Slots
Slots define the functional positions of modules in a PROFINET device.
They determine where modules appear in the GSDML file and how engineering tools display and configure the device.
What slots represent
Slots represent the functional positions in the PROFINET device structure and influence:
Where a module can be plugged in the GSDML file
How engineering tools display and can configure the device
How the device structure is interpreted by the controller
Use descriptive, unique slot names to avoid ambiguity in engineering tools.
Relationship to the device hierarchy
Modules define the functional structure of the device
Slots define where each plugged module appears in the PROFINET address space
Slot behavior
Determines where a module appears in the device hierarchy
Receives a numerical slot number from Anybus Studio
Makes the assigned module visible in engineering tools
Up to 31 slots are supported in addition to the mandatory Device Access Point (DAP) slot 0x0000.
Anybus Studio creates slots in sequential order to maintain a predictable layout.
Assigning a module to a slot
Makes that module plugged in an engineering-tool and usable on the network.
If a module is not assigned to a slot, it does not appear in the PROFINET GSDML file.
Plugging rules for slots
Plugging rules determine which modules may occupy a slot and whether the module is mandatory or optional.
Plugging rule | Meaning | Slot behavior |
|---|---|---|
Allowed in | The module may occupy the slot. | The slot can contain multiple modules listed as Allowed in or Used in. Allowed in modules can replace Used in modules. |
Used in | The module occupies the slot by default. | Other modules may still be marked Allowed in for the same slot. |
Fixed in | The module always occupies the slot. | No other module can be used in this slot. |
Note
does not automatically imply a virtual submodule.
Virtual submodules always use , but non‑virtual modules can also be fixed.