Question:
Why doesn't fieldbus process data communication function any longer after downloading a parameter set?
Why are new PDO mapping indices assigned after a 9400 Highline Engineer compilation process?
Answer:
From Engineer 2.14 onwards, the assignment of PDO mapping indices has been modified and adapted in compliance with the corresponding standards. For earlier Engineer versions, subindex 0 was used as first PDO mapping index. According to CANopen, EtherCAT and Ethernet Powerlink specifications, this is not permitted. Subindex 0 must not contain any PDO mapping. It indicates how many subindices the index has.
The PDO mapping indices are part of the 9400 HighLine parameter set and used as variable transfer to the 9400 application, so that the corresponding Engineer project also belongs to the parameter set.
Scenario 1:
- A project was created using an Engineer < 2.14.
- An Engineer 2.14 or higher is used to open the project.
- The project is recompiled with the Engineer.
- Only the parameter set is transferred. The recompiled project is not transferred.
- As long as the mains for the 9400 is not switched, the old PDO mapping will be effective and, accordingly, internal communication between the PDOs and the internal application variables will work perfectly. If the mains for the 9400 HighLine is switched, the newly transferred parameter set will be loaded and, accordingly, the internal communication between PDOs and application variables will no longer match. Customers will note this because no more process data is sent and received and all data is zero.
Remedy:
After recompiling the project, the Engineer project has to be transferred as well and not only the parameter set.
Scenario 2:
- An Engineer < 2.14 was used to export a parameter set, e. g. for data backup.
- The parameter set is imported into an Engineer project 2.14 or higher.
- Unless a new compilation process is carried out, there will be a discrepancy between the Engineer project and the imported parameter set.
Remedy:
Recompile the Engineer project and transfer project and parameter set.
