Description
Hilscher NT100-RE-DP | Industrial Protocol Gateway
Product Introduction
When a plant needs to connect an established PROFIBUS segment to a newer Ethernet-based controller, replacing every field device is rarely the first choice. The Hilscher NT 100-RE-DP is a netTAP 100 gateway built to translate cyclic I/O data between supported industrial communication protocols. It combines two Ethernet ports with an optically isolated RS-485 PROFIBUS DP interface in a compact DIN-rail-mounted unit.
The hardware uses a netX 100 communication controller, with 8 MB SDRAM and 4 MB serial flash. Depending on the firmware and protocol configuration, it can serve as a gateway between real-time Ethernet and PROFIBUS DP, supporting up to 125 PROFIBUS slaves in master mode. Hilscher specifies a shortest I/O data conversion time below 10 ms for supported configurations—but that figure is not a guarantee of the complete PLC-to-device response time. Network cycle times, device count, telegram sizes, and controller configuration still matter.
NT100-RE-DP
Key Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Hilscher Gesellschaft für Systemautomation mbH
- Model: NT 100-RE-DP
- Product number: 1712.180
- Product family: netTAP 100
- Communication controller: netX 100
- Integrated memory: 8 MB SDRAM and 4 MB serial flash
- Memory card support: SD or MMC, up to 2 GB
- Power supply: 24 VDC ±6 V
- Typical power consumption: 3.2 W
- Maximum typical current at 24 V: 130 mA
- Ethernet interfaces: 2 isolated RJ45 ports; 100BASE-TX, with 10BASE-T support depending on firmware
- PROFIBUS interface: Optically isolated RS-485
- PROFIBUS connector: 9-pin female D-sub
- Supported PROFIBUS baud rates: 9.6 kbps through 12 Mbps, with specified intermediate rates
- Maximum PROFIBUS slave count: 125 in master mode
- Conversion performance: Shortest I/O data conversion time below 10 ms for supported configurations
- Configuration and diagnostics: USB Mini-B interface and SYCON.net software
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 60°C
- Relative humidity: Non-condensing
- Protection rating: IP20
- Mounting: DIN rail conforming to EN 60715
- Dimensions: Approximately 100 × 52 × 70 mm, excluding connectors
- Weight: Approximately 150 g
Specifications are based on Hilscher’s published product documentation. Actual protocol functionality depends on the loaded firmware, configuration, and applicable licenses.
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
Scenario A — Integrating legacy PROFIBUS devices into a newer control network
A plant upgrades its PLC platform but still has working PROFIBUS DP drives, remote I/O stations, and field instruments. Replacing all those devices can mean extensive rewiring, downtime, and revalidation.
The NT 100-RE-DP can provide a protocol-conversion path when the existing PROFIBUS segment and target Ethernet system match a supported gateway configuration. The engineering team can retain compatible field devices while mapping their cyclic process data into the new controller architecture.
Scenario B — High device count on a PROFIBUS segment
- Condition: A process installation requires communication with dozens of PROFIBUS DP devices.
- Potential issue: Excessive cyclic data, slow bus settings, or oversized controller data maps can increase update times.
- Gateway capability: The NT 100-RE-DP supports up to 125 PROFIBUS slaves in master mode.
- Engineering action: Validate the total input/output data volume, bus baud rate, device configuration, and PLC update requirements. The maximum slave count is not a guarantee that every 125-device configuration will meet a specific real-time deadline.
Scenario C — Commissioning a replacement gateway
A failed gateway interrupts communication between an Ethernet controller and a working PROFIBUS network. A replacement may restore service faster if the original protocol roles, firmware, and configuration are available.
The NT 100-RE-DP supports memory-card-based loading for compatible configurations. Before installation, confirm that the card contains the correct project and that the replacement hardware is configured for the same conversion mode. Do not assume that an unconfigured spare will automatically reproduce the original network behavior.
Scenario D — Troubleshooting intermittent network communication
Intermittent PLC-to-device data loss can originate in the gateway, Ethernet network, PROFIBUS wiring, bus termination, or configuration. The NT 100-RE-DP provides system and communication status indicators plus a USB diagnostic interface.
Check each network independently. Confirm Ethernet link status, inspect PROFIBUS termination and shielding, verify slave addresses, and review diagnostic information before replacing hardware. A gateway swap without root-cause analysis can simply move the same fault to the replacement unit.
QA & Live Testing SOP
For industrial communication hardware, a seller’s statement that a unit powers on is not equivalent to a verified protocol test.
