EPL Configuration Framework

Component for integration of a projecting and configuration
function for Powerlink systems in OEM tools

• Automatic PDO-mapping and PDO-linking
• Automatic calculation and configuration of the EPL network timing parameters
• Support of network variables in accordance with CiA DS302/DS405
• Clear and simple access to the device data
• Fast, database-based management of all configuration and device data from device description files (EDS and DCF files)
• Management of any number of device description files in one catalogue
• COM-based interface for simple integration in OEM tools

Description of functions

Catalogue
A catalogue system enables device description files (EDS files) to be imported and stored in a catalogue database. This is useful if EPL devices are used repeatedly in projects since a device can then be selected directly in the catalogue and added to a project and does not have to be imported from an external device description file, which saves time. Therefore, it is also possible for an OEM to define which EPL devices the customer can use in the OEM systems, preventing the customer from using unauthorized devices.

Project database
Projects are managed in the form of a database. This means that the data and descriptions of the individual devices are stored in binary form, making faster access to this data possible when opening the projects themselves or when opening projects with a large number of devices. In addition, the project database insures consistency of the data.

Automatic PDO-mapping and PDO-linking
With larger systems, the specialized applied expertise required for PDO-mapping/linking and the time-consuming, careful selection of the individual PDO links requires great effort. The EPL Configuration Framework supports the creation of PDO-mappings and the correct allocation of the PDOs to the devices (PDO-linking) by means of an automatic system. For this, the user or the OEM tool must only define how the input and output data of the individual devices are to be linked with each other or with SPS variables (network variables). This allows the user to create links without detailed knowledge of ETHERNET Powerlink.

Network variables in accordance with CANopen CiA 302/405
Another function provided by the EPL Configuration Framework is the definition and management of network variables in accordance with the specifications DS302 or DS405 of CAN-in-Automation. Network variables are used by devices that provide data of an application running on the device to the Powerlink system in the form of a process data interface. This is especially the case with SPSs. With these network variables, it is possible to link the data (variables) of the application program with data of other devices. Based on these links, the EPL Configuration Framework can then also automatically calculate the PDO-mapping and PDO-linking.

Automatic calculation of the Powerlink communication cycle
Depending on the timing data of the individual Powerlink devices and the lengths of the individual PDOs, the timing must be calculated for the Powerlink communication cycle and the configuration values defined for the individual timing parameters of both the managing node (MN) and the controlled nodes (CNs). This function is also automatically carried out by the EPL Configuration Framework.

Import / export of device description files (EDS/DCF)
A powerful and exceptionally fast import and export of device description files (EDS and DCF files) enables importing and exporting of devices to and from the catalogue as well as the exporting of configuration data of individual devices from a project (as a DCF file). At the same time, this is the standard interface to other EPL tools. Even very large device description files are processed quickly, and, the file size is not limited.

Generation of configuration data files
After completion of projecting or configuration of a Powerlink system, the EPL Configuration Framework creates a configuration data file. This configuration data file is then normally sent to the managing node (MN). This configures the MN itself which passes the embedded configuration data on to the individual devices in the Powerlink system during the system boot-up. The configuration data file is created in the Concise DCF format.

Programming interface
The programming interface of the EPL Configuration Framework is implemented as a COM interface. It provides various interfaces for the management of the catalogue, of the projects and of the individual devices in a project. This enables simple integration of the EPL Configuration Framework in OEM tools.


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