The Siemens 6ES7972-0BB50-0XA0 is a SIMATIC S7 PROFIBUS DP Connector (bus connector), a critical passive component for building and terminating PROFIBUS DP (Decentralized Periphery) networks in industrial automation systems. It is designed to connect PROFIBUS DP devices (e.g., PLCs, I/O modules, drives) via RS-485 cabling, ensuring stable data transmission.
- Product Series: SIMATIC S7 (compatible with S7-300/S7-400 series and other PROFIBUS DP-compliant devices)
 - Product Type: PROFIBUS DP Bus Connector (90° angled, with integrated terminating resistor)
 - Key Function: Provides a physical interface for connecting devices to the PROFIBUS DP network; includes a built-in terminating resistor to prevent signal reflection at network endpoints.
 - Product Status: Active (currently in production and available for procurement, with ongoing Siemens support)
 
- Dimensions (W×H×D): ~45 mm × 25 mm × 30 mm (compact 90° angled design, saving space in control cabinets)
 - Weight: Approximately 0.02 kg (20 g)
 - Operating Temperature: 0°C to +60°C (non-condensing, suitable for industrial control cabinet environments)
 - Storage Temperature: -20°C to +80°C
 - Protection Rating: IP20 (intended for indoor, panel-mounted use; requires installation within a control cabinet to protect against dust and moisture)
 - Mounting: Directly attached to the PROFIBUS DP port of devices (e.g., S7-300 CPU, ET 200M I/O module) via the 9-pin D-sub connector; secured with two screws for stable connection.
 
As a foundational component of PROFIBUS DP networks, the 6ES7972-0BB50-0XA0 bus connector serves three core purposes:
- Device Connection:
- Establishes a physical link between PROFIBUS DP devices and the network cable, enabling data exchange between controllers (e.g., S7-300 CPU) and field devices (e.g., sensors, actuators via ET 200M modules).
 
 - Signal Termination:
- The integrated 150 Ω resistor (switchable) matches the impedance of the PROFIBUS cable, preventing signal reflection at the start and end of the network—critical for maintaining signal integrity at high baud rates (e.g., 12 Mbit/s).
 
 - Network Flexibility:
- The 90° angled design allows installation in tight spaces (e.g., dense control cabinets) where straight connectors would be impractical. Supports daisy-chain topology, the standard for PROFIBUS DP networks.
 
 
Typical Applications:
- Connecting S7-300/S7-400 CPUs to PROFIBUS DP distributed I/O systems (e.g., ET 200M, ET 200S).
 - Linking frequency converters, servo drives, or HMIs to the PROFIBUS DP network.
 - Building small to large-scale PROFIBUS DP networks in manufacturing, automotive, and process industries.
 
- Termination Rule: Always enable the terminating resistor (via the DIP switch) only on the first and last devices in the PROFIBUS DP chain. Disabling it on intermediate devices avoids network impedance mismatch.
 - Cabling Best Practices: Use shielded twisted-pair (STP) PROFIBUS cable to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). Connect the cable shield to the connector’s metal housing for grounding.
 - Compatibility: Fully compatible with all Siemens SIMATIC S7 PROFIBUS DP products and third-party devices adhering to the PROFIBUS DP standard.