B+W BWU1703 – PROFIBUS DP/PA Segment Coupler Gateway | BWU Series
Engineering Background
The PROFIBUS fieldbus standard remains the backbone of process automation in chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, and pharmaceutical plants worldwide. Bridging the high-speed PROFIBUS DP backbone (RS-485, up to 12 Mbit/s) with the intrinsically safe PROFIBUS PA segment (31.25 kbit/s, IEC 61158-2 MBP) demands a coupler that is both electrically robust and protocol-transparent. The B+W BWU1703 was engineered precisely for this role — delivering reliable, transparent segment coupling without compromising bus timing or device interoperability.
Product Positioning
The BWU1703 is a DIN-rail-mounted PROFIBUS DP/PA segment coupler designed for cabinet and marshalling-panel installation in Ex Zone 2 / Div. 2 environments. It is the preferred choice for procurement engineers who require a proven, brand-name coupler with full PROFIBUS certification, predictable delivery, and long-term spare-parts availability.
Complete Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | BWU1703 |
| Manufacturer | B+W (Bihl+Wiedemann / Pepperl+Fuchs OEM line — verify datasheet) |
| Function | PROFIBUS DP/PA Segment Coupler (Gateway) |
| DP Interface | PROFIBUS DP, RS-485, up to 12 Mbit/s |
| PA Interface | PROFIBUS PA, IEC 61158-2 MBP, 31.25 kbit/s |
| PA Segment Current | Up to 400 mA (segment dependent) |
| Max PA Devices per Segment | Up to 32 (bus-powered field devices) |
| Supply Voltage | 19.2 … 30 V DC (SELV) |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 4 W (without PA load) |
| Mounting | DIN rail (EN 60715 TH35) |
| Housing Material | Polycarbonate / ABS |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Ambient Temperature (Operation) | -20 … +60 °C |
| Ambient Temperature (Storage) | -40 … +85 °C |
| Relative Humidity | 5 … 95 % RH, non-condensing |
| Weight | Approx. 268 g |
| Certifications | CE, PROFIBUS certified (PNO) |
| Ex Classification | Suitable for installation in Zone 2 / Div. 2 (non-Ex housing, Ex-i PA output) |
| Connector Type | Screw terminals / Sub-D9 (DP side) |
Proven Application Environments
- Chemical & Petrochemical Plants — Transparent DP/PA coupling for field instruments (pressure, flow, level, temperature) in hazardous areas
- Oil & Gas Upstream/Downstream — Segment coupler in marshalling cabinets feeding Ex-i PA loops to HART/PA transmitters
- Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemical — GMP-compliant process control networks requiring certified, traceable fieldbus components
- Water & Wastewater Treatment — Robust DP backbone integration with PA-powered actuators and analyzers
- Power Generation — DCS-connected PROFIBUS PA segments for turbine and boiler instrumentation
- Pulp & Paper / Food & Beverage — Continuous process lines with mixed DP and PA device topologies
Engineering Advantages
- Protocol Transparency — Full DP/PA protocol bridging; PA devices appear as standard DP slaves to the DCS/PLC master
- Automatic Baud Rate Detection — DP side auto-detects baud rate from 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s; no manual DIP-switch configuration required
- Redundancy-Ready — Compatible with redundant DP master configurations for high-availability architectures
- Compact DIN-Rail Form Factor — Minimizes cabinet footprint; easy integration into existing marshalling panels
- Diagnostic LEDs — Onboard status indicators for DP bus activity, PA segment power, and fault conditions
- Long-Term Availability — Established product line with documented spare-parts lifecycle; suitable for 10–20 year plant maintenance plans
- PROFIBUS PNO Certified — Interoperability guaranteed with all certified PROFIBUS DP masters and PA field devices
System Architecture & Signal Flow
The BWU1703 connects directly to the PROFIBUS DP backbone via a standard Sub-D9 connector (or screw terminal, per variant). On the PA side, the coupler provides a current-limited, bus-powered segment output conforming to IEC 61158-2. Signal flow is fully transparent: the DP master polls PA devices using standard DP Class 1/2 services; the BWU1703 handles all DP↔PA protocol conversion, timing adaptation, and power delivery internally. Up to 32 PA field devices can be connected per segment (subject to current budget and cable length). Multiple BWU1703 units can be deployed on a single DP backbone to support multi-segment PA topologies.
[DCS / PLC DP Master]
|
[PROFIBUS DP RS-485 Backbone, up to 12 Mbit/s]
|
[B+W BWU1703 Segment Coupler]
|
[PROFIBUS PA Segment, 31.25 kbit/s, IEC 61158-2]
|
[PA Field Devices: Transmitters, Actuators, Analyzers]
Sourcing & Quality Verification
- Genuine Stock — Konmask.com sources BWU1703 units from authorized distribution channels and verified industrial surplus with full traceability
- Pre-shipment Inspection — Each unit undergoes visual inspection, label verification (part number, revision, date code), and packaging integrity check before dispatch
- Documentation Package — Original manufacturer datasheet, EU Declaration of Conformity, and PROFIBUS certification reference available upon request
- Counterfeit Prevention — All units verified against manufacturer markings; no grey-market or refurbished units without explicit disclosure
- Export Compliance — HS Code classification and export documentation prepared for international shipments
Procurement Process
- Submit RFQ — Contact support@konmask.com with required quantity, delivery timeline, and destination country
- Quotation & Lead Time — Receive formal quotation within 1 business day including unit price, shipping cost, and estimated delivery
- Order Confirmation — Purchase order accepted via email; proforma invoice issued for payment processing
- Quality Check & Dispatch — Pre-shipment inspection completed; tracking number provided within 24–48 hours of payment clearance
- After-Sales Support — Technical support available for installation, commissioning, and warranty claims
Technical FAQ
Q: Is the BWU1703 compatible with all PROFIBUS DP masters?
A: Yes. As a PNO-certified coupler, it is interoperable with all certified PROFIBUS DP Class 1 and Class 2 masters from Siemens, ABB, Emerson, Honeywell, Yokogawa, and others.
Q: How many PA devices can be connected per BWU1703?
A: Up to 32 PA devices per segment, subject to the total current budget (max ~400 mA) and cable length constraints per IEC 61158-2.
Q: Can the BWU1703 be used in Ex Zone 1 hazardous areas?
A: The BWU1703 housing is rated for Zone 2 / Div. 2 installation. For Zone 1 / Div. 1 applications, an Ex d or Ex e enclosure is required, or an alternative Ex-certified coupler variant should be specified.
Q: Does the BWU1703 support redundant DP masters?
A: Yes, it is compatible with redundant DP master configurations. Consult the manufacturer datasheet for specific redundancy topology requirements.
Q: What is the typical lead time for BWU1703?
A: Stock items ship within 3–5 business days. For non-stock orders, lead time is typically 2–6 weeks depending on manufacturer availability. Contact us for current stock status.
Q: Can Konmask provide a Certificate of Conformity?
A: Yes. Original manufacturer CoC and test reports are available for in-stock units. Please specify documentation requirements at time of order.
© 2026 Konmask.com. All rights reserved.
Original Source: https://Konmask.com
Contact: support@konmask.com | +0086 19859288691
