Eaton Electrical Cutler Hammer MN05001002E - Manual (Page 6)

Intelligent Technologies QCPort System Install Manual
November 2005
MN05001002E For more information visit www.eatonelectrical.com Page 6
Interconnectivity Using QCPort
Introducing QCPort
The interface demands on control devices continues to increase at a rapid pace. An
intelligent control device requires connection to configuration and monitoring tools,
operator interfaces, and other peripheral devices, as well as the option to connect to a
variety of industrial fieldbusses. At the same time, the intelligent devices continue to
shrink in size and cost, forcing distribution of the field connections that once were native
on the devices.
QCPort is a flexible interface port that integrates the many connectivity needs of the
intelligent device into a single device port for the means of control, setup, and
configuration. The integration of these capabilities provides interface options that are
powerful and cost effective. In addition to the interface functionality of QCPort, care has
been taken to insure that systems that connect via QCPort are simple to configure,
connect, and maintain.
QCPort Physical Characteristics
In an effort to use existing proven technology, QCPort uses the RS485 physical layer.
This physical layer is common to many industrial communication interfaces and has a
long and proven track record within industrial applications. QCPort is a four-wire system
where there is an A and B for signal and a +DC and Ground for device power.
Depending on the type of device interconnect and the distance between devices, there
are many choices for the type of interconnect physical media; these choices will be
discussed further in the manual.