Fl-Net; Fl-Net Overview; Figure 5-1 Fl-Net Concept - Hitachi FL.NET User Manual

5 USER GUIDE

5.1 FL-net

5.1.1 FL-net overview

(1) FL-net concept
The FL-net is an Ethernet-based factory-automation control network. It has a cyclic
transmission function and message transmission function.
The basic ideas incorporated in the FL-net are as follows:
• Ethernet is used as the media (physical level, data link) of communication between FA
(factory automation) controllers.
• UDP/IP prevalent throughout Ethernet is used to implement a basic means of data
transmission.
• Transmission over a predetermined period of time is assured by managing/controlling
communication media access of networked nodes (for collision avoidance) while making
use of the above-mentioned basic means of data transmission.
The FL-net is designed for use in an FA (factory automation) control network that provides
data exchanges between programmable controllers (PLCs), robot controllers (RCs), computer
numerical control (CNC) devices, and various other production system controllers and
control personal computers.
Figure 5-1 shows the role of the FL-net.
EWS
Robot
Image
controller
Personal Personal
computer computer
Information network (Ethernet)
Gateway
Nut
CNC
PLC
runner
Field network
BCR: Barcode reader
ID: ID controller

Figure 5-1 FL-net Concept

Personal
Server
computer
FL-net
Personal
computer
Printer
BCR
Sensor actuator
5-2
Graphics
ID
panel