PROFINET-INspektor® NT | PROFINET - Ethernet diagnostic and monitoring tool 124030100

Intelligent measuring point for online analysis and PROFINET network monitoring

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT is an important diagnostic tool for certification, commissioning, and inspection of newly installed or existing PROFINET networks. Depending on the pre-defined trigger functions, the events are registered in the PROFINET-INspektor® and summed up and stored per device. Hereby, the INspektor® detects quality values like network load, data throughput, refresh rate, telegram gaps and telegram jitter, that mirror the current status of communication quality. These parameters serve as commissioning and inspection criteria for new installations, but also as important information for maintenance and (remote) service.

PROFINET-INspektor® NT as a continuous network monitor

The PROFINET-INspektor® NT is permanently integrated into the plant network and monitors the logical telegram traffic of a PROFINET (PN) master system during running production conditions. The plant operator knows the current status of the network at any time and will receive a maintenance requirement notification when critical changes that could lead to unplanned system downtimes are detected.

Based on the report analysis (purely passive behaviour), the following quality parameters are monitored:

• Update times
• Telegram jitter
• Telegram gaps
• Error telegrams
• Network utilization
• Broad/multicast loads
• Diagnostic messages and device failures

This information reflects the current status of the communication quality of your network and forms the basis for condition-based maintenance. By storing data in the device, events in the network can be tracked and evaluated directly via the display or in detail via the integrated web server.

PROFINET-INspektor® NT Features

• Acceptance according to the PROFINET Design Guideline and Commissioning Guideline of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International
  • Independent analysis and evaluation of PROFINET real-time communication
• Topology determination incl. asset management
  • Detailed description and presentation of the PROFINET network
• Complete acceptance report with all relevant event information
• Representation of the PROmesh switches
  • Display of status-relevant port statistics and leakage currents
• Self-learning threshold values
  • Threshold values are automatically determined for alarming after the acceptance test
• Touch display that shows errors directly
• Jitter statistics for all devices
• Option to carry out active or passive network diagnosis
• Uninterrupted monitoring, even at high net load
• Synchronization via time server

Security features of PROFINET-INspektor® NT

• Detects new and unknown devices in the network
• Registers unauthorized programming or manipulation of the controller
• Identifies even the smallest peak loads in resolving network loads exact to the millisecond
• Recognizes telegram manipulation based on an increased jitter

Firmware Version V2.5: New Functions

• Query of user-defined OID parameters from devices
• Visualization of the switching input status directly in the display and in the web interface
• Extension of the API interface
• Option of permanent mirror port activation for diagnostic purposes
• Display of individual customer logos on the display
• Various security improvements

Installation

One PROFINET-INspektor® is required per PROFINET master system. The INspektor® is looped into the connection between the IO controller (PLC) and the first device (switch) for analysis, or integrated within the network through a feedback-free measurement point (e.g. PNMA II).

No additional IP addresses or adjustments to the PLC program are required. The INspektor® works in an entirely manufacturer-independent way, i.e. the analysis works completely independently of the type of control system and IO devices.

Connection via feedback-free measurement point

In conjunction with a feedback-free measurement point (e.g. PNMA II; art. no. 114090100), the PROFINET-INspektor® NT can be connected to the PROFINET-system at any time without compromising ongoing system operation. This can also be performed on a temporary basis if required. To do this, the INspektor® is hooked up to the M1 and M2 monitor sockets of the measurement point by means of two patch cables

Integrated web interface

Thanks to the embedded web server, the network state can be displayed on the PROFINET-INspektor® NT without any additional software on any PC with an internet browser. A visual alert can be set via the potential-free contact.

Software

The active scan function of the PROFINET-INspektor® NT allows the user to record and document an up-to-date topology plan of a PROFINET/Ethernet network, including all important device information, at any time. This scan can then be evaluated with the PROscan® Active V2 software or used cyclically with PROmanage® NT V2 for permanent network monitoring.

Combining the diagnostic tool PROFINET-INspektor® NT with the PROscan® Active V2 software makes the status of each node visible at a glance by means of a topology plan. The device status is visualized graphically by traffic light colors (red, yellow, green).

Combine PROmanage® NT V2 software with your PROFINET-INspektor® NT and PROmesh managed switches. Make the most of your monitoring solution: The INspektor® units and diagnostic features of the PROmesh switches together give you central access to your different fieldbus and Ethernet networks.