Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Applicom / Woodhead |
| Model | PCI1500S7 |
| Product type | PCI industrial communication board |
| Host interface | 5V PCI |
| Processor | Intel 80486DX4 |
| Onboard memory | 4 MB dynamic RAM |
| Fieldbus interface | One PROFIBUS-compatible port |
| Electrical interface | RS-485, galvanically isolated |
| Isolation voltage | 500 V |
| Connector | 9-pin female Sub-D |
| Supported protocols | MPI, PPI+, PPI, Siemens S7 |
| Maximum communication rate | 1.5 Mbps |
| Discrete input | Optocoupled input, 10–30 VDC or 24 VAC |
| Watchdog output | Floating contact, 24 VDC / 0.25 A |
| Power consumption | 6 W maximum |
| Operating temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Storage temperature | -40°C to +80°C |
| Board dimensions | 145 × 106 mm |
PCI1500S7
Product Introduction
Applicom PCI1500S7 Industrial Communication Card
The Applicom PCI1500S7 is a PC-based industrial communication adapter designed primarily for connecting Siemens S7 PLC systems to supervisory software. Installed in a compatible 5V PCI slot, it provides one isolated RS-485 fieldbus connection and supports MPI, PPI+, PPI, and S7 communication protocols. The onboard communication processor handles protocol-related processing, reducing the communication workload on the host computer.
This is a legacy PCI interface, not a modern universal PROFIBUS adapter. It does not provide the full PROFIBUS-DP and PROFIBUS-FMS functionality associated with the PCI1500PFB. Before replacement, verify the host computer, PCI voltage, driver package, application interface, and required PLC protocol.
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls
Typical application scenarios
- Siemens S7 PLC connectivity: Connect compatible S7 controllers to industrial PCs running supervisory or data acquisition software.
- MPI communication: Exchange PLC data through an MPI network for monitoring, diagnostics, and application-level control.
- Legacy SCADA integration: Maintain communication between existing Windows-based industrial applications and Siemens PLC installations.
- Industrial data acquisition: Support PC-based applications that collect process values and PLC status information through supported S7 communication functions.
Applicom software documentation identifies OPC, ActiveX, DDE, and programming libraries as integration options within its software environment. Actual support depends on the installed software version.
Field pitfalls and verification points
- PCI voltage compatibility: Confirm that the host motherboard provides a compatible 5V PCI slot. Do not assume compatibility with PCI Express or universal PCI hardware.
- Protocol limitations: The PCI1500S7 is intended for Siemens S7/MPI-related communication. If the application requires full PROFIBUS-DP master functionality, evaluate the PCI1500PFB instead.
- Driver availability: Confirm the operating system and Applicom driver version before replacing a working legacy card. Hardware installation alone does not guarantee application compatibility.
- Board revision changes: Applicom documented a hardware-base change for PCI1500S7 cards shipped from March 16, 2006. Check the part number and revision when matching an existing installation.
- DPRAM and interrupt conflicts: The installation manual identifies DPRAM address and IRQ conflicts as possible initialization problems. Check resource assignments and board numbering when multiple cards are installed.
- Network wiring: Verify the RS-485 connection, connector pinout, cable termination, and network configuration before diagnosing the card as defective.
Related Products
- PCU1500S7 — Universal PCI 3.3V/5V version of the S7/MPI communication card; check driver and hardware compatibility before substitution.
- PCI1500PFB — Full PROFIBUS interface supporting additional functions, including DP and FMS; not equivalent to the S7-dedicated PCI1500S7.
- PCU1500PFB — Universal PCI version of the full PROFIBUS interface.
- PCI2000PFB — Higher-performance PROFIBUS interface family with support for up to 12 Mbps.
- PCI2000ETH — Ethernet communication card for supported industrial Ethernet protocols; a different communication interface.
Procurement note: The is a legacy industrial communication card. For replacement sourcing, request photographs of the PCB label, connector, and revision markings. Confirm the host PC’s PCI slot voltage and the installed Applicom software version. A PCU1500S7 may appear similar, but its universal PCI design does not by itself establish complete driver or application compatibility.
