Benezan Electronics
Hard- and software development
Nicolas Benezan, Stauffenbergstr. 26, 72108 Rottenburg
Phone: +49 (0) 7457/946365 0 benezan-electronics.de
Page
Io-Ext1-Installation.docx22.09.2020
PC / network connection
The data transfer from the PC software to the CncPod is done via an Ethernet network connection (IEEE802.3
10BASE-T). The connection can be made with standard patch cables to the RJ45 socket ST1.
In contrast to similar products from competitors (e.g. Smoothstepper or Eding-CNC) no exclusive interface
has to be reserved on the PC, but the infrastructure of an existing network with switches can be used. There is
also no need to change IP addresses or otherwise interfere with the Windows Control Panel. The Beamicon2
software automatically detects all modules, even if it is connected "somewhere" in the network. Several modules
can be connected to a PC at the same time and can also be used simultaneously. To ensure reliable operation,
however, the following rules must be observed:
All modules must either be connected to the first switch after the PC, or a further switch may be added
if only devices of the machine are connected to the second switch, e.g. within the control cabinet of the
machine. All devices not involved in machine control (Internet router, printer, NAS, etc.) must be
connected to the first switch or to additional switches behind the first.
The transmission speed between the PC and the first switch must be higher than the maximum data rate
of any existing Internet routers (DSL modem etc.). For home networks with few PCs 100MBit is
recommended, for larger networks Gigabit-Ethernet.
Since no TCP/IP is used but a separate protocol, this cannot be forwarded by routers, external firewalls,
proxies, etc. Therefore only so-called "unmanaged switches" may be used between the control PC and
the CNC pod.
Switches must support Fast Forward and Store-and-Forward (virtually all modern switches meet this
criterion)
Hubs are also allowed for test purposes (listening with diagnostic tools on taps), but are not
recommended.
The data traffic of the machine controller must not be routed via slow (DSL modem) or unreliable
(wireless) connections (WLAN). All wireless interfaces are therefore intentionally hidden.
The network interface is galvanically isolated from the PC. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is not supported.
Power supply
The expansion module can be supplied with an operating voltage of 10 to 30V DC. The input is protected against
accidental reverse polarity. It is recommended to use a switching power supply with 24V, as most industrial
contactors, pneumatic valves and sensors are designed for this and can therefore be connected directly.
Connection of actuators
A total of 16 terminals (4 pluggable contact blocks with 4 connections each) are provided at the top of the
module for the connection of consumers. The connections with odd numbers 1, 3, 5 etc. are permanently
connected to ground. The actual outputs are the connections with even number 2, 4, 6 etc. The outputs are of the
PNP type, i.e. an activated output is connected to the supply voltage (24V), a deactivated one is high-impedance.
The outputs are protected against overvoltage by switching inductive loads and against short circuit. The
corresponding LED lights up when more than about 6V are applied to the output, i.e. when the output is either
switched on or a voltage is applied externally.
Connection of sensors
Each input has its own 3-pin terminal, where the supply voltage, the signal input and a ground connection is
available. This also allows a direct connection of inductive proximity switches without additional distribution
terminals. The inputs are intended for mechanical switches (normally closed or normally open) or for PNP type
sensors (switching to +). The corresponding LED lights up when more than about 6V are applied to the input.
Mechanical switches are connected with two wires to pin 1 (top) and pin 2 (middle). Inductive switches or
other electronic sensors are connected with three wires (brown=1, black=2, blue=3). If NPN types are to be used
(not recommended), an additional pull-down resistor of approx. 2.2kΩ must be connected between pins 1 and 2.
If the eight available inputs are not sufficient and not all outputs are used, outputs can also be used as inputs.
Thus, a total of up to 16 inputs are available. Since there are only two pins per input/output on the output
terminals, the supply voltage must be connected to a distribution terminal or directly to the power supply unit in
this case.
