Specifications

Introduction

31004624 8/2009

What Is a Network Interface Module?

Purpose

Every island requires a network interface module (NIM) in the leftmost location of the

primary segment. Physically, the NIM is the first (leftmost) module on the island bus.

Functionally, it is the gateway to the island bus. That is, all communications to and

from the island bus pass through the NIM. The NIM also has an integrated power

supply that provides logic power to the island modules.

The Fieldbus Network

An island bus is a node of distributed I/O on an open fieldbus network, and the NIM

is the island’s interface to that network. The NIM supports data transfers over the

fieldbus network between the island and the fieldbus master.

The physical design of the NIM makes it compatible with both an Advantys STB

island and your specific fieldbus master. Whereas the fieldbus connector on each

NIM type may differ, the location on the module front panel is essentially the same.

Communications Roles

Communications capabilities provided on a standard NIM include:

Function Role

data exchange The NIM manages the exchange of input and output data between the island and the

fieldbus master. Input data, stored in native island bus format, is converted to a fieldbus-

specific format that can be read by the fieldbus master. Output data written to the NIM by

the master is sent across the island bus to update the output modules and is automatically

reformatted.

configuration services Custom services can be performed by the Advantys configuration software. These services

include changing the operating parameters of the I/O modules, fine-tuning island bus

performance, and configuring reflex actions. The Advantys Configuration Software runs on

a computer attached to the NIM’s CFG interface (see page 32). (For NIMs with Ethernet port

connectivity, you can also connect to the Ethernet port.)

human-machine

interface (HMI)

operations

A serial Modbus HMI panel can be configured as an input and/or output device on the island.

As an input device, it can write data that can be received by the fieldbus master; as an output

device, it can receive updated data from the fieldbus master. The HMI can also monitor

island status, data, and diagnostic information. The HMI panel must be attached to the NIM’s

CFG port.