PROFINET IO
Remote I/O module connecting to your PLC via PROFINET RT over industrial Ethernet — fast commissioning with GSDML and dual Ethernet ports.
Industrial Ethernet. Real-time I/O.
PROFINET is the open Ethernet standard developed by PROFIBUS International (PI) for industrial automation. Defined under IEC 61784-2, the protocol combines the TCP/IP and Ethernet infrastructure of the IT world with the real-time requirements of the industrial shop floor — making it one of the most widely used industrial network protocols today.
Where classic PROFIBUS relies on two-wire RS-485 cabling, PROFINET uses standard CAT5e/CAT6 cables and RJ-45 connectors. This transition delivers tangible benefits: easier installation, higher bandwidth (100 Mbit/s and above), scalable addressing and remote access to field devices. ASCII-based GSD files used for PROFIBUS are replaced by XML-format GSDML files for PROFINET, preserving familiar engineering concepts and simplifying migration.
PROFINET offers three communication layers: Standard TCP/IP for parameterisation, diagnostics and IT integration; Real-Time (RT) for deterministic I/O applications with 1–10 ms cycle times; and Isochronous Real-Time (IRT) for motion control requiring sub-millisecond cycle times. DCP enables device discovery and IP configuration.
Busbeck PROFINET IO modules integrate directly into this ecosystem: recognised in TIA Portal and other engineering environments via standard GSDML files, with dual Ethernet ports for flexible field connectivity. Digital and analog I/O channels provide reliable field connectivity for machine, process and building automation applications.
Industrial Ethernet
Operates on the standard Ethernet physical layer (100 Mbit/s full duplex) — no proprietary fieldbus cables or connectors required. Compatible with corporate IT infrastructure, enabling scalability, remote maintenance and field access via VPN.
Open Standard Compliance
Based on the open PROFINET standard defined by PI; integrated into Siemens SIMATIC, Beckhoff, Phoenix Contact and other PROFINET-compliant PLCs via GSDML files. Vendor-independent architecture prevents supplier lock-in.
RT / IRT Performance
RT (Real-Time) mode delivers 1–10 ms cycle times for standard automation applications. IRT (Isochronous Real-Time) mode is suited for motion control applications requiring microsecond-level synchronisation.
Migration from PROFIBUS
PROFIBUS and PROFINET are both supported by the same PI organisation and share similar engineering concepts and GSD/GSDML device description structures. Migrate to modern Ethernet infrastructure while preserving your existing automation knowledge.
Network Flexibility
DCP (Discovery and Configuration Protocol) for device discovery and IP assignment. Dual Ethernet ports enable flexible inter-module connectivity.
Rapid Commissioning
Once the GSDML file is imported into TIA Portal or a compatible engineering tool, the module can be integrated into the network within minutes. Web-based parameter configuration and diagnostic functions reduce maintenance time.
Frequently Asked Questions
01 What is PROFINET and how does it differ from PROFIBUS?
PROFINET is an open automation protocol running over industrial Ethernet; PROFIBUS is an RS-485 serial fieldbus. PROFINET offers higher speed (100 Mbit/s–1 Gbit/s), larger data telegrams, unlimited addressing and standard Ethernet cabling. Both protocols are supported by PI and share similar GSD/GSDML device description concepts.
02 Which PLCs are compatible with the PROFINET IO module?
Any PROFINET IO-Controller (PLC) that supports GSDML file imports — including Siemens SIMATIC, Beckhoff, Phoenix Contact and other leading brands. The open standard prevents vendor lock-in.
03 What is the difference between RT, IRT and TCP/IP communication layers?
TCP/IP is used for parameterisation, diagnostics and data transfer to IT systems. RT (Real-Time) provides 1–10 ms cycle times for deterministic I/O applications. IRT (Isochronous Real-Time) is preferred for motion control requiring microsecond-level synchronisation.
04 What does the DCP protocol do?
DCP (Discovery and Configuration Protocol) is used to discover PROFINET devices on the network and configure IP addresses and device names — enabling rapid commissioning without a DHCP server in small to medium installations.
05 How long does commissioning take?
Once the GSDML file is imported into TIA Portal or another PROFINET engineering tool, the module can be integrated into the network within minutes. DCP device discovery and web-based parameter configuration further accelerate the process.
06 Can the module be used in safety areas (PROFIsafe)?
Our standard PROFINET IO module is designed for applications that do not require PROFIsafe certification. For safety-rated applications, please consult our technical team.
Explore our product range
Browse our compact remote I/O modules for PROFINET, Modbus, EtherNet/IP, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet and more.