Baldor MicroFlex e100 Installation Manual - page 71
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Input / Output 5-17
MN1942
5.5.2 ETHERNET Powerlink
MicroFlex 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 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
Manager Node
‘Daisy chained’ network
MicroFlex e100
Drive
MicroFlex e100
Drive
MicroFlex e100
Drive
MicroFlex e100
Drive
Figure 41 - Simple daisy-chained EPL network
NextMove e100
Manager Node
Machine 1
MicroFlex e100 Drives 1-9
External hub
Machine 1
MicroFlex e100 Drives 10-16
NextMove e100
Controlled Node
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Machine 2
MicroFlex e100 Drives 17-20
10
Figure 42 - Example multi-branch EPL network