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Frequently Asked Questions

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Question Posted Date  

What is the most common solution to communication errors in a Mechatrolink Network?

Answer:

The most common solution is prevention - proper grounding, shielding, and termination techniques will lead to a successful and robust Network Installation. Here are some recommendations:

Termination:
- MP940 Master: A network Terminator (120 ohm) must be inserted at both ends. Use part# JEPMC-W6020.
- MP930 Master: A network Terminator (120 ohm) must be inserted at last node only (MP930 terminated internally). Use part # JEPMC-W6020, If the last node is a Sigma I servopack, then an MR connector must be used.
- MP920 Master with SVB Module: A network Terminator (120 ohm) must be inserted at both ends. Use part # JEPMC-W6020, If the last node is a Sigma I servopack, then an MR connector must be used.

Connector Notes:
- USB Type Mating Connector made by DDK - DUSB-APA41-B1-C50. Connects to the following products: MP940, MP930, MP920 SVB Module, All Mechatrolink I/O Modules, NS100 card. If constructing custome cables, it is important to use the crimp tool specified by DDK.
- MR Type Mating Connector made by HONDA - MR-8L (connector kit from Yaskawa includes shell and 8-pin mating: DE9411357). Connects to the following products: SGDB-**AN, SGD-***N

Wiring Precautions:
- Mechatrolink is a field tested and reliable copper network. However, if the cable is shorter than 1ft or longer than 50 Meters, signal reflection can cause communication errors. Yaskawa supplies an inexpensive, twisted pair shielded cable that has been both product and time-tested. This cable is recommended to insure the transmission line characteristic impedance is best suited for Mechatrolink Network in Industrial Installations.
- Network Wire: Part No.DE9411358-*
- Mechatrolink minimum length between nodes is 1 foot
- Mechatrolink maximum length between first and last node is 50 meters (164 ft)

Grounding & Shielding:
- Any copper network that has a server [master] or client [slave] that is poorly grounded, can have handshaking and communication problems at any point along that network. If proper industrial grounding techniques are practiced, no problems with Mechatrolink will arise.
- Servopack: A detailed installation recommendation is available in the Sigma II Product User's Manual YEA-SIA-S800-32.2B section 5.8 (Wiring). Here each servopack ground is brought back to a single point (star ground configuration), AC line filtering is placed at the AC input, encoder cable is properly shielded and terminated, servomotor is grounded at the machine and servomotor power cable is shielded and properly terminated.
- Controller: Star grounding should be practiced for controller FG points. In the case of the MP940, its important to tie the MP940 FG to the SGDH FG screw terminal with a short wire to shunt any noise from the Dual Ported Ram.
- Network: The attached drawings below show shielding requirements for use with all Mechatrolink Products. If constructing custom cables, it is important to insure that the shield is properly terminated. In the case of USB type connectors from DDK the shield termination is provided on the aluminum shield piece of the connectors internal body. Proper termination can be insured if copper tape is wrapped over the cable shield (see attached .PDF file). This insures a low impedence path for high frequency noise components that travel on the skin of a wire.

Possible Errors or Indication:
In general, it is necessary that the hardware address settings match up with the software module setup.
MP940 Master: If a node is not communicating, an A9F will display on the SGDH LED which can be easily decoded (see document or FAQ on A9F with MP940 product)
MP930: Alarm light indication, or "Invalid System Request" when clicking on servopack module
MP920 with SVB Module: Will indicate a "J" on the display if poor communications exist, or "Invalid System Request" when clicking on servopack module

See attached .PDF file for illustrations and photos.
Attachments:
456KB

Product Group/Line:
Controllers, MP920 Machine Controller, MP930 Machine Controller, MP940 Machine Controller
Topic/Sub Topic:
Ask a Technical Question, Network Communications, Troubleshooting, Wiring
Document Number:
MNEN-5CJMFN
Published Date:
06/24/2013
06/24/2013

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF FAQ INFORMATION!

Please read and understand the product instruction manual before installing, servicing or operating Yaskawa products. FAQ content and illustrations are provided as technical advice to augment the information in manual, not supersede it. It is not possible to give detailed instructions for all types of installation or support activities. The information described in the FAQs are subject to change without notice to improve the product or FAQ. Yaskawa assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions or damages resulting from the use of the information contained in any FAQ. All warnings, cautions and product instruction for product use must be followed. Installation, operation and maintenance should be carried out by qualified personnel. Failure to observe these and other precautions highlighted in the product manuals will expose the user to high voltages resulting in, serious injury or death. Qualified personnel are defined as individuals who are familiar with the installation, starting, operation and maintenance of Yaskawa products of the type described and have proper qualifications to perform the work.