MBS Universal Gateway XT Series

Core + PROFINET + KNX

Bringing industry and KNX building automation together.

In production and functional buildings, industrial control systems often interact with KNX-based room and building automation systems. To enable the sharing of process, operational, and building data, the information must be clearly mapped between the two system environments.

The XT Series MBS Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX connects PROFINET-based automation systems and KNX installations directly to the MBS Universal Gateway platform. The central data point manager handles the mapping of information between the participating systems and the configured communication protocols.

The integrated PROFINET and KNX adapters reduce the number of additional components required and the effort involved in cabling.

Available now

 
 
 

Connecting PROFINET and KNX on a Single Gateway Platform

The Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX features two integrated PROFINET ports and a direct KNX bus connection. This allows industrial control systems and KNX-based building functions to be integrated within a single gateway platform.

PROFINET communication can be used, for example, to connect the following Siemens control systems:

  • SIMATIC S7-1200

  • SIMATIC S7-1500

  • SIMATIC S7-300 with a PROFINET CPU or a corresponding PROFINET communication module

Additional PROFINET-compatible controllers can be connected depending on the requirements of the specific project.

For example, KNX can be used to integrate information from room automation, lighting, shading, and other building automation functions into the planned system communication. A suitable KNX bus power supply must be provided on site.

In addition to PROFINET and KNX, the following communication protocols—among others—can be supported, depending on the project configuration and licensing:

  • BACnet/IP

  • Modbus TCP

  • MQTT

  • OPC UA

  • Additional building services, industrial, and project-specific protocols

The Central Data Point Manager serves as a neutral intermediary layer between the participating systems. It retrieves information from PROFINET, KNX, or another source protocol, assigns it to the configured data points, and makes it available to one or more target protocols.

For example, process values from an industrial control system can be used in KNX building automation, building management systems, energy management, or higher-level IT systems. Conversely, information from the KNX installation can be made available to other target systems being designed.

 
 

Which model is right for your project?

The Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX is the right model to use when both a PROFINET system and a KNX installation are to be physically connected directly to the same gateway.

If only a direct PROFINET connection is required, the Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET is the right device model.

If no additional bus systems are directly connected and only IP-based communication protocols such as BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, MQTT, or OPC UA are used, the Universal Gateway Core is the ideal foundation.

For projects that use only direct KNX connectivity, select the Core + KNX model designed for this purpose. The availability of the individual device models can be found in the XT Series overview.

 
 

Technical Basis of the XT Series

The Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX is based on the new XT Series hardware platform. A more powerful CPU and expanded main memory provide additional capacity for demanding integration tasks. A completely redesigned web interface is also available to simplify configuration and commissioning.

The new hardware also enhances the gateway's security architecture. At its core is an integrated secure element. It provides the technical foundation for a secure boot process that can detect tampering with the bootloader or kernel.

Digital certificates can be securely stored in the Secure Element. It also provides the foundation for encrypting the entire file system on the SD card. This allows both the system and customer-specific user and configuration data to be stored in encrypted form.

 
 

Configuration and Commissioning

The web interface allows you to configure and analyze the gateway. This includes, among other things, setting network parameters, creating and managing data points, and mapping information between PROFINET, KNX, and other communication protocols.

The appropriate GSD file is provided for integrating the gateway into the PROFINET configuration. The required KNX information and its assignment to the respective target systems are configured according to the specific application.

A REST API also makes it possible to automatically configure settings from external applications. This is particularly relevant for OEM applications and recurring device configurations.

Important Note:
Please ensure that your gateway has been configured for the specific application before commissioning.

Request support for commissioning/project planning ›

 
 

Three Steps to Your Gateway

  1. Define Systems and Interfaces
    Specify which PROFINET controller and which KNX system are to be connected. Also check which other automation, management, or IT systems are involved.

  2. Determine Data Point Capacity
    Determine what information is to be exchanged between the systems. Take into account both the required PROFINET process data scope and the number of data points to be configured in the gateway.

  3. Configuring Protocols
    Determine which additional communication protocols are required and how the information should be mapped between PROFINET, KNX, and the respective target systems.

Your gateway is therefore composed of the Core + PROFINET + KNX device configuration, the required data point capacity, and the planned communication protocols.

 
 

Made in Germany

The XT Series circuit boards are manufactured in Europe. Final assembly takes place at the MBS facility in Krefeld.

MBS develops its own gateway platform and supports projects from selection and planning through commissioning to long-term support.

