NetTEST II – The all-rounder of analysis and test tools

Karlsruhe, November 2004 – Failures in copper-based PROFIBUS DP networking systems are often time and cost intensive. Using the second generation of the handheld PROFIBUS analysis and test tool NetTEST II by COMSOFT, typical installation errors, short circuits, line or shielding breakages can be detected easily and securely. The available online-function even detects sporadic failures.

The easily manageable tool is able to identify a multitude of possible errors. These include short circuits, line or shielding breakages, switched lines, wrong number and position of terminating resistors, no current flow in termination resistors, non-terminated lines, incorrect spur lines and inhomogeneous lines in a segment. It also indicates the line length as well as wave resistance, the Baud rate and signal quality, the identity number and the live list of all DP slaves.

In accordance with the installation guidelines of the PROFIBUS association, a non-volatile data memory records up to 20 detailed test reports in text format. NetTEST II is operated via a 6 x 4 keyboard and a fully graphical LCD backlight display. The user is menu guided through the different tests. A specific test jack is not required, the DP slaves can remain active at the PROFIBUS network.

NetTEST II is available as a basic version for PROFIBUS installations, DP-Mono-Master function for commissioning PROFIBUS networks and Online function for tests on a continuously running unit.

The Mono-Master-version allows visualisation and modification of I/O data of the connected DP slaves without employing the provided PLC. This allows a very efficient verification of the connected sensors and actuators. The time consuming functionality tests using PLC can be omitted. Further features are the detailed display of incoming diagnostic messages and the targeted execution of specific PPROFIBUS services. Baudrates up to 12 Mbit/s are supported.

NetTEST II operates online in a completely passive monitoring mode and performs a detailed analysis of the data traffic as well as the physical state of the PROFIBUS line. The total cycle time of the DP network is detected and the level and state of each DP slave indicated.

All results are recorded in a detailed measurement protocol. This protocol includes a complete network statistics with detailed display of faulty and repeating telegrams and diagnostic and I/O data of the different DP slaves. The measurement protocols are governed, archived and printed out by standard PCs or laptops.