The Ethernet Interface allows you to directly attach the Series 90-70 PLC to an Ethernet LAN via a user-supplied transceiver and AUI cable, and to communicate with other PLCs, hosts, and other control devices on the network.
The Ethernet Interface for the Series 90-70 PLC has ªclient/serverºcapability. As a ªcli- entº it can initiate communications with other Series 90 PLCs containing Ethernet Inter- faces. This is done from the PLC ladder program using the COMMREQ function. As a ªserverº it responds to requests from other devices such as Logicmaster 90-70 TCP/IP Ethernet, a Host computer running a Host Communications Toolkit application, or another Series 90 PLC acting as a ªclientº. No PLC programming is required for server operation.
The Ethernet Interface
An operational Ethernet Interface consists of the Ethernet controller board with resident firmware and the Ethernet Interface software downloaded from the GEnet System Manager. (It is the TCP/IP-Ethernet software that distinguishes this product from the similar MMS- Ethernet product.) The Ethernet controller board provides a physical connection from the PLC to the Ethernet LAN. It also is shipped with on±board diagnostics, a download program to complement the downloader on the GEnet System Manager, and a utility pro- gram that permits testing the cable plant. The controller board becomes a fully function- al communications interface only after downloading additional software from the GEnet System Manager.
Capabilities of the Ethernet Interface
The Ethernet Interface brings to your PLC a great deal of capability. It will allow you to:
HDirectly attach your PLC to an Ethernet network. The Ethernet Interface allows you to directly attach the Series 90-70 PLC to an Ethernet LAN via a user-supplied transceiver and AUI cable, and to communicate with host computers and other Series 90 PLCs on the local network.
HTransfer data between PLCs. The Ethernet Interface provides client capability, the capability to initiate communications to other Series 90 Ethernet Interfaces, using COMMREQ functions in the ladder program.
HAccess data using a Host Computer. Computer applications which use the GE Fanuc Host Communications Toolkit can access data within the Series 90-70 PLC through the server capability of the Ethernet Interface. Supported computer operating systems include Windowstfor Workgroups, Windows NTt, HP-UX 9000, DEC VAX/VMSt, and DEC Alpha AXP/VMSt.
HCommunicate simultaneously to multiple devices. The multiplexing capabilities of the Ethernet Interface, along with Ethernet network's high capacity, allow the PLC to communicate with several other devices at the same time.
tWindows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
tDEC, VAX, Alpha AXP, and VMS are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.
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