Embedded Products - Anybus-IC Chip Solutions

Anybus-IC - Questions & Answers

Read the most common questions about the Anybus-IC chip solutions.

Q: What kind of development tools do I need when I want to embed Anybus-IC into my device?
A: There are two interface options, either via the SCI channel with a TX/RX serial interface or the SSC channel which is a SPI type interface (DataIn, DataOut, CLK and Load).

The SCI channel is a Modbus slave, your microprocessor system need to write and read data from Anybus-IC acting as a Modbus master.

If you use the SSC channel you do not need to do any software, just add shift registers for input and output signal directly to the SSC interface.

The Anybus-IC Design Guide describe these two interface channels in detail.

If you want to do some evaluation and test before you have you own hardware ready, take a look on the ABIC-EVB, which is an evaluation hardware with input and output signals.

Q: I am using the SCI channel when interfacing Anybus-IC, but the serial protocol is using CRC checksum, which is very difficult for us to use in our microprocessor. Are there any ways to disable the CRC?
A: CRC is enabled as default, but it can be disabled during start up. Please consult the Anybus-IC Design Guide for further details.

Q: What PC software do I need to connect to the Monitor Interface of the Anybus-IC?
A: The monitor interface can connect to the hyper terminal on the PC, so you do not need to get any specific software for this, since it is one of the standard Windows tools. Use the default port setting 38400, N, 8, 1

Q: Which kind of software do I need to run easier evaluations against the SCI interface of the Anybus-IC?
A: You can use any type of Modbus RTU master software, HMS has used different software’s for easier evaluations that are available on the market, and one of them is the Modscan32 for example.

Q: HMS specify specific shift-registers in the design guide to use together with the SSC channel of the Anybus-IC, do I have to use exactly these or can I choose another type?
A: The shift-registers that are specified in the design guide are just one example of what shift-registers that can be used. However, it is very important if you choose to use another type or manufacturer, that they have the same electrical specification.

Q: The Anybus-IC module can handle max 144 bytes on the fieldbus side, why can I only run up to 128 bytes on the SCI channel?
A: The IO data of the Anybus IC is divided between the two application serial channels of the Anybus-IC module, the maximum data of the SCI Interface is 128 byte and max for the SSC interface is 16 byte, together this is 144 bytes on the fieldbus.

Q: How can I upgrade my Anybus-IC module if HMS release a later version of the software?
A: It is very easy to download new software to the Anybus-IC module, via the monitor interface you just choose download software and follow the instructions.

Q: In my application it is not possible to mount the Anybus-IC close to the fieldbus connector, how long can the distance between the Anybus-IC and the fieldbus connector be?
A: The maximum distance between the Anybus-IC and the fieldbus connector differs between the different fieldbuses. Shortest allowed distance is for the Anybus-IC for Profibus, where this distance only can be 25mm maximum. This length is specified from the Profibus certification specification. For more information please look in the different fieldbus appendixs for Anybus-IC.

Q: How do I set the address and baudrate for the fieldbus side on the Anybus-IC?
A: There are two ways to set the address and baudrate, either you use the SSC interface and add a switch on the application mother board or you write this information form the application via the SCI interface to a parameter in the Anybus-IC. For more information, please look into the Anybus-IC design guide.