EM58 • HS58 • HM58 POWERLINK
Communication Network Management (SCNM). SCNM is managed and
supervised by exactly one particular networked device – the Managing Node
(MN, e.g. the Master) – which includes the MN functionality. All other nodes (up
to 240) are called Controlled Nodes (CN, e.g the Slave) and are deployed in
various topologies (networks may have a star, tree, daisy chain or ring structure,
or any combination of these topologies). Find further information in the “6.5
POWERLINK nodes” section on page 63.
6.2 Physical layer
POWERLINK is a protocol residing on top of the standard IEEE 802.3 MAC layer.
The physical layer is 100Base-X (copper and fiber, see IEEE 802.3). Half-Duplex
transmission mode is used.
POWERLINK uses Ethernet as it is, without any modifications. Hence any
advancement in Ethernet Technology can be exploited (e.g. Gigabit Ethernet).
To increase noise immunity only S/FTP or SF/FTP cables must be used (CAT-5).
The maximum cable length (100 meters) predefined by Ethernet 100Base-TX
must be compulsorily fulfilled.
EPL recommends the use of hubs to fit POWERLINK jitter requirements.
Switches may be used to build a POWERLINK network.
It has to be considered that any POWERLINK network constructed with anything
but Class 2 Repeater Devices does not conform to the POWERLINK standard.
Refer also to the “Electrical connections” section on page 29.
6.3 Reference model
POWERLINK-based networks use the following reference model.
MAN EM58_HS58_HM58 PL E 1.1.odt
POWERLINK interface
62 of 108