mNet
The iNetGrow architecture treats each controller as a peer
device with its own IP address on the LAN. Each controller has its own network that links the modules
under its control. This network of
modules is called the mNet. Note
that each module has several inputs and outputs. The modules are called “smart I/O modules” since they
process some of the information before passing it on to the controller (see Concepts).
Each controller and its smart I/O modules are collectively referred to
as a control unit (see diagram).
Each controller has four (4)
mNet ports. mNet ports are
standard RJ-45 sockets. Standard
eight-conductor straight-through Ethernet cables (Category 5) are used for the
mNet connections. Each smart I/O
module has two RJ-45 sockets. This
allows the I/O modules to be daisy-chained (see diagram). A chain of up to four smart I/O modules
may be connected to each one of the four controller ports. This gives a total of up to 16 smart
I/O modules per controller.
The mNet cables conduct signals
and power. When smart I/O Modules
are daisy-chained, they receive power from the upstream modules, and eventually
from the controller. In addition,
each smart I/O module has a power plug.
If a power supply is attached to a smart I/O module, it disconnects the
power input from the upstream.
Power to that module and all the downstream modules are then provided by
the newly inserted power supply (see diagram and
Power Supply).
© Rigel Corporation iNetGrow 2003-2006. All rights reserved.