Pepperl+Fuchs VLX-F231-B6 User manual

R
VLX-F231-B6
VLX PROFIBUS DP
Interface Module
FA TORY AUTOMATION
MANUAL

With regard to the supply of products, the current issue of the following document is ap-
plicable: The General Terms of Delivery for Products and Services of the lectrical Indus-
try, published by the Central Association of the lectrical Industry (Zentralverband
lektrotechnik und lektroindustrie (ZV I) e.V.) in its most recent version as well as the
supplementary clause: " xpanded reservation of proprietorship"
VLX-F231-B6

VLX-F231-B6
3
1 Introduction................................................................................. 4
1.1 ontent of this Document ................................................................... 4
1.2 Target Group, Personnel...................................................................... 4
1.3 Symbols Used ...................................................................................... 4
2 Product Description ................................................................... 6
2.1 Use and Application ............................................................................ 6
2.2 Dimensions........................................................................................... 6
2.3 Design of the Device............................................................................ 7
3 Installation................................................................................. 10
3.1 Mounting ............................................................................................. 10
3.2 Electrical onnection ........................................................................ 11
3.3 Dismounting ....................................................................................... 13
4 ommissioning......................................................................... 15
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 15
4.2 onnecting the Sensor...................................................................... 15
4.3 onnecting the Interface Module to the Network........................... 16
4.4 Integrating the Interface Module into the Network......................... 17
4.5 Data Format for Modules................................................................... 24

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VLX-F231-B6
Introduction
1 Introduction
1.1 Content of this Document
This document contains information required to use the product in the relevant phases of the
product life cycle. This may include information on the following:
■ Product identification
■ Delivery, transport, and storage
■ Mounting and installation
■ Commissioning and operation
■ Maintenance and repair
■ Troubleshooting
■ Dismounting
■ Disposal
The documentation comprises the following parts:
■ This document
■ Datasheet
In addition, the documentation may comprise the following parts, if applicable:
■ U-type examination certificate
■ U declaration of conformity
■ Attestation of conformity
■ Certificates
■ Control drawings
■ Instruction manual
■ Other documents
1.2 Target Group, Personnel
Responsibility for planning, assembly, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and
dismounting lies with the plant operator.
Only appropriately trained and qualified personnel may carry out mounting, installation,
commissioning, operation, maintenance, and dismounting of the product. The personnel must
have read and understood the instruction manual and the further documentation.
Prior to using the product make yourself familiar with it. Read the document carefully.
Note!
For full information on the product, refer to the further documentation on the Internet at
www.pepperl-fuchs.com.

VLX-F231-B6
Introduction
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1.3 Symbols Used
This document contains symbols for the identification of warning messages and of informative
messages.
Warning Messages
You will find warning messages, whenever dangers may arise from your actions. It is mandatory
that you observe these warning messages for your personal safety and in order to avoid
property damage.
Depending on the risk level, the warning messages are displayed in descending order as
follows:
Informative Symbols
Action
This symbol indicates a paragraph with instructions. You are prompted to perform an action or
a sequence of actions.
Danger!
This symbol indicates an imminent danger.
Non-observance will result in personal injury or death.
Warning!
This symbol indicates a possible fault or danger.
Non-observance may cause personal injury or serious property damage.
Caution!
This symbol indicates a possible fault.
Non-observance could interrupt the device and any connected systems and plants, or result in
their complete failure.
Note!
This symbol brings important information to your attention.

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VLX-F231-B6
Product Description
2 Product Description
2.1 Use and Application
The VLX-F231-B6 interface module serves as an interface between SmartRunner (from now
on referred to as the sensor) and the PROFIBUS DP input card of the control panel. Data is
transferred between the sensor or sensors and the VLX-F231-B6 interface module via the RS-
485 interface and from the VLX-F231-B6 interface module to the control panel via the
PROFIBUS DP protocol.
You can connect up to four sensors. If you connect several sensors, they must have different
addresses. The VLX-F231-B6 interface module constantly queries the position values of the
sensors and always has the current sensor data.
2.2 Dimensions
The interface module housing has the following dimensions.
Figure 2.1 Dimensions
The VLX-F231-B6 interface module has the following configuration:
Baud rate: Max. 230 MBaud
115
100 23

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Product Description
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2.3 Design of the Device
Device omponents
Figure 2.2 Interface module overview
1RS-485 terminator sliding switch (behind the terminal block)
2X1: RS-485 interface
3Mounting bracket
4X2: Connection for power supply
5PROFIBUS communication interface
6Slide switch for PROFIBUS DP terminator
7Front panel with rotary coding switches and indicator lights
3
4
7
1
5
2
6

