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5-16 Input / Output MN1942
5.5 Ethernet interface
The Ethernet interface provides TCP/IP and ETHERNET Powerlink (EPL) networking capabilities.
5.5.1 TCP/IP
T ransmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is a common set of protocols used to
transfer information between devices over a network, including the internet. TCP enables two
devices to establish a connection, and guarantees the delivery of packets (datagrams) of
information in the correct order. IP specifies the format of the individual packets (which includes
the destination address of the receiving device) but has no influence on whether the packet is
delivered correctly .
TCP/IP allows the MicroFlex e100 to support standard Ethernet communication with a host PC
running Mint WorkBench. The connection uses Baldor’s high level ICM (Immediate Command
Mode) protocol to allow Mint commands, Mint programs and even firmware to be sent to the
controller over the Ethernet network.
When operating in standard Ethernet mode, TCP/IP cannot be used to communicate with a
controller on a daisy-chained network. This is due to cumulative timing errors caused by each
controller’s internal hub. It is necessary to connect the host PC to the controller either directly or
via a switch or hub, as shown in Figure 39. A switch is preferable to a hub as it will provide faster
performance when there is a large amount of data being transmitted.
Host PC
External switch
MicroFlex e100 drives
Figure 39 - Connecting to drives using TCP/IP in standard Ethernet mode
When operating in EPL mode, in conjunction with an EPL compatible router, the host PC can use
TCP/IP to communicate with controllers on a daisy-chained network. In this situation, the router
will use TCP/IP only within EPL’s asynchronous time slots. See the Mint help file for further
details.
Host PC
ETHERNET Powerlink
compatible router
NextMove e100
Master Node
MicroFlex e100 drives
Figure 40 - Connecting to daisy-chained drives using TCP/IP and EPL mode
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