Data Sheet

Ether I/O 24R Users Manual V1.1
Elexol Pty Ltd Version 1.1 Page 8 http://www.elexol.com
ELEXOL
ELECTRONIC SOL UT IONS
Application Features
The Ether I/O 24 has many unique features that enable its use in a great many applications. This
section will describe what makes the module ideal for many real world situations.
Why should I use Ethernet?
Ethernet is the most prolific, most quickly growing and most common network standard in the
world. Over 50 million pieces of equipment are already installed on this network. Ethernet is
most commonly carried over inexpensive CAT-5 UTP cable; for longer runs or where electrical
interference is an issue, fiber optic cable and converters may be used. Electricians and
communication system installers are very familiar with Ethernet cable systems and terminations,
thus making it easy to find an experienced installer. Ethernet infrastructure devices such as
switches, media converters and routers are readily available from numerous manufacturers and
vendors.
Industrial Automation and Distributed I/O
High-speed inputs and outputs.
When used with a switched Ethernet network, the module,
with its high-speed inputs and outputs, provides a reliable and deterministic I/O platform. The
latency from command receipt to response transmission is less than 500 microseconds under all
circumstances. If short I/O packets are used, the latency will always be less than 200
microseconds. The high speed of the Ethernet interface to the control system will allow for
160,000 inputs to be read per second or 500,000 outputs to be controlled per second using off-the-
shelf Ethernet switches and Ether I/O 24 modules. Due to the nature of modern switched Ethernet
and full duplex communications the CSMA/CD system that plagued older, non-switched Ethernet
networks with collisions, packet loss and indeterminate transfer times, no longer provides an
obstacle to deterministic Ethernet communications.
AutoScan Mode.
The AutoScan mode of the module allows changes of input signals to be sent
to the host without the host having to poll the module. An onboard digital low pass filter allows
the module to screen out noisy electrical signals or switch contact noise thereby removing this
burden from the system controller. Using this mode also allows one Ether I/O 24 to be connected
directly to another Ether I/O 24 module by an Ethernet or Internet link. The states of the ports on
one module can be sent to the other module without the need of a host system. Using this mode
and two or more Ether I/O 24 modules, several or even hundreds of signals can be sent from one
location to another by low cost twisted pair cable up to 100 meters in length. By using readily
available fiber-optic converters this distance can be extended dramatically.
Programmable Power-Up State.
The module can be programmed to power up with all its
ports to a programmed state, thus if a machine needs to have certain devices enabled at power up
or if the machine designer desires all lamps to light in a lamp test, it is possible for the module to
accomplish this before the main control system is active.