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VLX-F231-B6
Product Description
Front Panel
Figure 2.3 Front panel overview
Sensor (VLX-F231-B6)
Power
The "Power" L D is green: The VLX-F231-B6 interface module is correctly connected to the
power supply.
State
The "State" L D is green: Data is being exchanged with the sensor(s). The four " rror
No/Select ID" L Ds are used to display the number of the currently polled sensor.
The "State" L D lights up red: The interface module has detected an error or a warning. The
interface module uses the " rrorNo/Select ID" L Ds to display the binary coded error number
or warning number, and sends the number to the PROFIBUS master via the external diagnostic
byte.
rror No/Select ID Sensor address
8 4 2 1
00010
00101
01002
10003
Table 2.1 Display via the four " rrorNo/Select ID" L Ds when the "State" L D lights up green
rror (No. 1...5): Switch the interface module off and back on. If the error occurs
again, the module must be replaced.
Warning (No. 6...15): The warning provides information. The interface module displays
the warning for one minute and then resets automatically.
PROFIBUS
Termination
Power/State
Bus Power
1
2
4
8
S4 S5
State
Bus State
Low
High
ID
Bus
o n
o f f
VLX-F231-B6
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

VLX-F231-B6
Product Description
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Rotary switches S4 and S5
Rotary switches S4 and S5 have no function. nsure that the two switches are at position 0 to
enable the data exchange mode.
PROFIBUS
Bus Power
The "BusPower" L D lights up green: The L D is connected directly to the electrically isolated
supply voltage for the PROFIBUS side.
Bus
The "Bus" L D lights up red: The interface module cannot exchange any data on the
PROFIBUS.
Bus State
ID High and ID Low rotary switches
You can set the PROFIBUS address with the two ID High and ID Low rotary switches. The digits
selected using the two rotary switches together form the PROFIBUS address in hexadecimal
format.
xample: To set address 19 (=13h), set the ID High rotary switch to position "1," and the ID Low
rotary switch to position "3."
L D rrorNo/Select ID rror number rror description
L D8 L D4 L D2 L D1
0 0 0 0 0 Reserved
0 0 0 1 1 Hardware error
0 0 1 0 2 PROM error
0 0 1 1 3 Internal memory error
0 1 0 0 4 Fieldbus hardware error or incorrect
fieldbus ID
0 1 0 1 5 Script error
0 1 1 0 6 Reserved
0 1 1 1 7 Sensor communication, RS send
buffer overflow
1 0 0 0 8 Sensor communication, RS receive
buffer overflow
1 0 0 1 9 Sensor communication, RS timeout
1 0 1 0 10 General fieldbus error
1 0 1 1 11 Parity error or frame check error
1 1 0 0 12 Reserved
1 1 0 1 13 Fieldbus configuration error
1 1 1 0 14 Fieldbus data buffer overflow
1 1 1 1 15 Reserved
Table 2.2 Significance of the error codes (display via the four " rror No/Select ID" L Ds when the
"State" L D lights up red and thus indicates an error or a warning)
“BusState" L D PROFIBUS DP interface state
Lights up green Data exchange on the PROFIBUS
Flashes red/green Interface module is waiting for PROFIBUS parameter data
Lights up red rror on the PROFIBUS
Flashes green Interface module is waiting for configuration data

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VLX-F231-B6
Installation
3 Installation
3.1 Mounting
Mounting the Modules
The module is fastened to a DIN mounting rail with a width of 35 mm using a snap-on fixing
method.
Figure 3.1 Mounting
1. Hook the module (1) onto the DIN mounting rail (2) from above and press it down until it
snaps into place.
The module is mounted.
2. You must connect the DIN mounting rail to the switch cabinet's equipotential busbar. The
connection wire must have a cross section of at least 10 mm
2
.
2
1
Note!
Heat Dissipation
You may place other modules to the left and right of the module.
Above and below the modules, there must be at least 5 cm of free space for heat dissipation.
Note!
Vertical Installation
You can also install the DIN mounting rail vertically, so that the modules can be rotated by 90°
for mounting.

