imc CRONOSflex Getting Started Version 1.8 - 08.01.2014
imc CRONOSflex
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Getting started
2.1 Internal system-bus: Network cables
For connecting the imc CRONOS
flex
Base Unit and multiple imc CRONOS
flex
Modules together to form a
single imc CRONOS
flex
system, besides the power supply an internal system bus is necessary. It is based
on standard network hardware and the real-time -Ethernet protocol “EtherCAT”. The bus has a line-
shaped topology where each module has both an input and output terminal to the bus. For modules
directly stacked by the click mechanism, the bus as well as the supply lines is connected by means of the
modules’ plug-in connectors. Accordingly, for the EtherCAT bus the system features priority and blocking
circuitry, which only enables the RJ45 network terminals provided for external cabling if no directly
docked module is detected. Indicator lights on the network terminals support the wiring process and
status diagnostics:
Network terminals and signal lights of the system bus (rear module panel)
Constant yellow lights on the terminals indicate the system expects connection of an external network or
patch cables, where the bus line originating at the base unit is connected at “IN” terminals and the line
leading outward to any further bus subscribers is connected to the “OUT” terminal.
The last imc CRONOS
flex
Module in the system’s “OUT” terminal then stays unoccupied; the bus is not
circuited as a ring.
Green flashing terminal lights indicate bus activity, not necessarily in the sense of actually proceeding
measurement but also in the sense of previously started modules which have recognized the neighboring
modules to which they are connected either via external cables or by direct module stacking. In this case,
the respective green-blinking RJ45 sockets are empty, and no longer occupied by cables.
