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Features
Hardware Features
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Standard-feature EtherCAT Control Network Support
All CPU Units provide an EtherCAT master port for EtherCAT communications.
EtherCAT is an advanced industrial network system that achieves faster
, more-efficient communi-
cations. It is based on Ethernet. Each node achieves a short fixed communications cycle time by
transmitting Ethernet frames at high speed.
The standard-feature EtherCAT control network allows you to connect all of the devices required
for machine control (e.g., I/O systems, Servo Drives, Inverters, and machine vision) to the same
network.
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Support for EtherCAT Slave Terminals
You can use EtherCAT Slave Terminals to save space. You can also flexibly build systems with the
wide variety of NX Units.
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Achieving a Safety Subsystem on EtherCAT
You can use NX-series Safety Control Units to integrate safety controls in a sequence and motion
control system as a subsystem on EtherCAT.
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Standard-feature EtherNet/IP Communications Port
A CPU Unit provides an EtherNet/IP communications port for EtherNet/IP communications as a
standard feature.
EtherNet/IP is a multi-vendor industrial network that uses Ethernet. You can use it for networks be-
tween Controllers or as a field network. The use of standard Ethernet technology allows you to con-
nect to many different types of general-purpose Ethernet devices.
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Built-in I/O Available
The Controller has the built-in I/O. You can connect small I/O devices inside the control panel at a
low cost.
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NX-series Units Connectable
Up to eight NX Units including NX-series Digital I/O Units, Analog I/O Units, and other I/O Units can
be connected to the CPU Unit.
Precautions for Correct Use
You cannot mount NX-series Safety Control Units on the CPU Unit and use them. Use NX-ser-
ies Safety Control Units as a subsystem on EtherCAT
.
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Option Boards Connectable
One or two Option Boards to add the serial communications or analog I/O function can be connect-
ed to the CPU Unit.
The Serial Communications Option Board enables you to connect general-purpose components
such as a bar code reader.
1 Introduction to NX-series Controllers
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NX-series NX1P2 CPU Unit Hardware User’s Manual (W578)
1-1 The NX-series Controller
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1-1-1 Features