DeviceNet: Optimising industrial networking
DeviceNet is an innovative industrial network system that enables a
wide range of devices to be easily networked and managed remotely.
Everything - from PLCs and remote I/O, to fibre optic sensors, vision
systems controllers, servos and inverters - can be seamlessly integrated
into DeviceNet, making it one of the best industrial field busses around. As a founding member of
ODVA, Omron is one of the companies
that integrates DeviceNet interfaces into its many core products.
All of Omron’s products are optimised for seamless integration into
a DeviceNet system. You can configure Omron’s devices over the
network on-the-fly, and add a device or machine to a production line
without powering down. DeviceNet is a flexible network, designed to
accommodate your growing needs.
Easy to use software
Omron’s DeviceNet configuration software is specially developed to
integrate products in a more user-friendly way than in other bus systems. Omron’s DeviceNet units have a default mode that enables
you to set the addresses, plug the products in and watch everything run. The configuration software allows you to monitor and fine-tune
the DeviceNet products in your network for optimum operation. The
products are literally plug-and-play, and the software is drag-and-drop.
Nothing could be easier.
ODVA and Omron –setting the standards
DeviceNet is based on open standards and specifications defined
by the Open DeviceNet Vendors Association (ODVA), a consortium
whose main task is to promote DeviceNet
world-wide. Omron is a founding member of ODVA and a leading
player in promoting DeviceNet, and is dedicated to producing and
improving products that work with DeviceNet. All Omron products are
ODVA certified, making them fully DeviceNet compatible. Thanks to
ODVA’s strong conformance testing policies, DeviceNet also ensures
the interchangeability and interoperability of control devices from
hundreds of manufacturers world-wide.
Overview of DeviceNet
Two types of communications are supported:
1) Remote I/O communications that automatically transfer I/O between
slaves and the CPU Unit to which a DeviceNet Unit is mounted without
any special programming in the CPU Unit.
2) Message communications that read/write messages, control operation,
or perform other functions for other CPU Units to which a Device-
Net Unit is mounted and slaves. Message communications are
achieved by executing specific instructions (CMND) from the program
in the CPU Unit to which the DeviceNet Unit is mounted.
The following functions are supported by a CS/CJ-series DeviceNet Unit.
• I/O area words can be flexibly allocated for remote I/O Master and
Slave communication.
• Multiple DeviceNet Units can be mounted on a single PLC. Fixed (automatic) allocations are possible for up to three DeviceNet
Units.
• More than one DeviceNet master unit can be connected to a single
network. With the DeviceNet Configurator, remote I/O can be allocated
in any order, i.e., not necessarily in the order of node addresses.
Note: When the DeviceNet configurator is connected through a dedicated
Board or Card it uses one node address in the DeviceNet network. It does not use a node address if it is connected
throuogh the serial port of the PLC.
A CS/CJ-series DeviceNet Unit can function as either a master or slave
in remote I/O communication. Both can be used simultaneously.
With a CS/CJ-series DeviceNet Unit, the DeviceNet network can be
treated exactly like a Controller Link, Ethernet, or other network for
message communications or remote programming and monitoring by a
CX-Programmer.
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