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Installation
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3.2 lectrical Connection
Figure 3.2 lectrical connection
Plug X1 is located on the top side of the interface module, and Plug X2 is located on the
underside.
onnection Technology
You must/may use the following connection technology when wiring the module:
■ Standard screw/plug connection (supply + RS)
■ 9-pin, D-SUB connector (PROFIBUS DP connection)
When using standard screw terminals, one cable per connection point can be clamped. To
tighten the screws, use a screwdriver with a blade width of 3.5 mm.
Permissible cable cross section:
■ Flexible cable with wire end ferrule: 1 x 0.25 ... 1.5 mm
2
■ Solid cable: 1 x 0.25 ... 1.5 mm
2
The plug-in terminal strip combines a standard screw connection and a plug connector. The
plug connector is coded and therefore cannot be plugged in incorrectly.
The 9-pin D-SUB connector is secured with two screws with a "4-40 UNC" thread. To tighten
the screws, use a screwdriver with a blade width of 3.5 mm. Observe the maximum tightening
torque of 0.4 Nm.
Danger!
Device damage due to incorrect installation
Incorrect installation of cables and connection lines can endanger the function and the
electrical safety of the device.
■ Observe the permissible core cross section of the conductor.
■ If you are using stranded conductors, crimp the stranded conductors with wire end
ferrules.
■ Make sure that the insulation on the conductors extends all the way to the terminal.
■ Observe the tightening torque for the screws on the terminal. The tightening torque is
0.5 Nm.
■ Using an inappropriate tool may damage the screw heads. Use a slot-head screwdriver
sized 3.5 x 0.5.
■ Connecting an alternating current can damage the device or cause the device to
malfunction. Connect the device to direct current (DC).
Sensor
SmartRunner
VLX-F231-B6
RS 485 -
RS 485 +
24 V (Pwr)
0 V (Pwr)
X2-1
X2-2
X1-4
X1-5
X1-6
X1-7
GND UB+
PE
PE
UB+
GND
RS 485 +
RS 485 -
B-LineB-Line
A-Line
Pro bus-DP
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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VLX-F231-B6
Installation
Connecting the Power Supply
Connect the operating voltage (10 VDC...33 VDC) to Terminals 1 and 2 of the 4-pin plug X2 on
the interface module. In addition, note the label on the module.
The "Power" L D lights up green.
Equipotential Bonding onnection
The connection to equipotential bonding occurs automatically when attaching to the DIN
mounting rail.
PROFIBUS DP Communication Interface
This interface can be found on the front of the housing in the form of a 9-pin D-SUB socket.
1. Connect the PROFIBUS connector to the D-SUB socket labeled "PROFIBUS."
2. Tighten the lock screws on the connector using a screwdriver.
3. If the assembly is at the beginning or at the end of the PROFIBUS cable, you must connect
the terminator that is integrated in the interface module. To do this, slide the sliding switch to
the "on" position or to the upper end position.
4. If the module is not at the beginning or at the end, you must slide the sliding switch to the
"off" position or to the lower end position.
Preparing for Operation on RS-485 Interface
For operation on an RS-485 interface, the terminals on connector X1 must be connected as
follows:
1. Connect Terminal 4 "Rx 422+" to terminal 6 "Tx 422+."
2. Connect Terminal 5 "Rx 422-" to terminal 7 "Tx 422-."
Terminal Description
1 UB (Pwr) Operating voltage interface module/
operating voltage sensor
2 0 V (Pwr) Ground interface module/ground sensor
3 not used is not used
4 not used is not used
Table 3.1 Terminal X2
Terminal Description
4 Rx 422+ Data line RS-485+ to sensor
5 Rx 422- Data line RS-485- to sensor
6 Tx 422+ Connect Terminal 6 "Tx 422+" to Terminal 4 "Rx 422+"
7 Tx 422- Connect Terminal 7 "Tx 422-" to Terminal 5 "Rx 422-"
Table 3.2 Terminal X1

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Installation
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Note!
RS-485 Bus Termination
If the interface module is operated as the first or last physical device in an RS-485 bus, there
must be a bus termination on this module. To do this, set the "Rx 422 Termination" slide switch
to "Off" and the "Tx 422 Termination" slide switch to "On." This activates the RS-485 terminator
(150 ) built into the interface module.
If you connect only one sensor to the interface module, you must always activate the RS-485
terminator; see also Cable routing in the RS-485 bus.
Note!
ROFIBUS Termination
If the interface module is located at the beginning or end of the data cable to the control panel,
there must be a bus termination at this interface module. To do this, set the "Termination"
(PROFIBUS) slide switch to "On." This activates the PROFIBUS terminator built into the
interface module.
More information about bus termination can be found in the general fieldbus literature.
*) RS485-Termination:
Rx422 = o
Tx422 = on
1
2
3
4
5 6
7
Rx232
Tx232
AP-GND
Rx422+ Rx422-
Tx422+
Tx422-
RS485+ RS485-
Rx422* Termination Tx422*
On O On O
X1
PROFIBUS
Termination
Power/State
Bus
Power
1
2
4
8
S4
S5
State
Bus
State
Low
High
ID
Bus
o
n
o
f
f
VLX-F231-B6 Modul
A
B C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
A
B
C
D
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

