 512 bytes. Output data size: max 512 bytes. Power supply: 24 V DC (20.4‑28.8 V), consumption 400 mA (max). Dimensions: 27 mm (W) x 98 mm (H) x 114 mm (D). Housing: plastic, IP20. Operating temperature: 0‑55°C. Configuration via RS‑232 port using Anybus Configuration Manager software. The gateway includes LEDs for power, bus status (PROFIBUS), and network status (EtherNet/IP).

Key Features

• Bidirectional data exchange between PROFIBUS and EtherNet/IP

• Supports up to 512 bytes I/O data each direction

• PROFIBUS DP‑V1 slave with auto‑baud detection

• EtherNet/IP adapter with support for cyclic I/O (Class 1 connection)

• Simple configuration via Windows software

• Galvanic isolation on both fieldbus interfaces

• Comprehensive diagnostics via LEDs and software

Configuration and Setup

Connect the gateway to a PC via the mini‑USB or RS‑232 (using a cable). Run Anybus Configuration Manager. For PROFIBUS side, load the GSD file (provided) into the PROFIBUS master configuration. Set the PROFIBUS address via DIP switches or software. For EtherNet/IP side, assign an IP address (DHCP or fixed) and set the I/O assembly instance numbers (typical: input assembly 100, output assembly 150). Then define the data mapping: which PROFIBUS input bytes go to which EtherNet/IP output assembly, and vice versa. The gateway stores the configuration in internal flash memory.

Installation

Mount the gateway on a 35 mm DIN rail. Connect 24 V DC to the power terminal. Connect the PROFIBUS cable to the D‑sub connector (observe termination). Connect the EtherNet/IP cable to the RJ45 port (use shielded Cat5e). Set the PROFIBUS address using the DIP switches (1‑126). Configure the IP address via the software or by using the built‑in DHCP server. The gateway is now ready to communicate.

Operation

Once configured, the gateway automatically maps incoming PROFIBUS data to the EtherNet/IP output assembly and vice versa. The PROFIBUS master sees the gateway as a standard DP slave; the EtherNet/IP scanner (e.g., Logix PLC) sees it as an adapter. The data is transferred in both directions without any ladder logic required. The typical cycle time is < 10 ms for 32 bytes. The gateway also supports diagnostic objects (fault bits, counters).

Applications

The AB7646-F is used to integrate legacy PROFIBUS devices into a newer EtherNet/IP control system, or to connect an EtherNet/IP PLC to a PROFIBUS network. Typical examples:

• Connecting PROFIBUS drives to Rockwell PLCs

• Adding PROFIBUS remote I/O to an EtherNet/IP system

• Migrating a machine from PROFIBUS to EtherNet/IP gradually

Diagnostics

The front panel LEDs indicate: PWR (green) – power on; PROFIBUS (green/red) – bus status; EtherNet/IP (green/red) – network status. In case of errors, the software diagnostics page shows detailed error messages (e.g., “PROFIBUS parameterization error”, “EtherNet/IP connection timeout”). The gateway also provides a web interface (via HTTP) for real‑time status and data values.

Standards and Compliance

The AB7646-F is CE, UL, and RoHS certified. It is compliant with PROFIBUS DP‑V1 (IEC 61158) and EtherNet/IP (ODVA) standards.

Conclusion

The HMS Anybus AB7646-F gateway offers a reliable, plug‑and‑play solution for bridging PROFIBUS and EtherNet/IP networks. Its compact size, easy configuration, and robust performance make it ideal for system integration and retrofit projects.