Application guidelines, Application guidelines -17 – Rockwell Automation 1785-Lxxx Enhanced and Ethernet PLC-5 Programmable Controllers User Manual

Page 149

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Publication 1785-UM012D-EN-P - July 2005

Communicating with Devices on a DH+ Link 9-17

The following figure shows the effect of a personal computer on message
response time under various configurations.

Application Guidelines

Consider the following application guidelines when configuring a DH+ link
for your system.

Minimize the number of DH+ nodes to achieve acceptable response
times. Keep in mind the size and frequency of messages exchanged
between devices.

Limit the number of nodes on your network when you are trying to
achieve fastest control response time. You can establish separate DH+
networks to bring-on additional stations. Use a bridge to connect the
DH+ links.

When you connect a computer to the link for operator interface or a
third-party serial device to the DH+ link, select the fastest possible
serial interface communication rate.

Do not add or remove nodes from the network during machine or
process operation. If the network token resides with a device that is
removed, the token may be lost to the rest of the network. The network
is automatically re-established, but it could take several seconds. Control
would be unreliable or interrupted during this time.

A DH+ link has a 90 s timeout period; however, you can include
watchdog timers in logic programs for DH+ transfer of data (to provide
an orderly shutdown if failure occurs).

When possible, do not program controllers online during machine or
process operation. This could result in long bursts of DH+ activity that
could increase response time. See chapter 9 for more information.

When possible, add a separate DH+ link for programming controllers
to keep effects of the personal computer from the process DH+ link.

Number of PLC-5 Processors

Response

Time

(%)

Effect

on

50 W

100 W

250 W

500 W

+

X

W=Words

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Number of Controllers

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