Displaying channels in InfoData (Include Channels)

It may be helpful if the controller/PLC knows which channel of an IO module (terminal, box) it is using. Examples:

• A 4-channel EL3104 analog input terminal is used. In the controller, a function block (FB) accepts the data. The FB expects the information on which channel of the EL3104 it is linked to, e.g. the 3rd or 4th channel.
• A module has technologically different channels and the control expects the information to which technology channel it is linked.
  Example: In the standard setting, the EL3356 analog bridge terminal operates as a 1-channel load terminal and outputs the measured weight in kg. Alternatively, it can be reconfigured to 2-channel voltage measurement (supply voltage and bridge voltage). The terminal thus offers a total of three channels for use (although not all of them simultaneously).

Solution: In TwinCAT 2.11 and 3, the channels of a module can be displayed in the info data.

TwinCAT then shows linkable channels:

The content of the bytes is fixed and cannot be changed, which is the consecutive channel number.

Background:

• TwinCAT is orientated on the profile information in the ESI file → "Profiles". For modules that do not (yet) have this information in the ESI, the channels cannot be activated.

In the Advanced Settings of the EtherCAT Master the following information is displayed, if the channels are activated in one of the slaves.