SST SST-PB3-CLX | PROFIBUS Gateway for ControlLogix | New Project Integration Solution

Description

Technical Specifications

• Product Model: SST-PB3-CLX
• Manufacturer: SST (Hilscher)
• Host System: Rockwell Automation ControlLogix (fits directly into 1756 chassis)
• Communication Role: Configurable as PROFIBUS DP Master or Slave
• Supported Baud Rates: 9.6 kbps to 12 Mbps
• I/O Data Capacity: Up to 244 bytes input and 244 bytes output per connection
• Configuration Tool: SST PROFIBUS Configuration Suite (or compatible EDS file in Studio 5000)
• Diagnostics: LED status indicators, detailed fault logging via controller tags
• Power Consumption: Draws power from ControlLogix backplane (no external supply needed)
• Certifications: CE, UL, cUL listed; RoHS compliant

Core Performance and Selection Advantages

The SST-PB3-CLX delivers a streamlined solution for integrating PROFIBUS-based field devices—such as drives, remote I/O, and valve terminals—into modern ControlLogix control architectures. Unlike external gateways that require separate mounting, power, and Ethernet cabling, this module installs directly into the 1756 chassis, appearing as a native I/O module within Studio 5000. This eliminates an entire layer of hardware, reducing panel space, wiring complexity, and potential points of failure.

Performance-wise, it leverages Hilscher’s netX technology to ensure deterministic data exchange with low latency, supporting both cyclic process I/O and acyclic parameter access (e.g., for drive commissioning). Compared to older third-party gateways, it offers tighter integration: I/O data maps directly to controller tags, and module health is visible in the same diagnostic tree as other ControlLogix modules.

From a total cost of ownership (TCO) perspective, the SST-PB3-CLX reduces engineering time by avoiding custom OPC or Modbus bridging logic. It also simplifies spare parts management—only one vendor and form factor to support. For projects involving legacy PROFIBUS equipment (common in water treatment, material handling, or retrofitted machinery), this module enables cost-effective reuse of existing field assets without compromising system modernity or maintainability.

System Integration and Expandability

The SST-PB3-CLX integrates natively within the Rockwell Automation ecosystem. It is configured using an EDS file imported into Studio 5000 Logix Designer, allowing engineers to define PROFIBUS device parameters, I/O mapping, and diagnostics thresholds alongside standard ladder logic. This unified environment accelerates commissioning and troubleshooting, as PROFIBUS errors appear as structured controller tags rather than opaque network logs.

For networking, the module operates over standard PROFIBUS DP physical layer (RS-485), supporting all common device profiles (e.g., PA devices via DP/PA couplers). While it does not natively support OPC UA or MQTT, the data it acquires becomes part of the ControlLogix tag database, which can then be exposed to SCADA, MES, or cloud platforms via FactoryTalk Optix, Kepware, or built-in CIP Security and OPC UA capabilities of modern ControlLogix controllers (e.g., 1756-L8x series).

In terms of scalability, a single ControlLogix chassis can host multiple SST-PB3-CLX modules to segment large PROFIBUS networks or isolate critical device groups. Each module supports up to 126 PROFIBUS nodes (depending on GSD file size and data volume), and redundant ControlLogix configurations are supported when paired with appropriate chassis and controller models. The solution is particularly well-suited for applications requiring long-term support of mixed-vendor field devices while maintaining a unified Rockwell control strategy.