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7-6
Chapter 7: Computer Link Function
7
7-2 FL-net
[1] Description of the FL-net
(1) The FL-net concept
FL-net is an FA control network that uses an Ethernet protocol.
FL-net has a cyclic transfer function and a message transfer function.
The basic concepts of the FL-net are as follows.
1 Ethernet protocols are used for communication (physically and as conceptual data links)
between FA controllers.
2 A UDP/IP scheme compatible with the Ethernet is used. It establishes the basic data transfer
procedures.
3 While using the basic data transfer methods above, FL-net guarantees data transfer within a
specified time by managing and controlling (preventing conflicts) the access to communications
by each node in the network.
The goal of the FL-net is to control devices such as programmable controllers (PC), robot controllers
(RC), numeric control devices (CNC), and establish an FA control network that allows the exchange of
data between personal computers.
The figure below shows the conceptual arrangement of the FL-net.
Note: BCR; Bar Code Reader, ID: ID controller
The FL-net concept
EWS
Personal
computer
Server
Information network (Ethernet)
Gateway
Image
Robot
controller
PC
Nut
runner
NC
Printer
BCR
ID
Graphic
panel
FL-net
Field network
Sensor
actuator
Personal
computer
Personal
computer
Personal
computer