The SIMATIC CM 1542-5 communication module is expanding its SIMATIC S7-1500 controller to include a PROFIBUS connection. The module adds a 9-pin Sub-D socket connector to versions of the S7-1500 which have no integrated interface, allowing communication with lower-level PROFIBUS devices in bandwidths from 9.6 kbps to 12 mbps. The module can also be used to implement separate PROFIBUS lines, in other words, to control a number of different field devices via a number of PROFIBUS segments. The CM 1542-5 assumes all communication tasks in the process, thus reducing the load on the controller's CPU. Diagnostics information can be viewed on the front display of the connected SIMATIC S7-1500 via the TIA Portal or via the controller's Web server.

The new communication module can be used as a time master or time slave for synchronizing the time of day within the plant. When used as a time master, the module forwards the time specified by the controller to the connected peripheral devices via PROFIBUS. When used as a time slave, it receives time-of-day frames from the network and forwards them as the valid time for the S7-1500 station.

CM 1542-5 is suitable for S7 communication as well as for conventional PROFIBUS communication. This makes it possible to establish communication between the S7-1500 controller and other devices, for example those from the SIMATIC S7-300/400 range.

The new firmware V2.0 enables additional use cases through open user communication (SEND/RECEIVE) via FDL. On the basis of PROFIBUS layer 2 (FDL), the CM 1542-5 provides a single optimized interface for process or field communication. Integrated and high-performance communication between SIMATIC S5, SIMATIC S7 and PC is possible with the help of this interface.

In contrast to the CM 1542-5 (6GK7542-5DX00-0XE0), which supports 125 DP slaves, 32 DP slaves can be operated with the CP 1542-5.