Configuring EtherNet/IP Connections
Original instructions
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Overview
An EtherNet/IP connection provides a communication link between two or more devices. Properties for a single connection can be configured in the DTMs for the connected devices.
The following example presents settings for a connection between the Ethernet communication module and a remote STB NIC 2212 network interface module. Configuration edits are made to the DTMs for each device.
When making DTM edits, disconnect the selected DTM from the actual module or device.
Accessing the Connection Information
View the connection information tabs:
Step
Action
1
Double-click the DTM for the BMENOC0301 in slot 3 (<192.168.20.10> BMENOC0301_slot3) to access the configuration.
NOTE: This example uses a BMENOC0301 module. Use the same instructions for other M580 communications modules (like the BMENOC0311 or BMENOC0321).
2
In the navigation tree, expand the Device List to see the associated local slave instances.
3
Expand (+) the device that corresponds to the name NIC2212_01.
4
Select Read Input/ Write Output Data to see the Connection Settings and Connection Information tabs.
Connection Settings
Control Expert automatically creates a connection between a communication module and remote device when the remote device is added to the Control Expert project. Thereafter, many edits to the connection can be made in the DTM for the remote device. However, some of the connection parameters can also be configured in the DTM for the communication module, as demonstrated below.
Edit these parameters on the Connection Settings tab. Use settings that are appropriate to your application:
Parameter
Description
Connection Bit
The (read-only) offset for both the health bit and the control bit for this connection. Offset values are auto-generated by the Control Expert DTM.
Request Packet Interval (RPI)
The refresh period for this connection in ms (2 ... 65535). Default = 12 ms. Enter 30 ms.
NOTE: This parameter can be set in the DTM for the communication module or the remote device.
Time-out Multiplier
This setting, multiplied against the RPI, produces a value that triggers an inactivity timeout. Setting selections include: x4, x8, x16, x32, x64, x128, x256 and x512.
For this example, accept the default (x4).
NOTE: To view the Time-out Multiplier parameter, confirm that Control Expert is operating in Advanced Mode.
Input Fallback Mode
This value is Set To Zero when communication is lost.
NOTE: The connection Information page is read-only when the communication module is selected. This information needs to be set in the DTM for the remote device.
Click OK to save your settings.
Configuring Connection Settings in the Remote Device DTM
Connections between a communication module and remote device can be created and edited in the DTM for the remote device.
In this example, the following configuration edits are made to the connection that Control Expert automatically created, when the remote device was added to the project. Use settings that are appropriate for your actual application:
Step
Action
1
In the DTM Browser, expand the master DTM for the BMENOC0301 in slot 3 (<192.168.20.10> BMENOC0301_slot3).
2
Double-click the device DTM that corresponds to the name NIC2212_01 to open the configuration window.
3
To view the connection type, expand NIC2212_01 in the navigation pane.
If the connection type is not of the type Read Input / Write Output Data, delete the existing connection and add a new one: a. Select the connection in the left pane. b. Click the Remove Connection button to remove the existing connection. c. Click the Add Connection button to open the Select the connection to add dialog. d. Scroll to the Read Input / Write Output Data connection type. e. Click OK to close the Select the connection to add dialog and add the new connection node to the NIC2212_01. f. Click Apply to save the new connection and leave the configuration window open.
General Tab
In the navigation pane, select Read Input / Write Output Data to see the General tab:
Edit the settings in the General tab:
Parameter
Description
RPI
The refresh period for this connection. Accept the value of 30 ms. (This parameter can be set in the DTM for the communication module or the remote device.)
Input size
The number of bytes (0 ... 509) configured in the STB NIC 2212 module. For this example, enter 19 to reserve 20 bytes of input memory.
Input mode
Transmission type:
  • Multicast
  • Point to Point
For this example, accept the default (Multicast).
Input type
Ethernet packet type (fixed or variable length) to be transmitted. (Only Fixed length packets are supported.)
Input priority
The transmission priority value depends upon the device DTM. These are the available values:
  • Low
  • High
  • Scheduled
For this example, accept the default selection (Scheduled).
NOTE: For remote modules that support more than one priority value, you can use this setting to specify the order in which the Ethernet communication module handles packets. For more information, refer to the topic describing QoS packet prioritization.
Input trigger
These are the available transmission trigger values:
  • Cyclic
  • Change of state or application
For input I/O data, select Cyclic.
Output size
The number of bytes configured in the STB NIC 2212 module in increments of 4 bytes (2 words). For this example, enter 6 to reserve 8 bytes of output memory.
Output mode
Accept the default (Point to Point).
Output type
(Read-only). Only Fixed length packets are supported.
Output priority
Accept the default (Scheduled).
Click Apply to save your settings and leave the window open.
Identity Check Tab
Use the Identity Check tab to set rules for comparing the identity of the network devices (as defined by their DTM or EDS files) against the identity of the actual network device:
Use the Check Identity parameter to set the rules that the BMENOC0301 uses to compare the configured versus the actual remote device:
Edit the settings in the Identity Check tab:
Parameter
Description
Compatibility Mode
True: For each of the following selected tests, the DTM/EDS and remote device need only be compatible.
False: For each of the following selected tests, the DTM/EDS and remote device need to match exactly.
Compatibility Mode
Make a selection for each of these parameters:
  • Compatible: Include the parameter in the test.
  • Not checked: The parameter is not included in the test.
Minor Version
Major Version
Product Code
Product Type
Product Vendor
Click OK to save your settings and close the window.
The next step is to configure the I/O settings.