IFM 2MSTR 1RS232C 1DP AS-i PROFIBUS DP Gateway
The IFM 2MSTR 1RS232C 1DP is an AS-i PROFIBUS DP gateway manufactured by ifm electronic, functioning as a ControllerE M4 2Mstr device with integrated fieldbus interface and PLC functionality. This gateway provides reliable and fast data exchange between the sensor-actuator level and higher-level automation networks. The device integrates two AS-i masters compliant with AS-i version 2.1, a microcontroller, and a PROFIBUS DP interface for seamless communication between AS-i field devices and PROFIBUS DP control networks. The gateway includes a color display for indicating the status of all connected AS-i slaves, simplifying configuration, installation, and diagnostic tasks.
Technical Specifications
The IFM 2MSTR gateway operates on a 24 V DC power supply, typical for industrial automation applications. The device features two AS-i master channels for connecting up to 62 AS-i slaves (31 per master) in standard addressing mode or up to 124 AS-i slaves (62 per master) in extended addressing mode. The PROFIBUS DP interface supports standard DP-V1 communication, enabling cyclic data exchange for process data and acyclic services for parameterization, diagnostics, and alarm handling. The RS232C port provides a serial interface for configuration, diagnostics, and connection to external devices such as programming tools or HMIs.
Display and Diagnostics
The integrated color display provides comprehensive status information for all connected AS-i slaves, enabling quick identification of communication issues or device faults. The display supports intuitive operation with quick-setup menus that guide users through configuration and commissioning processes. The friendly and simple configuration, installation, and diagnostic interface reduces setup time and simplifies maintenance activities. The display shows detailed information about each AS-i slave including I/O data, configuration status, and diagnostic codes.
PROFIBUS DP Integration
The gateway acts as a bridge between the AS-i bus and a PROFIBUS DP network, allowing a PROFIBUS DP master to read and write data from and to AS-i slaves as if they were local I/O points. The device supports GSD file configuration for easy integration into Siemens STEP 7, Rockwell RSLogix, and other PROFIBUS DP master engineering environments. The PROFIBUS DP interface supports baud rates up to 12 Mbps, with automatic baud rate detection for flexible network integration. The gateway maps AS-i I/O data into the PROFIBUS DP process image, providing transparent access to sensor and actuator data from the PLC or DCS system.
Applications
The IFM 2MSTR 1RS232C 1DP AS-i PROFIBUS DP gateway is deployed in industrial automation applications requiring integration of AS-Interface field devices into PROFIBUS DP control networks. Typical applications include material handling systems where AS-i sensors and actuators are distributed along conveyor lines, packaging machinery requiring flexible connection of proximity sensors and solenoid valves, and automotive assembly lines where AS-i provides cost-effective wiring for discrete I/O points. The gateway is also used in food and beverage processing, logistics and distribution centers, and any industrial application where AS-i fieldbus simplifies wiring of sensors and actuators while PROFIBUS DP provides high-speed communication to the central controller.
