| Option Module |
Colour |
Name |
|
|
Beige |
SM-
Ethernet |
|
Overview
The SM-Ethernet is an option module that can be fitted to the expansion slot(s) in any of
the following drives to provide Ethernet slave connectivity:
• Unidrive SP
• Commander SK
In the case of Unidrive SP it is possible to use more than one Ethernet module or a
combination of SM-Ethernet and other Solution Modules to add additional functionality
such as extended I/O, gateway functionality, or additional PLC features.
The following list gives an overview of the functionality available within SM-Ethernet.
• Single RJ45 connectivity with support for shielded twisted pair
• 10/100Mbs Ethernet with auto-negotiation
• Full and half duplex operation with auto-negotiation
• Auto crossover detection
• TCP/IP
• Modbus TCP/IP
• Embedded web pages for configuration
• Event driven E-mail generation
• SyPTPro over Ethernet
• OPC server
• CTSoft over Ethernet
• Static IP configuration or DHCP client
• SMTP
• SNTP
• Firmware updates over Ethernet using FTP or web pages
• User defined web pages
• Integrated security
• 4kV impulse isolation
• Help files integrated into the module
• Multiple language support
• Ethernet/IP (earlier models will require a firmware upgrade, contact your local Drive Centre for details)
EtherNet/IP is now available as a standard protocol on all SM-Ethernet option modules.
Key Features
- Both cyclic and explicit messaging is supported.
- Configuration is via simple web interface – Mapping parameters are selected by simply dragging and dropping.
- Up to 160 bytes of cyclic data can be transferred in each direction.
- AC Drive profile is supported.
- Requested Packet Interval (cyclic data rate) down to 2ms (depending on quantity and destination/source of cyclic data).
- Simple firmware upgrade to the
SM-Ethernet Module.
- Works in parallel with Modbus TCP/IP, FTP, SNTP etc.
- Works on SP & SK
 
SM-Ethernet - Front View
The terminal functions are given in the table below.
SM-Ethernet module layout
Spade Connector
|
|
| Link / Activity |
O |
O |
Module Status |
| Speed (on= 100Mbs) |
O |
O |
Flash Access |
|
SM-Ethernet Pin out details
RJ45 Terminal |
Internal Crossover Disabled
(Prmm.43=0) |
Internal Crossover Enabled
(Prmm.43=1) |
1 |
Transmit +Ve |
Receive +Ve |
2 |
Transmit -Ve |
Receive -Ve |
3 |
Receive +Ve |
Transmit +Ve |
4 |
- |
- |
5 |
- |
- |
6 |
Receive -Ve |
Transmit -Ve |
7 |
- |
- |
8 |
- |
- |
Network topology
Hubs
A hub provides a basic connection between network devices. Each device is connected
to one port on the hub. Any data sent by a device is then sent to all ports (floods) on the
hub.
The use of hubs is not recommended for use within control systems due to the
increased possibility of collisions. Collisions can cause delays in data transmission and
are best avoided, in severe cases a single node can prevent other nodes on the same
hub (or collision domain) from accessing the network.
If using hubs or repeaters you must ensure that the path variability value and
propagation equivalent values are checked. This is however beyond the scope of this
guide.
Switches
Switches offer a better solution to hubs as after initially learning the addresses of
connected devices the switch will only send data to the port that has the addressed
device connected to it, thus preventing excessive traffic. The difference in price between
the hub and a switch means that in almost all cases the switch is the preferred choice.
Some managed switches allow the switching of data to be controlled and monitored, this
may be of particular importance on large or high performance systems.
Routers
A router is used to communicate between two physical networks (or subnets) and
provides some degree of security by allowing only defined connections between the two
networks. A typical use would be connecting the office and manufacturing networks or
connecting a network to an I.S.P (Internet Service Provider). A router is sometimes
known as a gateway as it provides a “gateway” between two networks. It is generally
recommended that a Firewall is used when connecting networks as this provides
additional security features.
Firewalls
A firewall allows separate networks to be connected together in a similar way to a router.
The firewall however offers significantly more security features and control. Typical
features include address translation, port filtering, protocol filtering, URL filtering, port
mapping, service attack prevention, monitoring and virus scanning. This is usually the
preferred method of allowing traffic from a manufacturing network to the business
network. The setup and installation of the firewall should be done by a suitably qualified
engineer and is beyond the scope of this guide.
VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a method of using a non-secure or public network
that allows devices to be connected together as if they were connected on a private
network. A typical example would be the connection of two remote offices such as
London and New York. Each office would require a high speed Internet connection and
a Firewall (or VPN device). In order to configure the VPN, encryption keys are
exchanged so that both offices can communicate. The data is then sent across the
Internet (or shared network) in an encrypted form, giving the illusion of a single
connected network (speed limitations may apply). This is generally used as a low cost
alternative to a private leased line. Configuration of VIPs is beyond the scope of the
document.
Typical network connections
Single PC to SM-Ethernet
Connecting a PC to a single SM-Ethernet requires the use of a crossover cable. This allows the two devices to communicate without the need to change any settings on SM-Ethernet or the use of a hub.

Single PC to multiple SM-Ethernet using a single switch
Connecting multiple SM-Ethernet modules should be done using an industrial grade
switch. Each SM-Ethernet or PC is connected to the switch using a standard RJ45 lead
(non-crossover).

Single PC to multiple SM-Ethernet using more than one switch
When using more than one switch ensure that the cable connecting the switches is of
the correct type. This will normally be a crossover cable, unless the switch supports
auto crossover or has a switch to convert the socket. If this is the case a standard (noncrossover)
lead may be used. Please consult the documentation supplied with the
switch for more information.

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