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VLX-F231-B6
Installation
3.3 Dismounting
Dismounting the modules
Use a suitable slot-head screwdriver for dismounting the module.
1. Disconnect all the supply and signal lines.
Figure 3.3 Dismounting
2. Insert the screwdriver (2) into the groove of the mounting bracket (3).
3. Press the screwdriver (2) in the specified direction until the lock on the DIN mounting rail (4)
opens, see figure.
4. Then press the module (1) upwards and lift it out of the DIN mounting rail.
4
3
2
1

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Commissioning
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4 Commissioning
4.1 Introduction
omponents
To commission the module, you will require the following components:
■ VLX-F231-B6 interface module
■ Cord set from the interface module to the sensor
■ Connector for the PROFIBUS connection to the interface module
■ PROFIBUS cable (this cable is usually already installed on site)
■ 10 VDC...33 VDC power supply
■ GSD file (the GSD file can be obtained free of charge from our website www.pepperl-
fuchs.com)
Connecting the Interface Module
To ensure that the assembly functions correctly, you must carry out the following steps during
commissioning:
1. Set the PROFIBUS address on the front side of the module, using the two rotary switches
labeled "PROFIBUS ID High" and "PROFIBUS ID Low."
2. Connect the module to the PROFIBUS using the interface labeled "PROFIBUS."
3. Connect the process device (sensor). For information on commissioning the process device
(sensor), please refer to its manual.
4. Ground the DIN mounting rail onto which the assembly is clipped.
5. Connect the direct current to the terminals provided.
6. Use any programming tool for configuration. The GSD file can be downloaded from our
website: www.pepperl-fuchs.com. Simply enter the product name or item number in the
product/keyword field and click the "Search" icon.
Warning!
Danger to life due to defective work
rrors during installation and commissioning can cause life-threatening injuries and significant
property damage.
■ Installation and commissioning must only be carried out by trained personnel in
accordance with safety regulations.
Note!
The PROFIBUS address that is set must match the configured address. It is only read in when
the module is switched on.
Note!
A more detailed description of the individual steps is provided on the following pages.

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VLX-F231-B6
Commissioning
4.2 Connecting the Sensor
If you connect several sensors to one interface module, the sensors must have different
addresses. The different addresses will allow the programmable logic controller to allocate the
data to the right sensors. If you connect only one sensor to an interface module, this sensor
always receives the address 0. You can connect up to four sensors to an interface module via
an RS-485 cable. ach sensor is supplied with the default address of 0. Details of how to
change the address of the sensor can be found in the instruction manual for the sensor.
Setting the Number of onnected Sensors
Set the number of connected sensors in the hardware project settings.
4.3 Connecting the Interface Module to the Network
A 9-pin connector is used to connect to the PROFIBUS DP, in accordance with the PROFIBUS
standard. You therefore need a 9-pin D-sub connector that you can plug into the 9-pin D-sub
socket on the device. This plug is not included with the interface module.
1. Connect the PROFIBUS connector to the D-SUB socket labeled "PROFIBUS."
2. Tighten the lock screws on the connector using a screwdriver.
3. If the assembly is at the beginning or at the end of the PROFIBUS cable, you must connect
the terminator that is integrated in the gateway. To do this, slide the slide switch to the "on"
position.
4. If the assembly is not at the beginning or at the end, you must slide the slide switch to the
"off" position.
5. Set the PROFIBUS address on the fieldbus side of the assembly, using the two rotary
switches labeled "PROFIBUS ID High" and "PROFIBUS ID Low." This setting uses
hexadecimal format.
Sensor connection pin Interface module terminal
1 X2-1
2 X1-4
4 X1-5
3 X2-2
Table 4.1 Connecting the sensor/sensors
Pin Designation
1 Protective earth
2 Not assigned
3 B line
4 Control signal/repeater
5 Weight
6 5 V
DC
7 Not assigned
8 A line
9 Weight
Table 4.2 Pin assignment for the 9-pin connector

