Ether I/O 24 Users Manual V1.3
Elexol Pty Ltd Version 1.3
Page 8
http://www.elexol.com
E L E
X O L
E L E C T R O N I C
S O L U T I O N S
Application Features
The Ether I/O 24 has many unique features that enable its use in a great many
applications. This section will describe what makes the module ideal for many real world
situations.
Why should I use Ethernet?
Ethernet is the most prolific, most quickly growing and most common network standard
in the world. Over 50 million pieces of equipment are already installed on this network.
Ethernet is most commonly carried over inexpensive CAT-5 UTP cable; for longer runs
or where electrical interference is an issue, fiber optic cable and converters may be used.
Electricians and communication system installers are very familiar with Ethernet cable
systems and terminations, thus making it easy to find an experienced installer. Ethernet
infrastructure devices such as switches, media converters and routers are readily available
from numerous manufacturers and vendors.
Industrial Automation and Distributed I/O
High-speed inputs and outputs.
When used with a switched Ethernet network, the
module, with its high-speed inputs and outputs, provides a reliable and deterministic I/O
platform. The latency from command receipt to response transmission is less than 500
microseconds under all circumstances. If short I/O packets are used, the latency will
always be less than 200 microseconds. The high speed of the Ethernet interface to the
control system will allow for 160,000 inputs to be read per second or 500,000 outputs to
be controlled per second using off-the-shelf Ethernet switches and Ether I/O 24 modules.
Due to the nature of modern switched Ethernet and full duplex communications the
CSMA/CD system that plagued older, non-switched Ethernet networks with collisions,
packet loss and indeterminate transfer times, no longer provides an obstacle to
deterministic Ethernet communications.
AutoScan Mode.
The AutoScan mode of the module allows changes of input signals to
be sent to the host without the host having to poll the module. An onboard digital low
pass filter allows the module to screen out noisy electrical signals or switch contact noise
thereby removing this burden from the system controller. Using this mode also allows
one Ether I/O 24 to be connected directly to another Ether I/O 24 module by an Ethernet
or Internet link. The states of the ports on one module can be sent to the other module
without the need of a host system. Using this mode and two or more Ether I/O 24
modules, several or even hundreds of signals can be sent from one location to another by
low cost twisted pair cable up to 100 meters in length. By using readily available fiber-
optic converters this distance can be extended dramatically.
Programmable Power-Up State.
The module can be programmed to power up with all
its ports to a programmed state, thus if a machine needs to have certain devices enabled at
power up or if the machine designer desires all lamps to light in a lamp test, it is possible
for the module to accomplish this before the main control system is active.
