PROFINET FAQ

Alicat devices are compatible with a variety of analog, serial, or industrial communication protocols for easy data collection and analysis. Options include analog (4-20 mA, 0-10 Vdc, 0-5 Vdc, or 1-5 Vdc), ASCII and Modbus RTU over RS-232, ASCII and Modbus RTU over RS-485, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, DeviceNet, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, and EtherCAT. In this article, we provide answers to common questions about PROFINET.

PROFINET manual

Where can I find supporting download files?

Find supporting downloads such as the certificates of conformity, manual, and GSD files here. Note that the GSD file for M, L, and P series products is different from the one for CODA (K and KC series) products.

Which products can have PROFINET installed?

PROFINET is available on most Alicat mass flow and pressure devices, including M, L, and P series instruments, and the CODA K series Coriolis mass flow instruments.

Exceptions (incompatible with PROFINET):

OEM devices (BC, EPC, and EPCD-Series)
Portable instruments (MB, PB, and LB-Series)
Class 1 Division 2 area instruments (-X part numbers)

Communications protocols comparison

How does PROFINET change instrument specifications?

Alicat part number: -PROFINET
Electrical connections: Comms over dual RJ45
Additional power requirement: 75 mA
Max number of devices on network: No limit

Alicat connector pinout diagrams

Which connector do I use to power the PROFINET device?

Standard PROFINET devices are powered through a power jack, while PROFINET devices rated to IP66 and IP67 are powered through an M8 connector.

Do I still have a choice of gases and gas mixes on PROFINET instruments?

Yes, where those choices are already provided. Gas instruments with PROFINET have their full Gas Select™ list of gas calibrations and Composer™ gas mixing firmware. CODA Coriolis instruments, that do not natively have Gas Select, will not gain Gas Select when PROFINET is added – and it would be of no benefit, in any case, since CODA is accurate for mass flow, independent of the species flowing.

How high-accuracy multi-gas calibrations work

How fast are communications with an Alicat instrument equipped with PROFINET?

PROFINET uses a full-duplex Ethernet hardware layer for data rates up to 1 Gbit/s—but communication speeds are limited by cable class. Also, bear in mind that data throughput is divided across the full network’s number of nodes.

Where are the notification indicator lights?

They are located on the case top of instruments that are rated lower than IP 6/6 or IP 6/7. They are additional to the LEDs that are built into the RJ45 connectors. We provide NET and READY LEDs for debugging PROFINET device status. They indicate basic open, closed, or active circuits for ensuring power-up and connections to a network.

IP 6/6 and IP 6/7 devices do not have indicator lights.

Can I update my existing instruments to possess PROFINET?

No. PROFINET can only be assembled and installed on new instruments due to distinct hardware and firmware requirements.

Does PROFINET on Alicat instruments comply with the industry standard?

Yes, PROFINET instruments are certified compliant by PROFIBUS Nutzeroorganisation e.V.