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--- en:hw:04-extensions [2020/05/25 07:56]
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+++ en:hw:04-extensions [2021/08/09 13:51] (current)
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 ====== Unipi Extensions ======
-<WRAP center round tip 60%>
+<WRAP center round tip 80%>
-Looking for a guide to connect the extensions to Neuron or Axon controllers? 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>
 {{:en:hw:extensions_xs11_xs51-1.jpg|}}
-The Extension line is designed as a simple and cheap method of automation systems expansion by adding more I/Os without the need to purchase new controllers. Extension modules are communicating with the PLC over the RS485 serial line and albeit they are designed primarily for the use with Neuron controllers, **they can be used in combination with any PLC supporting the RS485 serial line and Modbus protocol.** That makes the xS-line an excellent choice for cases where other PLC manufacturers either do not offer their native extension, or their purchase would be cost-ineffective.<hidden>
+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.
-==== Unipi Extension model overview ====
+<html><span class="kbBlueText">Main advantages of Unipi Extension modules: </span></html>
-{{:en:hw:extensiony_en.png|}}
+  * Counter on each digital input,
+  * DirectSwitch functionality allows an instantanenous reaction of outputs to input signals in specific conditions,
+  * Modules are able to store default output values,
+  * 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.
-==== Connection to Unipi controllers ====
+===== Unipi Extension model overview =====
-You need only two cables to connect the Unipi extension to the controller. Just interconnect the RS485-A port on the controller to RS485-A port on the extension and RS485-B on the controller to RS485-B on the extension.
+The list of models is available below.
-{{:cs:sw:01-mervis:connecting-the-unipi-extension-01-hw-connection.png|}}
+{{ :en:hw:extensions_table_en.png?nolink |}}
-==== Examples of usage ====
+===== Examples of usage =====
-Unipi Extension modules are a simple and inexpensive solution in cases your PLC's I/O number is no longer sufficient. Modules are managed by a control logic running on the PLC, and as such don't require any programming. Multiple extensions can be placed on a single bus, allowing you to create a network of modules with a very high number of I/Os, 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|}}
-Alternatively, you can use the extension modules to make inputs and outputs accessible in installations located away from the central distribution box with the PLC (ie. next room, another storey etc.). You can simply install the extension in the remote location, connect all devices you want to control or monitor, and then connect the extension to the PLC using only a pair of serial cables. This solution significantly decreases the amount of needed cabling, reducing the expenses considerably.
+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|}}
-{{page>special-io-unipi-hidden}}
+===== Special functions =====
+Aside from standard inputs/outputs the extension modules also feature other useful functions to enhance their performance and broaden their potential.
-==== Special functions ====
+<html><span class="kbBlueText">Counter</span></html> \\
-FIXME viz https://kb.unipi.technology/cs:hw:02-neuron#dalsi_funkce
+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.
-Along with standard inputs and outputs, the extension modules also feature other functions enhancing their performance.
-== Direct Switch ==
+For this purpose, units feature register with a total size of 64 bits. In Mervis IDE prototypes Counter inputs are marked as CNT inputs.
-This function connects a digital input with digital output or relay output. The function is independent on the master PLC and is suitable for time-critical applications (ie. lighting control). The function can be configured to one of three available modes:
-  * Copy: output is switched by an active input
+<html><span class="kbBlueText">Direct Switch</span></html> \\
-  * Invert: output is switched by an inactive input
+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:
-  * Toggle: output is switched by any change on the input
-== Default settings ==
+  * Copy: the output is switched by active input
-This function allows the user to store the default configuration of the module into its internal memory. If the module is rebooted, the default configuration is loaded automatically.
+  * Invert: the output is switched by inactive input
+  * Toggle: the output is switched with each change on the input
-== Master Watchdog ==
+<WRAP center round box>
-The function monitors the communication between the module and the controller. If the communication is interrupted (eg. no response from the controller is detected within a defined time frame), the module automatically loads the default settings. This function keeps the module operational even in case of a controller failure or software issues.
+**Note:** Only **DI_x.y** and **DO_x.y** / **RO_x.y** I/Os can be coupled by Direct Switch. The function cannot be used if the input's and output's name does not match (ie. **DI_x.y** and **RO_v.z.**).
+</WRAP>
-==== Configuration of communication parameters and addressing ====
+<html><span class="kbBlueText">Default settings</span></html> \\
-There are two ways to change the configuration:
+This function stores the module's configuration into its internal memory. If the device reboots the module will automatically switch to the stored configuration
-  - HW configuration - using DIP switches
-  - SW cofiguration - using Modbus
-Restart/Power cycle is always needed to apply new configuration usign any of the method.
+<html><span class="kbBlueText">Master Watchdog</span></html> \\
+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.
-== HW configuration ==
+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.
-The easiest way to configure the communication parameters. Allows limited configuration options.
-== SW configuration ==
+===== Further info =====
-**Used only when the Modbus Address configured via DIP swiches is set to 0**. Useful when the options that the HW cofiguration provides is not enough.
+<WRAP group>
+<WRAP half column>
+  * [[https://www.unipi.technology/rozsirujici-moduly-c40|Unipi Extension modules on the Unipi e-shop]]
+  * [[en:sw:01-mervis:connecting-to-unipi-extension-hidden|Unipi Extension connection guide]]
+  * [[en:files:products:04-extensions_gateways|Documentation for Extensions]]
+</WRAP>
-{{:en:hw:dipswitch.png|}}
+<WRAP half column>
+  * [[en:hw:04-extensions:description-of-io|]]
+  * [[en:hw:04-extensions:communication-and-addressing-of-module|]]
+  * [[en:hw:04-extensions:technical-parameters|]]
+</WRAP>
+</WRAP>
-==== Further info ====
-  * [[en:sw:01-mervis:connecting-to-unipi-extension-hidden#hw_connection| Connecting to Unipi extension]]
-  * [[https://www.unipi.technology/extensions-c14|Unipi Extensions on the Unipi e-shop]]