Baldor E100 manual Ethernet Powerlink, Simple daisy-chained EPL network

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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 suitable for the transmission of control and feedback signals between the MicroFlex e100 and other EPL enabled controllers such as NextMove e100. The EPL protocol implemented in Mint is based on the CANopen DS402 Device Profile for Drives and Motion Control.

MicroFlex e100 incorporates a built-in repeating hub, providing two ports for connection to other equipment. This allows nodes to be connected as a ‘daisy-chain’ network of up to 10 nodes, avoiding the need for additional hubs. If the network comprises more than 10 nodes, an external hub must be used. The structure of the physical network is informal so does not need to reflect the logical relationship between nodes. Ethernet switches must not be used in EPL networks as their timing cannot be guaranteed.

NextMove e100	MicroFlex e100		MicroFlex e100		MicroFlex e100		MicroFlex e100
Manager Node		Drive		Drive		Drive		Drive

‘Daisy chained’ network

Figure 36 - Simple daisy-chained EPL network

NextMove e100		Machine 1
Manager Node	MicroFlex e100 Drives 1-9

External hub

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Machine 1

MicroFlex e100 Drives 10-16

10	11	12	13	14	15		16
NextMove e100						Machine 2
Controlled Node				MicroFlex e100 Drives 17-20

17 18 19 20

Figure 37 - Example multi-branch EPL network

MN1942 Input / Output 5-15