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B&R X20BM05

Product Series: B&R X20 BM Series (Communication)

Product Overview:
The X20BM05 is a PROFIBUS DP slave communication module for the B&R X20 I/O system. It enables the X20 I/O stations to communicate with a PROFIBUS DP master (such as a Siemens S7 PLC) at transmission speeds up to 12 Mbit/s. This module bridges the X20 backplane bus with the PROFIBUS DP fieldbus.

Detailed content

Key Technical Specifications:

Parameter Value
Communication Protocol PROFIBUS DP (Slave)
PROFIBUS Version DP-V0 / DP-V1
Transmission Speed 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s (auto-negotiation)
Max. I/O Data (Input) 240 bytes
Max. I/O Data (Output) 240 bytes
Max. Number of Modules Up to 63 X20 modules per station
Bus Connector Sub-D 9-pin (female)
Supply Voltage 24 V DC (±20%)
Power Consumption ≤ 1.5 W
Operating Temperature -25°C to +70°C
Protection Class IP20 (front), IP65 (with housing)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 90 mm x 120 mm x 74.5 mm
Weight Approximately 190 g
Connection Screw terminal for bus, X20 backplane connector
Diagnostics Bus status, module status, diagnostic LEDs

Functional Features:

  • PROFIBUS DP slave — fully compliant with EN 50170
  • Auto-baud rate detection from 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s
  • GSD file available for configuration in Siemens STEP 7 or TIA Portal
  • Supports DP-V0 and DP-V1 device profiles
  • Diagnostic LEDs indicate bus communication status, module status, and fault conditions
  • Hot-swap capable — modules can be added/removed during operation (with limitations)

Working Principle:
The X20BM05 contains a dedicated PROFIBUS DP slave controller ASIC (typically from HMS or similar). It connects to the X20 backplane bus on one side and to the PROFIBUS DP network via a Sub-D 9-pin connector on the other. The module acts as a protocol translator: it receives I/O data from the X20 modules via the backplane, packages it into PROFIBUS DP telegrams, and sends it to the master. Responses from the master are unpacked and written to the X20 output modules. The GSD file defines the module’s communication profile for the master configuration tool.

Material Composition:

  • Housing: Glass-fiber reinforced polyamide (PA66-GF30), halogen-free
  • TerminalsTin-plated copper alloy
  • PCBFR-4, conformally coated
  • Bus ConnectorMetal-shielded Sub-D 9-pin

Structural Characteristics:

  • DIN rail mounting (TS 35, EN 60715)
  • X20 backplane connector on top
  • PROFIBUS Sub-D 9-pin connector on front
  • 3 status LEDs: Power, Bus, Module
  • Module width15 mm (X20 standard)

Advantages & Highlights:

  • Seamless integration with Siemens S7 PLCs via PROFIBUS DP
  • Up to 12 Mbit/s — high-speed data exchange
  • GSD file simplifies engineering and commissioning
  • Supports up to 63 X20 modules per station
  • Widely used in mixed-vendor automation systems

Applicable Industries:

  • Automotive manufacturing (Siemens-based plants)
  • Process automation (SIEMENS PCS 7 environments)
  • Packaging machinery (Siemens integration)
  • Infrastructure and building automation
  • Water and wastewater treatment
  • Mixed-vendor OEM systems

Installation Requirements:

  • Mount on DIN rail TS 35 (EN 60715) as the first module in the X20 station (closest to the bus master)
  • Connect PROFIBUS DP cable (shielded twisted pair, 120 Ω characteristic impedance) to the Sub-D 9-pin connector
  • Install 120 Ω termination resistors at both ends of the PROFIBUS network
  • Set the correct station address using the rotary switch or software
  • Import the GSD file into the master PLC configuration tool

Usage Precautions:

  • Always install termination resistors (120 Ω) at both ends of the PROFIBUS bus
  • Maximum bus length at 12 Mbit/s is approximately 100 m — reduce for lower speeds
  • Do not exceed 32 devices (including repeaters) on one PROFIBUS segment
  • Set unique station addresses for each X20BM05 module
  • Ambient: -25°C to +70°C

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