Why Profibus hardware?

[MBohnet]

Maybe I'm thinking too simple but: Why would I need Profibus Hardware on master side? If I got it right, one of the possible base technologies of Profibus is RS 485, so I'd say all I need is a RS485 port and some software drivers, yet any search on the subject brings me to specialised master hardware, be it CRio or PXI or whatelse. so: what did I miss out?

[Jesse_D]

Hi MBohnet, 

I have seen some custom RS485 systems work and in theory nothing stops it. The specification is online and you can make your own driver if you have the time. 

However, based on how long I have seen it take other people, if you need more than a few commands it will be worth it to buy a card. 

[MBohnet]

I guess my mistake was telling the supplier "give me anything RS232 or 485 and I'll handle it". I really only need to adress an array of valves, not even time critical, so I expected something along the lines of writing a bit pattern into a register or two by using some ASCII-Coded Commands.

So if you say you've seen some basic implementations - is there anything available to look at?

[Jesse_D]

Hi Bohnet, 

Unfortunately I don't. The examples I have worked with are customer proprietary.