Description
The Molex Brad applicomIO PCU-DP2IO (engineering part number 1120110008, often managed under the alternate catalog code DR2-DPM-PCIE / 112011-5035) is a high-speed PC-based communications network interface card (NIC). It serves as a dedicated communication processor connecting industrial PCs, robotic controllers, and complex CNC machinery directly to a PROFIBUS field network. By executing the full network stack on its embedded processor, the card completely offloads communication cycle management from the host application computer.
Commercial Availability & Terms
- Condition: New Original (Factory Sealed) or Refurbished (Fully Bench Tested)
- Warranty: 12 months from delivery date
- Availability: In stock
- Lead Time: Ships within 1–2 business days via global couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
- Pricing Note: Price subject to market conditions; contact us for a firm quote.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Processor Type | Onboard Freescale PowerPC |
| PROFIBUS Controller | Siemens ASPC2 ASIC |
| Memory Capacity | 8 MB SDRAM, 512 KB Flash Memory |
| Bus Interface | PCI Express 1x (Standard full-height form factor) |
| Network Interface | 1 x PROFIBUS port (conforming to EN 50170 standards) |
| Physical Connector | 9-pin D-Sub, female |
| Supported Data Rates | 9.6 Kbps up to 12 Mbps (Software selectable) |
| Protocol Profiles | DP-V0 Master/Scanner (Class 1 & 2), DP-V1 Master (Class 1 & 2), DP-V0 Slave |
| Discrete Interface | 1 x Opto-coupled discrete input (+10 V DC to +24 V DC response range) |
| Supervisory Fail-Safe | 1 x Potential-free floating Watchdog output contact (24 V DC, 0.25 A) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 to +60 °C (+32 to +140 °F) |
| Dimensions (L x W) | 168 mm x 107 mm (6.61 in x 4.21 in) |
Field Integration & Firmware Constraints
In field deployments of PC-based automation systems, the PCU-DP2IO functions as a standalone turnkey transceiver subsystem. Unlike basic passive communication cards, the integrated execution kernel prevents host operating system lockups or blue-screens from stopping critical field network update cycles.
Simultaneous Protocol Routing
The card handles simultaneous protocol modes. It can manage field instruments as a DP-V0 Class-1 Master while executing as a DP-V0 passive Slave to an upstream DCS master (such as a Siemens S7-400 or ABB AC 800M controller) over the same physical cable.
Software Integration Layer
- Data Servers: The hardware package includes multi-protocol OPC DA 3.0 and 2.05 servers, ActiveX components, and DAServer/FastDDE tools.
- Dual-Port RAM Mapping: The configuration software uses an Automatic Dual Port RAM Mapping (ADM) engine. This optimizes the memory map automatically, removing the need to manually configure memory offset indices within the 8 KB DPRAM allocation space.
- Operating System Matrix: Fully validated across standard Windows (XP through Windows 10/11) platforms and deterministic real-time environments including Linux kernels, VxWorks, QNX, and IntervalZero RTX.
Engineering Note: When routing high-speed 12 Mbps PROFIBUS loops through the 9-pin D-sub connector, you must use active termination at both physical ends of the trunk segment. If communication errors appear when running high-frequency data scans, check for induced electrical noise by using a protocol analyzer to confirm proper grounding on the shielded twisted-pair (Type A) line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the PCU-DP2IO be used to control PROFINET or EtherNet/IP devices?
No. The PCU-DP2IO is hardwired with a Siemens ASPC2 ASIC dedicated exclusively to PROFIBUS-DP differential copper infrastructure. For PROFINET or EtherNet/IP field automation layouts, you must source the corresponding alternative Ethernet network interface cards within the Molex Brad applicomIO series (such as the standard RJ45 port variants).
What is the exact function of the onboard hardware Watchdog output?
The potential-free floating Watchdog contact (24 V DC, 0.25 A) provides an independent hardware interlock. If the onboard application processor freezes, or if the host PC stops communicating across the PCI Express backplane for a duration exceeding the defined software timeout, the contact opens. This contact should be wired into your master hardwired safety loop or trip string to instantly de-energize critical field actuators during a control failure.
Is specialized fieldbus protocol training required to deploy the card?
No. The applicomIO engineering utility includes automatic device detection and user-friendly diagnostic consoles. Because the underlying complex industrial protocol timings are fully handled inside the card’s embedded firmware, your HMI or PC software interacts with the I/O points via standard, uniform DLL function calls or generic OPC tags.
