11. Connection to other devices11.3 Setting up a NET11.3.1 Access on the NETThere can be a max. of 8 easyE4 devices in a single NET group.Access is based on various NET operands and function blocks.1. Network markers (N, NB, NW, ND) (cyclical access)Every single device in the group is allowed read access to the network markersof the other devices in the group. In addition, each device has write and readaccess to its own network markers. This makes it possible for each device toprovide up to 512 bits of data to the other stations in the group.2. RN and SN bit markers (cyclical access)The RN and SN operands make it possible to directly access the state of theoperands of another device on the NET. These operands are used to send andreceive Boolean values. Each station in the group has 32 RN (Receive NET) and32 SN (Sent NET) bit markers available.3. Transmitting double words with function blocks (acyclical access)Each easyE4 device in the group has 32 PUT (PT) manufacturer function blocksand 32 GET (GT) function blocks available for sending and receiving analog val-ues in an event-driven manner.4. NET synchronizationThe device blocks in the NET group can be synchronized – please refer to→ Section "Time and Date setting", page 482Compatibility with easyNETThe easyNET devices in the easy800 series use their own custom CAN-specific trans-mission. Accordingly, devices from the easy800 and easyE4 series cannot be phys-ically connected to each other.Existing .e60 programs can be migrated to .e70 programs for the easyE4 series. Whenyou do this, the easy800, devices that are used with the Remote I/O operating mode willbe converted to local expansions.11.3.2 Communication via NETA NET group can be made up of up to eight easyE4 base devices.Within the group, the easyE4 base devices can communicate with each other.If, however, you want devices to be able to communicate across groups, you will needto use a coordinator device that controls the corresponding communication with Mod-bus TCP.A total of ten NET groups (groups 1 through 10) can be run on a single Ethernet networkat one time. This is the equivalent of a maximum of 80 easyE4 base devices that cancommunicate with each other.The following list shows the operands that can be used within a group by every device:easyE4 11/18 MN050009 EN www.eaton.com 539
