Turck Banner is now offering an Ethernet-Profibus coupler, PB-XEPI, with integrated webserver software and diagnostics functionality. For the first time ever, users can monitor a large number of operating Profibus networks in a parallel and continuous manner. The Ethernet-Profibus couplers can easily be integrated into existing fieldbus networks where they autonomously establish a communications and diagnostics infrastructure for convenient remote maintenance over the internet – regardless of the number of networks being monitored.

The PB-XEPI may be utilized for different surveillance and configuration scenarios: being a mere listener, the diagnostics unit monitors the fieldbus communication without participating. In this scenario, the coupler autonomously identifies malfunctions within the network, and sends an alarm message via e-mail. An attached link to the PB-XEPI enables users to directly access the interface via the e-mail message. Thanks to the integrated web server, the user can access detailed information about the identified malfunction and/or recommended procedures with a standard web browser.