 
 

Downloads and Technical Documentation

Item Number: 11-0005

Data Sheet
Technical Specifications, Dimensions, Interfaces, and Environmental Conditions. ›

Quick Start Guide
Instructions for installation, connection, and initial setup. ›


ManualDetailed information on project planning, configuration, and operation will be available shortly. ›

Firmware Updates
Latest firmware and installation instructions. ›

RFP Text
Product description for planning and bidding. ›


FAQ and Help CenterAnswers to questions about configuration, operation, and technical issues will be available shortly. ›

 
 
 

Technical data

Front view of the MBS UGW XT Series Core + PROFINET + KNX with connectors

LEDs
Power: Lights up as soon as the device is connected to a suitable
power supply
ST.: Multicolor status LED

DIP switches
Terminating resistor: 120 Ω
Bias: Standby voltage for RS485 interface

PWR - Power
VCC IN: 12 to 24 V DC power supply
GND IN: Ground connection to the power supply

COM1 | RS485
[+]: non-inverted line
[-]: inverted line
SGND: signal ground connection

COM2 | RS232
TX: Transmit line
RX: Receive line
SGND: Signal ground

Interface LEDs
Flash blue when the device is sending data
Flash green when the device is receiving data

LAN
RJ45: 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet
LED:
Lights up when a link is present
Flashes during data traffic

USB
Not used
, 5 V, max. 500 mA

PROFINET

LED
Profinet maintenance, configuration
Profinet Ready
Profinet system error
Profinet bus error

Profinet 1
Profinet Version 2.3 RT, IRT | Activity | Link

Profinet 2
Profinet Version 2.3 RT, IRT | Activity | Link

KNX

LEDs
5 KNX Rx
6 KNX Tx
7 KNX Power

KNX
+ KNX connection
+ KNX connection
- KNX connection
- KNX connection

Current consumption KNX bus
maximum 7mA
(the average current consumption is around 4mA)

 
 

Specifications:

Power consumption: 3 .1 W
Weight:  495 g
Dimensions: Height : 105 mm, Width: 47.5 mm, Depth: 99 mm
(Depth: 104 mm including DIN top-hat rail mount)
Ambient temperature: 0 to 45 °C
Ambient humidity: 20 to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing
Protection class: IP20
Mounting: TS35DIN top-hatrail per EN 60715

 
 
Technical drawing of the MBS UGW XT Series Core + PROFINET + KNX, including dimensions
 
 

Frequently Asked Questions About the XT Series Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX

  • Both models are based on the same XT Series hardware and software platform. In addition to the PROFINET connection, the Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX features an integrated physical KNX bus connection. The “Plus” designation refers to the additional hardware features and does not indicate a higher performance or quality class.

  • Yes. The gateway has built-in hardware interfaces for PROFINET and KNX. No additional external bus couplers are required for these two direct connections. However, a suitable bus power supply must be provided on-site for the KNX bus.

  • Among other things, the gateway can be used for communication with SIMATIC S7-1200, S7-1500, and S7-300 controllers equipped with a PROFINET CPU or a corresponding communication module. The connection of additional PROFINET-capable controllers depends on the requirements and configuration of the respective system.

  • Yes. Depending on the project configuration and licensing, protocols such as BACnet/IP, Modbus TCP, MQTT, and OPC UA—as well as other protocols—can be processed within the same gateway platform. The central data point manager assigns the information from the participating systems to the desired target protocols.

  • A suitable KNX bus power supply must be provided on site for the KNX installation. The gateway’s KNX connection does not replace this power supply.

  • The PROFINET process data scope describes the amount of data that can be transmitted via PROFINET communication. The data point capacity describes the number of individual information mappings that are configured and licensed within the gateway.

  • The required number of data points depends on how much individual information is to be processed between PROFINET, KNX, and the other systems involved. MBS can assist in determining the appropriate data point capacity if needed.

  • The functions of the existing bus protocol drivers and their data point lists will be retained. Customer-specific macros can also continue to be used. Existing applications can therefore continue to operate as before.

    However, operation via the new web interface and individual configuration procedures may differ. Existing configurations should therefore be reviewed on a project-by-project basis before being implemented.

 
 

Would you like to use the Universal Gateway Core + PROFINET + KNX in your project?

Are you already familiar with the systems involved, the communication protocols, and the approximate number of data points?Configure the appropriate Universal Gateway ›

Are you still unsure about the configuration, or do you need a specific quote?
Request a consultation or quote ›

Phone: +49 2151 7294-0
Email: vertrieb@mbs-solutions.de