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en:hw:04-extensions [2021/07/30 08:54]
avsetula [Additional info]
en:hw:04-extensions [2021/08/09 13:51] (current)
avsetula
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 ====== Unipi Extensions ====== ====== Unipi Extensions ======
 <WRAP center round tip 80%> <WRAP center round tip 80%>
-Looking for a guide to connect the extensions to Patron, Neuron or Axon controllers ​with Mervis? Please visit this [[https://​kb.unipi.technology/​en:​sw:​01-mervis:​connecting-to-unipi-extension-hidden|detailed tutorial]].+Looking for a guide to connect the extensions to Patron, Neuron or Axon units with Mervis? Please visit this [[https://​kb.unipi.technology/​en:​sw:​01-mervis:​connecting-to-unipi-extension-hidden|detailed tutorial]].
 </​WRAP>​ </​WRAP>​
 {{:​en:​hw:​extensions_xs11_xs51-1.jpg|}} {{:​en:​hw:​extensions_xs11_xs51-1.jpg|}}
  
-Unipi Extension is a product line of extension modules designed as a simple and affordable method of extending automation systems by additional inputs/​outputs without the need to purchase more Unipi controllers. The modules communicate with the PLC using the RS485 serial line and while primarily designed for Unipi controllers, they can be **used in combination with any other device featuring RS485 interface and Modbus RTU protocol support**. That makes Unipi Extension modules an excellent choice in case other PLC vendors do not offer their native extensions or their purchase would be too expensive. ​+Unipi Extension is a product line of extension modules designed as a simple and affordable method of extending automation systems by additional inputs/​outputs without the need to purchase more Unipi units. The modules communicate with the unit using the RS485 serial line and while primarily designed for Unipi units, they can be **used in combination with any other device featuring RS485 interface and Modbus RTU protocol support**. That makes Unipi Extension modules an excellent choice in case other vendors do not offer their native extensions or their purchase would be too expensive. ​
  
 <​html><​span class="​kbBlueText">​Main advantages of Unipi Extension modules: </​span></​html>​ <​html><​span class="​kbBlueText">​Main advantages of Unipi Extension modules: </​span></​html>​
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   * DirectSwitch functionality allows an instantanenous reaction of outputs to input signals in specific conditions,   * DirectSwitch functionality allows an instantanenous reaction of outputs to input signals in specific conditions,
   * Modules are able to store default output values,   * Modules are able to store default output values,
-  * MasterWatchdog functionality monitors the communication between the module and the PLC and will automatically reset the module'​s I/Os to preconfigured default values in case of communication failure.+  * MasterWatchdog functionality monitors the communication between the module and the unit and will automatically reset the module'​s I/Os to preconfigured default values in case of communication failure.
  
 ===== Unipi Extension model overview ===== ===== Unipi Extension model overview =====
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 ===== Examples of usage ===== ===== Examples of usage =====
-Extension modules are a simple and affordable solution in case you need more I/Os than your current ​controller ​can offer. Modules do not require any individual programming as they are controlled by the control logic stored in the PLC. Multiple extension modules can be connected to a single bus, allowing you to create a large input/​output network controlled by a single ​PLC.+Extension modules are a simple and affordable solution in case you need more I/Os than your current ​unit can offer. Modules do not require any individual programming as they are controlled by the control logic stored in the unit. Multiple extension modules can be connected to a single bus, allowing you to create a large input/​output network controlled by a single ​unit.
  
 {{:​en:​hw:​extension_use-case1.png|}} {{:​en:​hw:​extension_use-case1.png|}}
  
-Extension modules can be alternatively used as a set of inputs/​outputs accessible outside the distribution box housing the PLC (another room, storey etc.). You can simply install an extension module into the remote location, connect external devices to it and then connect it to the PLC using a single RS485 cable. By doing so, you can significantly reduce the needed amount of cabling and related expenses. ​+Extension modules can be alternatively used as a set of inputs/​outputs accessible outside the distribution box housing the unit (another room, storey etc.). You can simply install an extension module into the remote location, connect external devices to it and then connect it to the unit using a single RS485 cable. By doing so, you can significantly reduce the needed amount of cabling and related expenses. ​
  
 {{:​en:​hw:​extension_use-case2.png|}} {{:​en:​hw:​extension_use-case2.png|}}
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 The counter is one of the most useful functions. It is a high-speed counter of signal rising edges running independently on the control software. Simply put, Counter can accurately register even very short pulses. ​ The counter is one of the most useful functions. It is a high-speed counter of signal rising edges running independently on the control software. Simply put, Counter can accurately register even very short pulses. ​
  
-For this purpose, ​controllers ​feature register with a total size of 64 bits. In Mervis IDE prototypes Counter inputs are marked as CNT inputs. ​+For this purpose, ​units feature register with a total size of 64 bits. In Mervis IDE prototypes Counter inputs are marked as CNT inputs. ​
  
 <​html><​span class="​kbBlueText">​Direct Switch</​span></​html>​ \\ <​html><​span class="​kbBlueText">​Direct Switch</​span></​html>​ \\
-This function is able to directly connect a digital input to relay output. Direct Switch runs independently on the PLC's control logic, which makes it suitable for applications requiring short response time (ie. lighting control). The function can be configured into one of three modes: ​+This function is able to directly connect a digital input to relay output. Direct Switch runs independently on the unit's control logic, which makes it suitable for applications requiring short response time (ie. lighting control). The function can be configured into one of three modes: ​
  
   * Copy: the output is switched by active input   * Copy: the output is switched by active input
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 <​html><​span class="​kbBlueText">​Master Watchdog</​span></​html>​ \\ <​html><​span class="​kbBlueText">​Master Watchdog</​span></​html>​ \\
-This function continuously monitors the communication between the extension module and the controller. If no communication is detected in a time set by the user, the module'​s processors will automatically revert to the default configuration. This function is thus able to keep the device running in case of a controller ​failure, software error or other similar problems. ​+This function continuously monitors the communication between the extension module and the unit. If no communication is detected in a time set by the user, the module'​s processors will automatically revert to the default configuration. This function is thus able to keep the device running in case of a unit failure, software error or other similar problems. ​
  
-I/O boards of Unipi extension modules each feature their microprocessor that maintains the basic I/O functionality even in case of losing connection with the PLC or PLC failure. ​+I/O boards of Unipi extension modules each feature their microprocessor that maintains the basic I/O functionality even in case of losing connection with the unit or unit failure. ​
  
 ===== Further info ===== ===== Further info =====