11. Connection to other devices
11.3 Setting up a NET
11.3.1 Access on the NET
There can be a max. of 8 easyE4 devices in a single NET group.
Access is based on various NET operands and function blocks.
1. Network markers (N, NB, NW, ND) (cyclical access)
Every single device in the group is allowed read access to the network markers
of the other devices in the group. In addition, each device has write and read
access to its own network markers. This makes it possible for each device to
provide up to 512 bits of data to the other stations in the group.
2. RN and SN bit markers (cyclical access)
The RN and SN operands make it possible to directly access the state of the
operands of another device on the NET. These operands are used to send and
receive Boolean values. Each station in the group has 32 RN(Receive NET) and
32 SN (Sent NET) bit markers available.
3. Transmitting double words with function blocks (acyclical access)
Each easyE4 device in the group has 32 PUT (PT) manufacturer function blocks
and 32 GET (GT) function blocks available for sending and receiving analog val-
ues in an event-driven manner.
4. NET synchronization
The device blocks in the NET group can be synchronized – please refer to
→ Section "Time and Date setting", page 482
Compatibility with easyNET
The easyNET devices in the easy800 series use their own custom CAN-specific trans-
mission. Accordingly, devices from the easy800 and easyE4 series cannot be phys-
ically connected to each other.
Existing .e60 programs can be migrated to .e70 programs for the easyE4 series. When
you do this, the easy800, devices that are used with the Remote I/O operating mode will
be converted to local expansions.
11.3.2 Communication via NET
A NET group can be made up of up to eight easyE4 base devices.
Within the group, the easyE4 base devices can communicate with each other.
If, however, you want devices to be able to communicate across groups, you will need
to use a coordinator device that controls the corresponding communication with Mod-
bus TCP.
A total of ten NET groups (groups 1 through 10) can be run on a single Ethernet network
at one time. This is the equivalent of a maximum of 80 easyE4 base devices that can
communicate with each other.
The following list shows the operands that can be used within a group by every device:
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