Rockwell Automation 1395 ControlNet Communication Board - Manual (Page 15)

Chapter
3
Publication 1395–5.37– March, 1999
Configuration & PLC Interfacing
Chapter Objective This chapter contains a general description of the CNA 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 ControlNet Adapter 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 CNA Board.
This chapter will provide a functional overview of each interface
provided on the CNA 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.
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.
ControlNet Network – A communication architecture that allows
the exchange of data between
Allen-Bradley Company, Inc. products and
certified third party products.
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.