As an alternative solution, IBHsoftec has recently introduced the IBHLink S5 for connecting a S5 PLC with a PC. The IBHLink S5++ is compact and robust Ethernet-converter within a 15-pin Sub-D-housing for a connection via a switch, a hub or even directly to a PC with a common network adaptor. The used protocol is the standard TCP/IP protocol. In this way, the user can benefit from all the advantages of Ethernet like remote maintenance via a standard router or VPN-connections (Virtual Private Network). Likewise, a direct connection to the Internet is possible.

All required drivers for the STEP® 5 V7.16 or higher and for S5 for Windows® included.

Operation with S7 HMI devices via RFC1006.

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Interfaces the PC USB Port with the 15 pin AS511 Interface port of the PLC. The 15 pin connector housing is made from solid metal and contains the complete electronics. The IBH USB-S5-Adaptor takes it's power supply from the USB port of the PC.
It is an active cable, no power supply from the PLCs programming port is required. A Constant Current adaptor is not needed for this reason. The IBH USB-S5-Adaptor can be used with S5 for Windows®, the IBH OPC Server and STEP®5 V7.16 or higher (Drivers for Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Windows7 are included).

The SMD electronics are located in a solid metal 15 pin Sub­D connector shell. The pin assignment fits the following SIMATIC® PLCs: U90, U95, U100, U101, U115, U135, and U155. The PLC must be active and needs to supply the the loop current (2 x 20mA). The 9 pin Sub­D connector is plugged into the serial port (COM1 ­ COM4) of the PC.

Constant Current Adaptor for the IBH S5-Current Loop Converter

For PLCs, that are not supplying the loop current (2 x 20mA), the Constant Current Adaptor is required to establish a connection. Two constant current (20mA) sources are located in the solid metal 15 pin Sub.­D connector shell to supply the loop current. The adapter is delivered with a AC / DC adaptor. The pin assignment matches the pin assignment of the IBH S5-Current Loop Converter .

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