Rockwell Automation 57C445 AutoMax PC Link Interface Module - Manual (Page 7)

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The products described in this manual are manufactured or
distributed by Reliance Electric Industrial Company.
This manual describes the AutoMax PC Link Interface module and its
associated software. The PC Link Interface module is designed to
make any ATĆbus personal computer function as a drop on the
DCS/AutoMax Network or the DCS/AutoMax Remote I/O network.
Multiple PC Link modules can be installed in a personal computer.
Each PC Link module is configured separately. The number of
modules is limited by the number of expansion slots available and
the amount of memory available on your personal computer.
When the Network Communication (RENET) software is loaded, the
PC Link Interface module is functionally equivalent to a Network
Communications module (M/N 57C404A). Data is organized on the
module using the same structure as the Network Communications
module. The PC Link Interface module can act as any valid drop,
except the Master (drop 0), and can have any valid drop depth. The
drop number and drop depth are assigned by the device driver
program (supplied by the user). Note that if you are using the PC
Link Interface module with the AutoMax Programming Executive
software (Version 3.3 or later), the drop depth of the module will be
set equal to 1 by the Programming Executive software. The diskette
provided with the PC Link module contains a README file that lists
the available PC Link device drivers. Refer to your device driver
documentation for information on assigning the drop number and
drop depth. Refer to the AutoMax Programming Executive instruction
manual (J2Ć3045) for how to use the PC Link module with the
Programming Executive software. Refer to Appendix D if you are
writing your own device driver.
When the Remote I/O Network (RERIO) software is loaded, the PC
Link Interface module functions like an AutoMax Remote I/O
Communications module (M/N 57C416). The module can be used in
two ways: as maintenance and monitoring tool (passive drop) or as a
remote I/O network drop simulator (active drop).
When used passively, the PC Link module can monitor all drops on a
remote I/O network drop, accessing the output data being sent from
the Master to the Slave drops as well as the input data being sent
from the Slave drops to the Master.
When used as a remote I/O network drop simulator, the PC Link
Interface module can be configured as an active drop which will
receive output data from the Master and send input data back to the
Master.
See section 4.2 for information on configuring remote I/O drops on
the PC Link module.