ETHERNET PLC TC700 interface (interfaces, cables)

Central modules and communication modules (SC-710x series) are in some variants equipped with Ethernet interface, 10 Mbit, RJ-45 connector, see chap. 3.10.3.1.

Each physical Ethernet interface (ie one physical connection to the PLC) can implement up to four logical data channels (hereinafter referred to as LCH1 to LCH4), which can be set in several modes and allow different system interconnection (for more see chapter 3.10.6) and are fully independent of other PLC communication interfaces (with the exception of system services in PC + mode, which can be active only on one (physical and logical) communication channel at a time.

3.10.3.1 Physical interface ETHERNET PLC TC700

The Ethernet interface is equipped with a standard RJ-45 connector with a standard signal layout. The connector is ready for use with common UTP patch cables (for cable connections see chapter 3.10.3.2)

Tab.3.10.3.1 Ethernet interface connection on TC700 modules (front view of PLC connector)

3.10.3.2 Connection of straight and crossed UTP cables ETHERNET

We distinguish between TP connecting cables (twisted pair) straight (UTP patch cable) and crossed.

Direct TP cable is the most common cable, designed primarily for connecting HUB - terminal equipment (PC network card, PLC TC700, etc.). It is commonly manufactured and available. The cable is fitted with RJ-45 connectors (8 pins) at both ends. Only 4 signals are functional (for the commonly used 10Base-T interface), the other wires are unused (indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 3.10.3.1). A twisted pair cable must be used (no untwisted telephone cable can be used!) And one twisted pair must always be used for one direction of data flow (eg RD). For Ethernet cables, the color marking of wires in the TIA568B cable, standardized in tab.3.10.3.1 (for straight cable), is standardized and most often used.

Data UTP (unshielded) and STP (shielded - shielding is not connected on the PLC side) are manufactured in several categories, marked with numbers 3 to 6. For 10Mbit Ethernet (10Base-T) it is possible to use any category, but it is recommended to use category 5.

The basic assortment of straight cables is supplied under the order number TXN 102 05.xx (the number expresses the length of the cable according to the assortment - see catalog TC700). The maximum length of the TP cable is limited to 100 m. 

Fig.3.10.3.1 Direct cable connection (ETHERNET UTP patch cable)

Crossover cable is used for direct connection of two equivalent devices (eg HUB - HUB (without using uplink port on HUBs), TC700 - TC700). It is not normally available and must be ordered with an explicit requirement for a crossover cable. The cable is fitted with RJ-45 connectors (8 pins) at both ends. Only 4 signals are functional (for the commonly used 10Base-T interface), the other wires are unused (indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 3.10.3.2). The cable used must be twisted pairs (a non-twisted telephone cable cannot be used!) And one twisted pair must always be used for one direction of data flow (eg RD).

The basic assortment of crossed cables is supplied under the order number TXN 102 06.xx (the number expresses the length of the cable according to the assortment - see catalog TC700).

Fig.3.10.3.2 Connection of crossover TP cable ETHERNET

3.10.3.3 Recommended UTP (FTP) cables for ETHERNET

TP (twisted pair) cables can be used unshielded (UTP) or shielded (FTP). Shielded FTP cables can also be used very well for RS-485 distributions (see chapter 3.6.2).

UTP cables, recommended types:

PCEY 4x2x0,5 (PCEY 4x2x0,6), manufacturer VUKI a. S. (Distributor ISOKAB s.r.o.)

UTP Data cable - class 5, manufacturer KABLO ELEKTRO, a. S. Vrchlabí

UTP Cat. 5, manufacturer PRAKAB

FTP cables, recommended types:

PCEHY 4x2x0,5 (PCEHY 4x2x0,6), manufacturer VUKI a. S. (Distributor ISOKAB s.r.o.), see chap. 3.6.2.

FTP Data cable - class 5, manufacturer KABLO ELEKTRO, a. S. Vrchlabí

UNITRONIC EtherLine-H CAT.5, manufacturer LAPP CABLE

FTP Cat. 5, manufacturer PRAKAB