How can I find out the Connection Points / Assembly Instances from the EDS File?

27 Jul 2022

This article shows how to use Connection Points/Assembly Instances according to the EDS File. 

APPLICABLE PRODUCTS 

Anybus Ethernet/IP Scanner Gateway Group.

 

HOW TO USE CONNECTION POINTS?

The Assembly instances are needed on the local webpage of the EIP Scanner Gateway to set the Connection Parameters for a Class 1 Ethernet/IP connection. (Process Data Connection/ I/O Connection/ also called implicit Messaging in Ethernet/IP) 

The Originator is the Ethernet/IP Scanner (Master) the Target is the Ethernet/IP Adapter (Slave) 

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User Manuals 

Normally the User manual of the Ethernet/IP server contains information on the Assembly instances. 

 

Who Sends Data to whom? 

Scanner 

Adapter 

Originator -> Target 

Scanner (Master) ->  Adapter (Slave) 

Writes (Output) 

Reads (Output*) 

Target -> Originator 

Adapter (Slave) -> Scanner (Master) 

Reads (Input) 

Writes (Input*) 

 

*Depending how this is Documented in the Adapter Documentation. Output might be the Output from the Adapter or the Scanner View-Point. Typically it is documented from the Scanner View-Point even in the Adapter (Slave): 

The terms ‘input’ and ‘output’ are defined from the controller’s [=Scanner/Master] point of view. Therefore, output I/O is data that is produced by the controller and consumed by the adapter. 

(Source Rockwell EIP Adapter Manual) 

 

Tipp: If the connection doesn’t establish it is a good idea to switch the Assembly instances between Output and Input. 

The Entry in a User-Manual of an EIP Adapter might look like this: 

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If there is no config assembly you can leave   on 1. 

 

EDS-Files 

The Eds File is standardized and specified so it is easier to find and always documented in the same way (so it can be made machine-readable). 

Open the eds File with a Text editor (like Notepad++) 

Search for the section [Connection Manager]  

If there are several Connection’s– check for “exclusive owner” 

 

How to enter it on the local webpage of the X-Gateway-Ethernet IP Scanner: 

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Tipp:  

  1. If the connection doesn’t establish it is a good idea to switch the Assembly instances between Output and Input.  
  2. Depending on the Adapter or its settings, the Data size needs might need to be exactly the right size and if you put even one byte too much or to less the connection can’t establish. (this can be called fixed vs variable I/O Match or exact I/O Match depending on the Manufacturer)