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Commissioning
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6. If the rotary switch on the PROFIBUS side (PROFIBUS ID) is set to "7 " (= 126), the
gateway uses a PROFIBUS address that is stored in the PROM. This address is 126 by
default and can only be changed by a PROFIBUS master via the PROFIBUS itself. The
address 126 is reserved for this purpose in the PROFIBUS, i.e., a slave with this address
can never exchange data, but can only be configured with a new ID.
7. If the rotary switch is set to a value between 0 and 125, the gateway uses this PROFIBUS ID
and it is not possible to change the setting via a master.
4.4 Integrating the Interface Module into the Network
Installing the GSD File
A GSD file is required to operate the device. The GSD file can be downloaded from our
website: www.pepperl-fuchs.com. Simply enter the product name or item number in the
Product/Keyword field and click "Search." Select your product from the list of search results.
Click on the information you require in the product information list, for example, Software. A list
of all available downloads is displayed.
1. Start "TIA Portal V14."
Figure 4.1 GSD file
2. Under "Options" (1) in the menu bar, select the command "Manage general station
description files (GSD)" (2).
The "Manage general station description files" window opens.
Example!
The PROFIBUS ID is 26 decimal = 1A hexadecimal. The "PROFIBUS ID High" switch must be
set to 1 and the "PROFIBUS ID Low" switch must be set to A.
Warning!
Risk of injury due to incorrect configuration
An error during the configuration of the device can override the fail-safe function, causing a
danger to people and machinery.
■ nsure that the device is programmed exclusively by qualified personnel.
■ Only put devices into operation after they have been configured correctly.
Note!
Various configuration tools are available to allow you to configure the interface module. As an
example, this manual describes the configuration of a Siemens control panel with the VLX-
F231-B6 interface module using the TIA Portal V14. If you are using a programmable logic
controller (PLC) from a different manufacturer, the process will be similar to the one described
here.
1
2

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VLX-F231-B6
Commissioning
Figure 4.2 Searching for a GSD file
3. Click the "Button with the three dots" (1), which allows you to search for your GSD file on the
storage medium.
4. Select your GSD file (2) and click "OK" (3) to confirm your selection.
Figure 4.3 Installing the GSD file
5. Select the GSD file to install by checking the box (1) to the left of the filename.
6. Click the "Install" button (2). The installation process may take a few minutes.
Once the file is installed successfully, the system issues a notification that installation
was successful. Close this window. The device data is added to the hardware catalog. The
project view opens in the work area without a selection being made.
2
3
1
1
2

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Commissioning
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Integrating a Device into the Project
1. On the left-hand side of the project navigation, double click on the "Device and networks" us-
ing the left mouse button. Network view is displayed in the work area.
Figure 4.4 Hardware catalog
2. Open the hardware catalog and browse through the tree structure until you see your device
(1).
3. Select your device (1) from the hardware catalog and drag this module into the network view
(2).
The device is displayed in the network view window (2).
Figure 4.5 Connecting the PROFIBUS interfaces
4. Connect the device to the control panel. To do this, move the mouse cursor over the
PROFIBUS interface that is highlighted in purple on the control panel (1). Click the left
mouse button and drag the line shown to the PROFIBUS interface on the device (2). Once
there, release the left mouse button again.
The device is now connected to the control panel. A PROFIBUS subsystem is created.
1
2
Note!
The figures are provided to aid basic understanding and may deviate from the actual design.
1
2

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VLX-F231-B6
Commissioning
Integrating Modules into the Project
You have the option of connecting up to four sensors to the interface module. To do this, you
must specify the number of modules and their properties in the control panel. The modules are
available in the hardware catalog.
Figure 4.6 Integrating modules
1. Switch to the "Device view" tab (1) in the "Device and networks" window.
2. Open the hardware catalog. Select your module (2) from the hardware catalog and drag it
into the device view (3).
The modules are automatically assigned an address range.
Creating Tag Tables
A tag table must be created to be able to watch or control measured values. In the tag table, you
can assign tags to input addresses or output addresses and allocate tag names. The names
are valid throughout the control panel. To create a tag table, proceed as follows:
Figure 4.7 Creating a tag table
1. In the project tree, click on PL tags and double-click on Add new tag table (6).
2. nter a tag name in the field in the Name column (1).
3. Select the appropriate data type from the drop-down list in the Data type column (2).
4. Click on the drop-down list (3) in the field in the Address column.
A dialog box opens in which you can define the properties and the address range for the
tag.
1
3
2
5
6
1 2 3
4