Determining The Network Configuration - Omron Sysmac NJ Series User Manual

1 Introduction
 Communications Cables
Use a straight, shielded twisted-pair cable (double shielding with aluminum tape and braiding) of
Ethernet category 5 (100BASE-TX) or higher.
 ESI (EtherCAT Slave Information) File
The ESI files contain information unique to the EtherCAT slaves in XML format.
You can load an ESI file into the Sysmac Studio, to easily allocate slave process data and make
other settings.
 Unit Power Supplies
This power supply is for slave communications and internal operation.
 I/O Power Supply
This power supply is for I/O operations of external devices connected to the slaves.
Additional Information
With a CPU Unit with unit version 1.06 or later and Sysmac Studio version 1.07 or higher, you
can add NX-series Safety Control Units to the EtherCAT network.
You can use NX-series Safety Control Units on EtherCAT Slave Terminals to build a safety con-
trol system on EtherCAT.
1-2-2

Determining the Network Configuration

Determine the type, total number, and positions of slaves in the network. Check the total number of
slaves and the cable length between slaves based on the following workflow.
Design the network configuration.
Total number of slaves
is equal to or less than the
maximum number of slaves?
(see Note)
Design slave positions.
Length of cable
connecting slaves
100 m or less?
Note Refer to 1-3 Specifications of Built-in EtherCAT Port on page 1-10 for details on the maximum number of
slaves.
1-8
Start
No
Yes
No
Yes
End
Review the network
configuration.
Review the slave
positions.
NJ/NX-series CPU Unit Built-in EtherCAT Port User's Manual (W505)