PC-based analyser gets to grips with Profibus

ProfiTrace is a small, cost effective, Profibus protocol and traffic analyser for use with notebook computers.

Profibus service engineers, maintainers and developers will welcome this powerful new analyser.

ProfiTrace is a small, cost effective, Profibus protocol and traffic analyser for use with notebook computers.

Powered from the supporting computer via a USB cable the analyser is very easy to set up and use, with true plug-and-play software installation, followed by a wide range of useful on-screen traffic report formats.

ProfiTrace's advanced algorithms and smart link between protocol and electrical measurements make it the essential tool for commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance as well as product development.

It easily identifies classical failures such as double addresses, wire breaks and configuration faults.

Random errors such as data overshoots, damaged telegrams, repeats and diagnostics are also captured and logged.

Predictive maintenance and asset management are now really possible.

Developed by the Profibus Competence Centre, Netherlands, ProfiTrace capitalises on the fact that every modern PC or laptop has at least one USB port.

It is a truly user-friendly tool that can be quickly installed on any PC without the need for special licences, codes or dongles.

The small ProfiCore hardware module plugs directly onto a Profibus connector and is linked to the supporting computer by a USB cable.

ProfiTrace software on the PC logs traffic from the Profibus and interprets this for on-screen display.

Both high level summaries and underlying low level details may be shown.

Filter options are available to help locate traffic from particular slaves or to highlight specific message types.

ProfiTrace includes easy connection to an oscilloscope and, through synchronised triggering, allows inspection of the electrical signals from individual slaves.

Supporting sampling at all transmission speeds up to 12Mbit/s, it provides on-screen display of colour coded device states, process values, Identification Numbers, diagnostics and even product names.

Other user benefits include easy installation, operating system independence and elimination of potentially troublesome Profibus stub lines due to the long USB cable.

ProfiTrace is, according to its designers "the most powerful high-speed Profibus network analyser available and will boost the capabilities of service, maintenance and engineering personnel".

Priced at just GBP 714 plus delivery and VAT, ProfiTrace is available ex-stock from UK distributor Hi-Port Software.

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