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3.1
Introduction
Gateway is a Protocol Converter / Data sharer for devices like PLCs, inverters,
Controllers. Gateway has two serial ports that connect with two different devices.
These devices share data between themselves through Gateway. Gateway
communicates with a device to get the information required by the device
connected on the other port. The device that requires data is called Destination
Device and the device that provides data is call Source Device.
Information could be the value of a PLC register or the status of a PLC coil or
Command from Source Device to Destination Device. Data flow through
Gateway, which is controlled by the project, can be unidirectional as well as bi-
directional.
3.2
Project – PLCs, Register Address, Blocks,
Microsoft Windows based configuration software, Gateway Setup, helps user to
configure Gateway unit. `Configuration' means making the Gateway unit work as
per the system requirements. For example, Gateway can be configured to
transfer data between two devices by execution of blocks. The complete
configuration for a unit is termed as `Project'. Project comprises of device names,
Register addresses, Conditions for block execution etc.
Each register in a device memory has a unique address and this address can be
directly used in Gateway project.
Each action to be taken by Gateway, which is configured in a Project, is known
as a Block. Block may contain information like, copy number of Words, Bits etc
from Source device to Destination device.
After the Project is defined, Drivers for defined devices and Project should be
downloaded. Gateway now communicates with the connected devices and
transfers data between them.
3.3
Device communication
Gateway can communicate with any device without any change in the Gateway
hardware. To communicate with a device, Gateway needs:
1. Communication Drivers for the devices
2. Gateway – IBM PC communication cable for Configuration
3. Gateway - device communication cables
