Introduction

This Application note explanes, how to configure a generic modular adapter, when the entry for "ProxyConnect" is not described in the Ethernet/IP Slave Device Description (EDS).

Please refer to the following FAQ: "Why does my modular EDS file not work?" → https://kb.hilscher.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=18616112

As an example the Allen Bradley Point I/O Module Adapter "1734 AENT" is used, together with the fitting Point I/O Modules "1734 IB8" and "1734 OB8E".

Hardware configuration

The EDS File of each module is needed for further configuration of the Generic Modular Adapter.

These can be found on the Rockwell Automation Page:

https://www.rockwellautomation.com/de_DE/detail.page?pagetitle=Electronic-Data-Sheets&content_type=overview&docid=11432fc64a2a887b85011582be53806b

Software Configuration

Add Modules

In SYCON.net, add an EtherNet/IP Scanner (e.g. CIFX RE/EIM) and then add an ENIP Modular Generic Adapter to the network.

Open the Configuration Window of the Modular Generic Adapter and choose "Modules" in the Navigation Area.

Change “Slots in Rack” to 3 and add the modules:

Configure 1734-AENT

Configure 1734-IB8

Specify Connection

EtherNet/IP is a connection-oriented protocol, therefore the connection should always be specified first.

Open the EDS for 1734-IB8 and go to the section [Connection Manager], assuming that Connection23 (Input  only) will be used:

Configure connection settings

Please choose "Connection" in the Navigation Area of the Modular Generic Adapter. Select  the Module “Slot<1> 1734-IB8”.

Decode the field "trigger & transport" and "realtime format", which are defined in Connection23.

These parameters describe the connection variables, which have to be filled in the Connection configuration Window in Sycon.net.

The free Tool "EZ-EDS" from ODVA (https://www.odva.org/software/EZ-EDS-Download), can be used to make decoding of the parameters easier.

Therefore, open the EDS by selecting "File → Open…”.  Select "Generic EDS" as EDS type and ignore the upcoming error messages.

When the file is successfully opened, select “Connection1” in the left tree view.

The name “Connection23” in EDS file is automatically converted to “Connection1”.

The following dialog window:

Based on these informations, now configure the Connection Area in Sycon.net:

Don't forget, to set the Connection name to "Connection23".

Configure assembly instance ID

Choose "Assembly" in the Navigation Area of the Modular Generic Adapter now. Select  the Module “Slot<1> 1734-IB8”.

Now the Connection Path has to be filled in. The Connection Path is described in the EDS here:

Switch back to EZ-EDS, select “Connection1”  in the left tree view.

Click the Button "Decode Path". A new Window will pop up. Select decimal format in this dialog now the instance ID can be read out for Configuration in Sycon.net.

Based on above information, the assembly Instance ID can be specified.

The instance "20 04 24 67 2C BE 2C 04" can also be decoded manually as follows:

Configure Input assembly length

The input assembly length is defined in the field “T->O size” and field  “T->O format” of Connection 23:

It can be decoded as follows:

T → O 

, , Assem127=

When the "Size" of the T=>O default description is empty, the format has to be evaluated.

In this case, Assem127 is used to define the format. Go to the definition of Assem127, in the EDS:

Since the field for the length is empty ($ Length in bytes), the fields “Member Size” (field 7, 9, 11…) and “member Reference”  (field 8, 10, 12…) should be evaluated.

The 7^th field is 32,  the 8^th field is empty. So the first member of Assem127 has 32 bits =4 bytes.

The 9^th field is empty, 10^th field is Assem4. So go to the definition of Assem4 in file[1]:

Configure 1734-OB8E

example project provided by Stephane in SUPFR-86193