EK9300 - multi-configuration mode

Description

Multi-configuration mode enables users to operate different hardware, e.g. a EK9300 with varying EtherCAT Terminals, with the same project configuration.

This description uses EtherCAT Terminals (ELxxxx) in the examples. The same principle applies to EtherCAT Box modules (EPxxxx).

Task

The machine manufacturer has a machine, which is to be sold with different options. The options are usually additional signals to be processed and logged, for which additional terminals are required.

For all these options the project configuration should be retained and only be varied via the software. The actual machine options are included in the parameterization.

Solution

The multi-configuration mode is used to configure the maximum number of options in the project configuration. If the machine has less than the maximum number of options, EtherCAT Terminals can be omitted, since these signals are not required. Although unused EtherCAT Terminals are included in the maximum project configuration, they can be disabled by the controller, so that the hardware and the parameterized configuration match again. As soon as this is done, the EK9300 switches to normal data exchange.

Advantage

Less effort for creating and maintaining projects, since the same project configuration can be used for different hardware.

Sample

The standard machine configuration, without options, consists of:

• 1 x EK9300
• 2 x EL2004
• 2 x EL1004
• 1 x EL5051

The following options can be added:

• With energy monitoring for logging the energy consumption: additionally an EL3403
• With automatic adjustable axis: additionally an EL7047
• With temperature measurement: additionally an EL3314

The maximum configuration (with optional terminals shown in italics) then looks as follows:

• 1 x EK9300
• 2 x EL2004
• 2 x EL1004
• 1 x EL5051
• 1 x EL3314
• 1 x EL7047
• 1 x EL3403

It is this maximum configuration that is reflected in the hardware configuration.

If the machine is ordered without options, the terminals EL3314, EL7047 and EL3403 have to be disabled in the project configuration. The EK9300 is notified of the record data (acyclic communication) to indicate which terminals are no longer required. The terminals are identified via their position.
Without options, two KL2004 are present (at position 1 and 2), two EL1004 (at position 3 and 4) and one EL5051 (at position 5). The terminals at positions 6, 7 and 8 (optional terminals) must be disabled.

If the machine is ordered with the option "automatic adjustable axis", only terminals 6 and 8 have to be disabled.

Position of optional terminals Optional terminals can be connected at any position and may be disabled. They do not necessarily have to be located at the end, as shown in the example.

First steps

In order to enable the EK9300 to operate in multi-configuration mode, MultiConfigurationMode must be set to "TRUE" in the DAP (device access point).

There are two possible setting options.

Option 1

This is perhaps a version for testing, since the hardware configuration must be adjusted, which should preferably be avoided.

In the DAP there is a MultiConfigurationMode setting with the slots. Here you can disable EtherCAT Terminals, which are configured but not present.

For some PROFINET controllers this must happen on startup, while other PROFINET controllers enable it to occur at runtime, which simplifies testing significantly. Disabling/enabling of terminals at runtime is a feature of the PROFINET controller and may or may not be possible in practice, depending on the manufacturer of the PROFINET controller.

Option 2

The configuration is sent by the PLC via the record data. Here too, the manufacturers offer different options. Contact the manufacturer of your PROFINET controller, if you have any queries.
A requirement for option 2 is that your PROFINET controller allows and supports access to the record data.

* For some PROFINET controllers these data are automatically taken from the GSDML and do not have to be configured.

Procedure

Once the station has been configured, the following steps are required.

If the machine is ordered with the maximum configuration (with all options), generally no action is required, since the hardware matches the project configuration.

If one of the options is not included, then hardware and project planning differ. The PROFINET coupler indicates this via the message "Module difference".
Now disable the terminals, which are not present. When this is done, the message "Module Difference" is removed from the coupler. If the message "Module Difference" remains, you may have the wrong slot or too few slots disabled.

No subslots Subslots are not counted and cannot be used for the multi-configuration mode. Only slots can be used, irrespective of a module using subslots or not.

No Shared Device The Shared Device feature cannot be used when the multi-configuration mode is used.

No pack or (*) terminals Pack or (*) terminals cannot be used in multi-configuration mode.