Rockwell Automation 1395 Multi-Comm Hardware/Software - Manual (Page 12)

3 Chapter
3–1
Configuration & PLC Interfacing
Chapter Objective
This chapter contains a general description of the MCA Board’s features
and functions. It is intended to provide background information to support
other procedures in this manual and help you to:
S Configure the Drive for use with the MCA Board
S Interface the Drive with an Allen-Bradley PLC Controller.
This chapter is not intended to be an all encompassing technical description
of the MCA Board.
This chapter will provide a functional overview of each interface provided
on the MCA board. Later chapters will describe in detail how to properly
connect, configure, and use these interfaces.
Terminology
A brief description of terms and concepts covered in this chapter are:
Channel – Refers to a serial communication link. The MCA
board contains two “channels”, each of which can be
configured as either Allen-Bradley RIO or DH+ type
communications.
Configuration – The process of linking sink to source parameters for
the purpose of distributing data within the Drive or
adapter(s). Fast parameters are those which are
updated rapidly. They are typically used for
transmitting real time data to and from the Drive. Fast
parameter values are not stored in non-volatile
memory. Actual armature current is an example of a
fast parameter.
Microbus – An internal Drive mechanism designed by
Allen-Bradley for exchanging information between
microprocessors. The Microbus is used to transfer
information between the MCA board and the Main
Control board.
Port – A physical location on the Drive reserved for the
connection of Adapter cards. Each Drive has two
ports. The ports are identified in firmware as “Port A”
and “Port B”.
Parameter – A memory location in the Drive or Adapter used to
store data. This data can be real time data and/or setup
information. Each parameter has an assigned number
and function. Parameters are displayed in engineering
units when viewed from program terminals.