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Input/ Output 5-15MN1942

5.4.2 ETHERNET Powerlink
MicroFlex e100 supports the deterministic ETHERNET Powerlink (EPL) protocol. This protocol
provides very precise and predictable ‘real-time’ communication over a 100Mbit/s (100Base-T)
Fast Ethernet (IEEE 802.3u) connection. This makes it suitablefor the transmissi on of control
andfeedbac k signals between the MicroFlex e100 and other EPL enabled controller s such as
NextMovee100. The EP L protocol implemented in Mint is based on theC ANopen DS402 Device
Profilefor Drivesand Motion Control.
MicroFlexe100 inc orporates a built-in repeating hub, providing two ports forconnection to other
equipment. This allows nodes to be connected as a ‘daisy-chain’ network of up to 10 nodes,
avoidingthe need for additional hubs . If the network comprises more than 10 nodes, an external
hubmust be us ed. The structure of the physical network is informalso does not need to reflect
thelogical relations hip between nodes. Ethernet switches must not be us ed in EPL networks as
theirtiming c annot be guaranteed.
NextMovee100
ManagerNode
‘Daisychained’ network
MicroFlexe100
Drive
MicroFlexe100
Drive
MicroFlexe100
Drive
MicroFlexe100
Drive
Figure36 - Simple daisy-chained EPL network
NextMovee100
ManagerNode
Machine1
MicroFlexe100 Drives 1-9
Externalhub Machine1
MicroFlexe100 Drives 10-16
NextMovee100
ControlledNode
123456789
11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20
Machine2
MicroFlexe100 Drives 17-20
10
Figure37 - Example multi-branch EPL network