For PROFINET, the number of connected devices depends on the controller model and configuration used. Here are some specific references:
S7-1200 CPU
- Supports up to 8 PROFINET IO devices.
- Supports up to 128 submodules (whichever comes first).
S7-1500 CPU
Depending on the model, more PROFINET IO devices and submodules can be supported. For example, higher-end S7-1500 models can support up to 256 IO devices.
Other PROFINET controllers
Support varies by controller model and manufacturer. Higher-end controllers can usually manage more devices and modules.
For PROFIBUS
- DP Master:
- Supports up to 16 DP slaves.
- Each DP slave supports up to 256 submodules.
- A total of up to 16 DP slaves and IO devices are supported.
These limitations mean that the number of devices that can actually be connected in a PROFINET network depends primarily on the controller used and the number of devices it supports. By using high-end controllers and appropriate network topology, the number of connected devices can be expanded to meet the needs of complex industrial applications.
