ABB NextMove e100 User Manual

4-26 Input / Output MN1941WEN
4.6.2 Ethernet POWERLINK
NextMove e100 supports the deterministic Ethernet POWERLINK (EPL) protocol. This
protocol provides very precise and predictable ‘real-time’ communication over a 100 Mbit/s
(100Base-T) Fast Ethernet (IEEE 802.3u) connection. This makes it suitable for the
transmission of control and feedback signals between the NextMove e100 and other EPL
enabled controllers such as MicroFlex e100. The EPL protocol implemented in Mint is based
on the CANopen DS402 Device Profile for Drives and Motion Control. The structure of the
physical network is informal so does not need to reflect the logical relationship between
nodes.
NextMove 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. Each node
introduces a delay of approximately 500 ns, so in time-critical applications this could limit the
number of nodes in a chain. Propagation delays due to cabling should also be considered.
Hubs may be used if necessary, but Ethernet switches must not be used in EPL networks as
their timing cannot be guaranteed.
Figure 28: Simple daisy-chained EPL network
Figure 29: Example multi-branch EPL network
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NextMove e100
Manager Node
NextMove e100
Controlled Node
NextMove e100
Controlled Node
NextMove e100
Controlled Node
123456789...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7...
1 2 3 4...
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NextMove e100
Manager Node
NextMove e100
Controlled Node
External hub
Machine 1
MotiFlex e100 drive group A (Controlled Nodes)
Machine 1
MotiFlex e100 drive group B (Controlled Nodes)
Machine 2
MotiFlex e100 drive group C (Controlled Nodes)

ABB NextMove e100 Specifications

General

Brand	ABB
Model	NextMove e100
Category	Controller
Language	English