# PROFIBUS DP

Protocols · `PROFIBUS DP` · verification: source checked

PROFIBUS DP is a fieldbus communication protocol standardized in IEC 61158. It connects controllers or control systems to decentralized field devices such as sensors and actuators over a single bus cable, and the document states it supports factory, process, motion-control and safety-related applications. A PROFIBUS DP cable can connect up to 126 I/O devices, and its copper RS485 interface supports data rates from 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Transports | serial |
| Architecture | master slave |
| Encoding | binary |
| Standard body | IEC |
| Standard ref | IEC 61158 |

## Connected

- Related: [PROFINET](https://machineschema.com/protocol/profinet.md)
- Supported by: [Epson RC800-A](https://machineschema.com/controller/epson-rc800-a.md)

## Safety

- An intrinsically safe RS485 version (RS485-IS) is available for field devices that do not draw power from the bus.
- Safety-related tasks can be solved with PROFIsafe, as stated in the document.

## Study notes

- A PROFIBUS DP cable can connect up to 126 I/O devices; each I/O device may provide hundreds of connection points.
- The copper RS485 interface supports data rates from 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s.
- The document names PROFIBUS PA, PROFIdrive, HART on PROFIBUS, PROFIsafe and NAMUR NE 107 but does not give matching reference ids for them.
- PROFIBUS DP is positioned between field devices and higher-level systems; PROFINET is named as the upper system bus and interface to MES/ERP levels.
- Application profiles define data formats, data access methods, parameterization, and cyclic and acyclic diagnostics.

## Sources

1. [PROFIBUS](https://www.profibus.com/technologies/profibus) (accessed 2026-10-25)

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