User`s guide

Page 2

Controlinc 1746-C (Version 5.21) Network Master Users Guide (2004-11-18)

1. Introduction

1.1. Overview of 1746-C System

This document is intended for end users as a Guide in applying an EIM

AB 1746-C Network Master.

The software that enables network operation is called a communication

driver. It is used in conjunction with an Allen-Bradley 1746-BAS

module thereby creating the 1746-C network master module. The

1746-C allows an AB SLC-500 controller to acquire data from and send

information to an EIM Controlinc Actuator Network.

GENERAL SYSTEM PURPOSE:

The EIM 1746-C network master serves as a data concentrator for

applications that use an AB SLC-500 Programmable Logic Controller

(PLC). The 1746-C module must be located in a slot in the local

chassis (it cannot be mounted in a chassis that is remote from the SLC CPU).

In general, the network master off-loads

network communication and management

tasks from the actual controlling equipment.

The main function of the 1746-C is to provide

the interface between a PLC and its network of

valve actuators. Acting as a Host, the PLC

controls the network by sending data to the

1746-C for routing to a particular actuator.

The 1746-C network master polls the individual

actuators for information and makes it available

to the PLC when requested.

A typical ring topology network and network

master are illustrated in Figure 1. The 1746-C

module serves as a master within this Modbus

(Modbus RTU) master/slave network. The

module will manage network operation by

keeping an orderly cycle of data transfers

between itself and each slave (valve actuator).

Figure 1

SLC-500 with

1746-C installed

1746-C