Description
The BRAD Communications PC104-DPIO DRL-DPM-BKF is a compact PC/104-based industrial communication card designed for PROFIBUS-DP networks. Available technical references identify it as a PROFIBUS-DP master/scanner interface for embedded industrial control systems.
The card allows a PC/104 industrial computer or embedded controller to communicate with PROFIBUS-DP field devices such as PLCs, remote I/O, drives, sensors, and actuators. It supports high-speed cyclic data exchange and is suited to space-constrained industrial automation equipment.
🔧 Communication Function
The PC104-DPIO DRL-DPM-BKF provides a PROFIBUS-DP interface through a PC/104 bus connection. Published specifications indicate support for PROFIBUS-DP communication rates from 9.6 kbit/s up to 12 Mbit/s, with a 9-pin D-sub PROFIBUS connection.
Depending on the specific hardware/software configuration, the card may operate as a PROFIBUS master or support master/slave functionality. Because specifications found for this legacy model vary between sources, the exact operating mode should be verified from the board label and installed driver/software package.
📋 Product Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BRAD Communications / BRAD Communications |
| Model | PC104-DPIO |
| Part Number | DRL-DPM-BKF |
| Product Type | PROFIBUS-DP Communication / Scanner Card |
| Bus Interface | PC/104 |
| PROFIBUS Interface | 1 × PROFIBUS-DP |
| PROFIBUS Connector | 9-Pin D-Sub |
| PROFIBUS Speed | 9.6 kbit/s to 12 Mbit/s |
| PROFIBUS Protocol | PROFIBUS-DP |
| Electrical Interface | Isolated RS-485* |
| Isolation | Approx. 500 V* |
| Onboard Processor | AMD SC520, 133 MHz* |
| Memory | 8 MB SDRAM* |
| Flash Memory | 512 KB* |
| Power Supply | +5 VDC* |
| Power Consumption | Approx. 5.5 W* |
| Dimensions | Approx. 95 × 90 mm, PC/104 format* |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +65°C* |
| Country of Origin | USA / Manufacturing location dependent |
*Legacy-product specifications vary across available references. Confirm the exact board revision before using these values for system engineering.
⚡ Key Features
• PC/104 embedded computer interface
• PROFIBUS-DP network connectivity
• Supports communication speeds up to 12 Mbit/s
• Compact industrial form factor
• Suitable for embedded PLC and IPC applications
• Designed for real-time fieldbus communication
• Suitable for legacy automation system replacement
🏭 Typical Applications
• Embedded industrial computers
• PLC communication systems
• Distributed I/O systems
• Machine control equipment
• Robot controllers
• Motion-control systems
• Test and measurement equipment
• Process automation systems
🔌 Communication Configuration
A typical installation uses the PC104-DPIO as the PROFIBUS interface between an embedded PC/104 controller and the PROFIBUS field network.
Typical configuration sequence:
• Install the card in the compatible PC/104 stack
• Connect the PROFIBUS cable to the 9-pin D-sub interface
• Install the compatible driver and configuration software
• Select the PROFIBUS operating mode
• Set the network baud rate and station parameters
• Configure connected slave devices and I/O data
• Check PROFIBUS diagnostic status
• Test cyclic data exchange
🛠️ Installation Notes
Before installation, verify the complete identification PC104-DPIO / DRL-DPM-BKF, PC/104 bus compatibility, board revision, PROFIBUS connector configuration, and available software support.
Power should be removed before inserting or removing the card. Check the PC/104 connector alignment carefully and ensure the PROFIBUS cable is properly terminated according to the network topology.
⚙️ Commissioning Checklist
• Verify model and board revision
• Confirm PC/104 compatibility
• Check +5 VDC supply
• Inspect bus connector
• Connect PROFIBUS network
• Verify station configuration
• Check communication speed
• Confirm slave/device configuration
• Test cyclic data exchange
• Review diagnostic indicators
⚠️ Compatibility Notice
The BARD Communications PC104-DPIO DRL-DPM-BKF is a specialized industrial communication card rather than a standalone PLC CPU. Compatibility depends on the PC/104 host system, driver/software environment, PROFIBUS configuration, and board revision.
For replacement applications, compare the original card’s PCB markings, connector arrangement, firmware/driver version, and PROFIBUS configuration before installation.
📦 Product Identification
Brand: BARD Communications
Model: PC104-DPIO
Part Number: DRL-DPM-BKF
Product Type: PROFIBUS-DP Scanner / Communication Card
Bus: PC/104
Interface: PROFIBUS-DP
Application: Embedded Industrial Automation
Function: PROFIBUS Network Communication
