Anybus-PCI - Questions & Answers

Read the most common questions about the Anybus-PCI Cards & Software.

Q: Is the Anybus PCI card compatible with all PCs?
A: The card is a “short PCI” card supporting both 5 volt and 3,3 volt operation (“Universal keyed”). This makes the card compatible with most PCs with a PCI slot.

Q: When I install the Anybus PCI card I need to select "transport provider", what’s that?
A: The drivers from HMS are designed to be modular. The "transport provider" is a software piece that route data between the Anybus API and the low level drivers of the PCI card.

Q: HMS supplies drivers for Windows environment, but I am using WxWorks, can I use the Anybus PCI card?
A: HMS does not provide standard drivers for WxWorks, but for OEMs we provide the source code so the OEM-can modify this to his OS environment or other specific needs. We have “Anybus Solution Provider” (ASP) partners who offer design custom drivers. Please contact HMS.

Q: If I want to use the Profibus Master, how do I configure the Profibus Slaves connected to the Master?
A: You need the HMS Software “NetTool for Profibus ” which is our new Windows based configuration software. A free download is available on www.anybus.com (free version is limited to connect two slaves only)

Q: I am using RS Networks software from Rockwell Automation, can I configure the DeviceNet Scanner and DevcieNet Adapter from this tool?
A: Yes, you can configure the DevcieNet cards from RS-Networx, you might need the KFD device from Rockwell to connect the DeviceNet network.

Q: We design an embedded controller based on the PLC kernel from Smart Software Solutions (3S), can we use Anybus PCI?
A: Yes, both the Anybus PCI card and the embedded Anybus modules are supported by the 3S software (from 3S version 2.3 ; service pack 3)