Anybus X-gateway Configuration Manual

Complete Configuration and Operation Guide for Industrial Protocol Gateway of Anybus X-gateway

Product positioning and core values

The Airbus X-gateway is a highly flexible industrial protocol conversion gateway launched by HMS Industrial Networks. It can seamlessly connect two completely different types or even different manufacturers of fieldbus networks together, such as PROFIBUS DP master and Modbus RTU slave, EtherNet/IP adapter and PROFINET IO device combinations. This gateway is based on mature Anybus-S embedded communication technology and has been widely validated in the global automation field.

Unlike ordinary gateways, X-gateway supports multiple combinations of master/slave roles and has Ethernet capability. One of its most prominent features is that it does not require specialized configuration software - engineers only need to use standard terminal simulation programs (such as HyperTerminal under Windows) and a NULL modem cable to complete all basic parameter settings. Of course, for specific fieldbus network parameters such as PROFIBUS site addresses, I/O mappings, etc., manufacturer specific configuration tools may still be required. However, the gateway's own operating logic, data mapping size, control word/status word enablement, etc. can all be completed in a free and universal manner.

Hardware installation and electrical connection

2.1 DIN rail installation and grounding

The X-gateway adopts a standard DIN rail installation method. When installing, first align the upper buckle of the gateway with the guide rail, press firmly on the upper part (position 1), and then push the lower part into the guide rail (position 2) until you hear a clamping sound. When disassembling, press the upper part and pull out the lower part at the same time.

Important: In order to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, DIN rails must be connected to a protective earth (PE). Otherwise, it may lead to unstable communication or decreased anti-interference ability.

2.2 Power Wiring

The gateway requires a stable 24V DC power supply with a permissible fluctuation range of ± 10% (i.e. 21.6V~26.4V). The maximum power consumption is 300mA @ 24V. The power interface is a 2-digit pluggable screw terminal with clear polarity markings: the top pin is "+24V" and the middle pin is "GND".

⚠️  The power terminals have polarity differentiation. Reverse connection will not work and may damage the equipment.

2.3 Fieldbus Network Interface

The position of network connectors and dip switches depends on the specific model of the gateway (upper layer interfaces and lower layer interfaces may be located at the top or bottom, respectively). Each network interface has a dedicated status LED:

Green constantly on: The network communication on this side is normal

Red constantly on: Network fault on this side

Red flashing: Network interface hardware failure

Extinguish: This side is not powered on

For detailed network wiring rules, terminal resistance settings, site address dialing, etc., please refer to the corresponding interface supplement manual (Interface Addendum).

2.4 Gateway Config Interface

This interface is located at the bottom of the gateway and is a standard 9-pin D-sub female socket (RS-232) used to connect to a PC for parameter configuration. The interface definition is as follows:

Pin signal

2 RXD (receive data)

3 TXD (Sending Data)

5 GND (signal ground)

Shell shielding layer

The communication parameters are fixed as:

Baud rate: 57600

Data bits: 8

Verification: None

Stop position: 1

Flow control: None

When connecting to a PC, a NULL modem cable (also known as a cross serial cable) must be used instead of a direct serial cable.

Internal data exchange mechanism

3.1 Dual buffer structure

The X-gateway contains two Anybus-S network interface cards that are interconnected through an intelligent gateway platform. Each network interface maintains two data buffers:

Input buffer: Data received from the local network, ready to be forwarded to the other network.

Output buffer: Data received from the other network, ready to be sent on the local network.

The gateway copies the entire content of one input buffer to the other output buffer during each cycle, and vice versa. The data exchange between the two directions is independent, with a maximum support of 512 bytes per direction. Note: The actual number of bytes that can be exchanged is limited by the maximum I/O data length of the fieldbus protocol used.

3.2 Loop Data (I/O) and Non Loop Data (Parameters)

Most fieldbuses distinguish between fast, periodic process data (I/O) and slow, non periodic parameter data (such as device configuration). The X-gateway handles these two types separately:

I/O data: automatically mapped to input/output buffers in each bus cycle for real-time control.

Parameter data: can be enabled through additional parameter data length settings for transmitting diagnostic information or configuring parameters.

3.3 Examples of Data Mapping

Taking the slave slave mode as an example: the upper network is a PROFIBUS DP slave, and the lower network is a Modbus RTU slave. If control words/status words are enabled for each network separately, the mapping structure is as follows: