1.1 Definition of Terms
Racks
1-3
1
Introduction
Racks
A Rack is a set of Units that are connected to each other.
Connection Example
Main Rack and Expansion Racks
You can add Units and Optional Modules to a Rack to expand functionality. However, if a restriction such
as the power supply capacity or number of Base Unit slots for one Rack is exceeded, you must add an
Expansion Rack.
You can achieve the following things by adding Units or Optional Modules to a Rack.
• Increase the number of Optional Modules that you can use.
• Increase the number of axes that are controlled.
• Use more than one CPU Unit to increase the speed of system response.
*
* You can not only add Expansion Racks, but you can also achieve more things by expanding the system.
• If you add an Expansion Rack, you can use Sub CPU synchronization under a Main CPU Unit.
• If you expand the system, you can use slave CPU synchronization with the CPU Units.
Refer to the following section for details on Sub CPU synchronization and slave CPU synchronization.
3.3 Multi-CPU Functions (page 3-94)
If you add Racks, the Racks are classified into the Main Rack and Expansion Racks.
The method for adding Expansion Racks depends on the number of CPU Units that you use.
*1. Refer to the following manual for details on the MP2200 Base Unit and EXIOIF Module.
MP2200 Series User’s Manual
(Manual No.: SIEP C880700 14)
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+
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Power
Supply Unit
CPU Unit
Optional Unit
Base Unit
Type
Description
Main Rack
The Main Rack contains the Main CPU Unit.
There can be only one Main Rack in any one system configuration.
Expansion
Racks
Expansion Racks are connected to the Main Rack.
You can connect up to six Expansion Racks to the Main Rack. (You can connect up to three
Expansion Racks by using a Rack Expansion Interface Unit and up to three Expansion Racks by
using EXIOIF Modules.)
Number of CPU Units in Use
Method to Add Expansion Racks
One CPU Unit
Use MP2200 Base Units and EXIOIF Modules (MP2000-series Optional Mod-
ules) to add Expansion Racks.
*1
Two CPU Units
Use one of the following methods.
• Method 1
Expand the Main Rack by connecting two CPU Units to it.
*2
• Method 2
Use a Rack Expansion Interface Unit to add Expansion Racks.
Three or more CPU Units
Use the following method 1 and method 2 together, or use only method 2.
• Method 1
Expand the Main Rack by connecting two CPU Units to it.
*2
• Method 2
Use a Rack Expansion Interface Unit to add Expansion Racks.