The EPSG (Ethernet Powerlink Standardisation Group) supplies component manufacturers with a complete Power Link solution to speed up developments. The starter kit, which was developed by IXXAT, consists of plug-in modules enabling product developers to quickly implement a Power Link node for product tests in a real-time environment. Apart from the required software and drivers, the package comprises of a Power Link PCI card, and a Power Link module, a microcontroller module and a baseboard. An analysis tool and applications for demonstration purposes are also included.
In networks based on the open real-time Ethernet protocol Power Link, one central control unit acts as a Managing Node and coordinates data communication between the Controlled Nodes, thereby ensuring hard real-time behaviour. By integrating the PCI card which is equipped with a four-port hub and four RJ-45 sockets, users can turn a PC into a Managing Node. The card comes with a Windows driver API in C source code which enables the integration of PC-based applications. A Windows-based control interface and a demo configuration for the Power Link module are also parts of the package.
