A-B SST-PFB-SLC Profibus Communication Module

A-B SST-PFB-SLC PROFIBUS Communication Module

 

 

The SST-PFB-SLC is a PROFIBUS DP communication scanner module used with Allen-Bradley SLC 500 PLC systems. It is manufactured by SST (Woodhead / Molex group) and allows the SLC controller to communicate with PROFIBUS field devices or remote I/O systems.

Product Information

• Brand: SST (Woodhead / Molex, used in Allen-Bradley systems)
• Part Number: SST-PFB-SLC
• Type: PROFIBUS DP Communication / Scanner Module
• System: Allen-Bradley SLC 500 series
• Function: PROFIBUS master (scanner) for remote I/O communication

Communication Function

This module enables:

• SLC 5/03 / 5/04 / 5/05 PLCs to connect to PROFIBUS networks
• Communication with up to 96 PROFIBUS slaves
• Data exchange between PLC memory (M0/M1 files) and field devices
• Remote I/O control over PROFIBUS DP network

Technical Characteristics

• Network type: PROFIBUS DP (master/scanner)
• Baud rate support: up to 12 Mbps
• Max slaves: up to 96 devices (system dependent)
• Data mapping: I/O mapped to SLC memory files (I, O, M0, M1)
• Ports:
  • RS-232 configuration port
  • RS-485 PROFIBUS communication port
• Backplane: SLC 500 chassis slot module
• Power consumption: ~5 V DC backplane powered (~700 mA typical)

Function (Simple Explanation)

This module acts as a bridge between SLC PLC and PROFIBUS network devices:

SLC PLC CPU
→ SST-PFB-SLC module
→ PROFIBUS network
→ sensors / drives / remote I/O

It allows the PLC to control external field devices using PROFIBUS protocol.

Application Areas

• Factory automation systems
• Distributed remote I/O systems
• Process control systems
• Conveyor and material handling systems
• Legacy European industrial installations (PROFIBUS-based plants)

Key Features

• Enables PROFIBUS communication for SLC platform (no native support in CPU)
• Supports large remote I/O networks
• Stable industrial communication over RS-485 bus
• Compatible with Siemens PROFIBUS ecosystem devices
• Diagnostic LEDs for network and system status

Precautions

• Requires correct PROFIBUS configuration (GSD file setup)
• Not a standalone PLC module (must be used in SLC chassis)
• Requires proper termination resistors on PROFIBUS network
• Configuration is more complex than Ethernet/IP modules
• Often discontinued / legacy support only