- Identity verification: Check the Hilscher label, model designation NT 100-RE-DP, and product number 1712.180.
- Physical inspection: Examine the RJ45 ports, PROFIBUS D-sub connector, power terminals, USB interface, and DIN-rail mounting features.
- Power testing: Apply the specified 24 VDC supply using an appropriate isolated source and verify normal startup behavior.
- Ethernet testing: Connect the gateway to a compatible test network and verify link indicators and the configured Ethernet interface.
- PROFIBUS testing: Use a compatible PROFIBUS DP master or slave test arrangement, as appropriate, to verify the configured operating mode and communication.
- Data-conversion testing: Confirm that representative cyclic input and output data transfer correctly between the selected protocols.
- Configuration verification: Check the loaded firmware, protocol license, network settings, and any memory-card-based configuration.
- Diagnostics: Inspect system and communication status indicators and record any active faults.
- ESD-safe packaging: Protect the gateway and connectors with suitable electrostatic-discharge packaging and mechanical cushioning.
These are recommended acceptance procedures, not a claim that the specific listed unit has passed testing. Request actual test records and confirm warranty coverage before purchase.
Field Engineer’s Pitfall Guide
- ❗ Firmware determines the conversion—not the product label alone. The NT 100-RE-DP supports different protocol roles and conversions depending on its loaded firmware and license. A gateway configured for one Ethernet protocol may not be a drop-in replacement for another. Confirm the exact protocol combination before commissioning.
- ❗ Do not confuse Ethernet connectivity with successful I/O exchange. A green Ethernet link indicator only establishes a link condition. It does not prove that PROFIBUS slaves are configured correctly or that process data is mapped properly. Validate both sides of the gateway and inspect diagnostic status.
- ❗ Watch the PROFIBUS baud rate and termination. The NT 100-RE-DP supports rates up to 12 Mbps, but the appropriate setting depends on the network and connected devices. Incorrect termination, poor shielding, excessive cable length, or mismatched baud rates can produce communication faults even when the gateway itself is functional.
Intent-Driven FAQ
Q1: What does the Hilscher NT 100-RE-DP do?
The NT 100-RE-DP is an industrial protocol gateway in the netTAP 100 family. It connects supported real-time Ethernet protocols with PROFIBUS DP networks, allowing configured process data to pass between systems without requiring every field device to be replaced.
Q2: How many PROFIBUS devices can the NT 100-RE-DP support?
It supports up to 125 PROFIBUS DP slaves when configured for master operation. The achievable performance depends on the selected baud rate, total cyclic data, device response times, and the Ethernet-side configuration.
Q3: What power supply does the NT 100-RE-DP require?
The specified supply is 24 VDC ±6 V, with typical power consumption of 3.2 W and a typical maximum current figure of 130 mA at 24 V. For UL-compliant use, Hilscher specifies an isolated voltage source. Verify the installation requirements before connecting power.
Q4: Does the NT 100-RE-DP support PROFINET and EtherNet/IP?
The hardware family can support different real-time Ethernet protocols, including PROFINET IO and EtherNet/IP, depending on the loaded firmware and configuration. Do not assume that every unit supports every conversion out of the box. Verify the required master/slave or controller/device roles and license before ordering.
Q5: What is the fastest PROFIBUS communication rate supported by the NT 100-RE-DP?
The published interface specification lists PROFIBUS baud rates up to 12 Mbps. The usable rate depends on the connected devices and the physical network installation. Cable characteristics, segment length, termination, and device compatibility must all be checked.
Q6: Can I replace a failed NT 100-RE-DP without rebuilding the entire configuration?
Potentially. Hilscher documents memory-card-based configuration loading for compatible setups. The replacement must still have the appropriate firmware, license, protocol configuration, and network settings. Back up the original configuration and verify data exchange before returning the production system to service.
Q7: How do I verify a used NT 100-RE-DP before buying it?
Request a clear identification-label photograph, confirmation of the loaded firmware and protocol configuration, and documented functional testing. Ideally, the test should demonstrate communication on both the Ethernet and PROFIBUS sides, along with successful data conversion. Confirm the seller’s warranty and return policy in writing.
Final procurement recommendation: The Hilscher NT 100-RE-DP is a specialized gateway for industrial protocol conversion. Before purchasing, match the product number, required Ethernet protocol, PROFIBUS operating role, firmware, and configuration. Those checks are more important than a basic power-on test when the unit must restore communication on a running automation system.
