How the data from VVVF drive can be send/receive to PLC or DCS?

Yes - through serial connection. Most VFDs now have configuration software that can be accessed through a PC. Check the manufacturer of the VFD for access to the software.

I would like to know more about this as well. I need to connect a XP Laptop via RS232 to an ABB VFD with a Fieldbus (Profibus).

I can get a low cost RS232 to RS485 adapter. Is there a drive package for VB or Wonder Wear that will enable creation of code for monitor and control of the VFD from the Laptop?

Thanks in Advance!

Most VFD's have freeware to access setup and running data (Operational and maintenance) that can be accessed via their serial port (Fieldbus, RS232/485 etc). The drivers for fieldbus are normally used for command and feedback information to the plc or DCS. Most pc software is based on the particular make and have extra features, commonly setup file and saving, monitoring with raw data or oscilloscope tracer type functions. I don't know of any date stamping since most VFD don't have a real time clock, so i guess you would have to do this via the pc (or plc) when deciding how to handle the data gathered etc.

So, the 'package' you need for pc based RS232/422/485 should be available from the supplier, if they try to charge, negotiate as it should really be included with the VFD.

However, fieldbus connections are normally options and involve extra costs as the chips involve carry a significant cost. You will then need to decide which information you need and access via your local master on the network.

WonderWare has built-in drivers to communicate directly to ABB VFDs.

RS-485 is merely the 'pipe' over which the comm link runs. Mere hardware link level compatability will not establish viable communications. Since the ABB drive talks the Profibus protocol, you must have a Profibus master to talk to it.

I've used Siemens' PDM, a Windows software configuration tool for field instruments, (single point license) with a serial or USB HART modem to configure numerous brands of field instruments that talk HART. PDM lists numerous non-Siemens HART devices in its catalog of devices for PDM. But I have zero Profibus experience.

The graphic below from a Siemens radar level sensor manual indicates that PDM uses Profibus PA as a comm link for Siemens field instruments.

I googled "Siemens PDM Profibus" and found an application guide for Vital Sensors. One can deduce from the VitalSensors' verbiage (below) that Siemens PDM supports Profibus devices for brands other than Siemens, if the appropriate hardware (link, link-coupler) and drivers (Devices file, DDL files, and GSD files) are installed.

The question is whether PDM supports the drivers for the ABB drive.

You might ask ABB if Siemens PDM is a viable configuration tool, or a Siemens rep whether PDM can handle ABB GSD & DDL files.

Carl

************** VitalSensors app guide *********************
APPLICATION GUIDE
VitalSensors Profibus PA Instruments and Simatic PDM - February 2009 Page 1

Connecting a VitalSensors PROFIBUS PA Instrument to SIMATIC PDM using PROFIBUS PA

Objective:
• Become familiar with the instrument wiring requirements and PROFIBUS PA
• Become familiar with SIMATIC PDM configuration tool Equipment:
• Siemens PROFIBUS PA instrument Profibus interface
• Siemens PROFIBUS PA instruction manual PC or laptop
• SIMATIC PDM ver. 6.0 (SP. 1)
While every effort was made to verify the following information, no warranty of accuracy or usability is

expressed or implied.

Overview:
SIMATIC Process Device Manager (PDM) is the Siemens configuration software used to set up any

VitalSensors PROFIBUS PA device. All parameters are accessed through PDM, and configuration data is saved

in projects.

SIMATIC PDM also provides diagnostic information, permitting the user to view echo profiles and check set

points.

There are two popular methods of connecting a PROFIBUS DP network to a PROFIBUS PA network:
• Using a coupler
• Using a link-coupler

This guide discusses the simplest form of setup, using the coupler.

To ensure that SIMATIC PDM connects properly, please complete the two processes outlined in Initial Setup:
• Installing the Device Description from the VitalSensors provided CD
• Installing the PROFIBUS DP interface card
In this Application Guide, the example of a VS-1000 Sensor System is used. However, the same procedures

apply to any VitalSensors PROFIBUS PA instrument.
• The folder Simatic PDM Setup Files - contains all the files necessary to setup Simatic PDM including;
Devices file, DDL files (file name VS300), and GSD files
• The GSD file is named VS300A28
• The files are available on the VitalSensors Software and Documentation CD or at the company's website
at www.vitalsensorstech.com

This Application Guide discusses the following topics:
• Setting up SIMATIC PDM
• Setting up a PROFIBUS network
• Adding the VitalSensors instrument (PROFIBUS PA version) to a project
• Viewing and editing parameters
• Using SIMATIC PDM LifeList for quick access

With the release of version 6.0, a single point version was introduced. The single point version uses a different method to connect to the field instrument, connecting to one instrument instead of supporting the advanced networking like all other versions of PDM. With the single point version, there is no need to create a project.

The device is accessed via LifeList using the procedure outlined at the end of this guide.

************** VitalSensors app guide *********************

VFDs can be configured via serial communication by a PC. But it can not be by PLC or DCS. You can use the engineer station PC for that subject to availability of separate communication port for it.