CTI 2500P-ECC1 Ethernet Communications Coprocessor module

The 2500P-ECC1 Ethernet Communications Coprocessor module extends the communications

capabilities of CTI 2500 Series® controllers, offering increased connectivity and additional

protocols. By offloading the processing of communications protocols from the 2500 Series®

controller, the 2500P-ECC1 module minimizes the impact of network communications on

controller performance.

The 2500P-ECC1 module communicates with the 2500 Series® controller via a high speed

Ethernet link. Data is transferred between the controller and module using a high density

Ethernet messaging protocol, which is capable of transferring a large amount of data while

minimizing the impact on the 2500 Series® controller.  The controller processes data transfer

requests from the 2500P-ECC1 in a configurable time slice, allowing the user to limit the amount

of scan time used to service the requests.  Up to four 2500P-ECC1 modules can communicate

concurrently with a 2500 Series® controller.

Client requests to read data from the 2500 Series® controller are serviced from a data cache

maintained on the 2500P-ECC1 module. The frequency of cache updates is user configurable.

This data cache design allows protocols such as CAMP Server to provide rapid response to a high

volume of requests from SCADA workstations, HMI equipment, and operator panels while

providing a means to manage data quality.

Client protocols, such as Open Modbus, can be used to access data in other controllers and

devices. PLC logic is not required to initiate client requests, since the 2500P-ECC1 can

automatically initiate requests based on a change in data value or on a designated time interval.

However, client requests can be triggered using PLC logic, if desired.

The 2500P-ECC1 module supports the following communications protocols:

• CAMP Server

• CAMP Client

• Modbus Server

• Modbus Client

• Network Data Exchange

See CHAPTER 2 for information on these protocols.

Using a CTI-supplied configuration program, you can select the protocols to be used and

designate how they will operate. Configuration data is saved on a removable SD memory card,

located on the 2500P-ECC1 circuit board.  If a module ever fails, a replacement can quickly be

placed in service by transferring the SD card from the failed unit to the new one.