Emerson M-series Virtual I/O Module 2 VIMNet Explorer

VIMNet Explorer

VIMNet Explorer allows the user to commission the VIM2;

setup primary, secondary, and/or redundant VIM2s; define

the Ethernet I/O network; and view advanced diagnostics

information. The user can specify the IP address, Subnet

Mask, and Gateway of each VIM2 and set the node address

and names of each Ethernet I/O device integrated with

the VIM2. VIMNet Explorer is also used to flash upgrade a

VIM from one version of a driver to another or to replace

an existing driver type with another. Only one Ethernet I/O

driver may be loaded in the VIM2 at one time.

VIMNet Explorer application must run on a workstation

that has network connectivity to the Ethernet I/O network.

This may be a DeltaV workstation with the third network

interface card (NIC) connected to the Ethernet I/O network

or may be a non-DeltaV workstation. Connection to the

VIM2 is done through the RJ-45 Network Connection on the

bottom of the VIM2.

VIMNet Explorer installation media is downloadable from Guardian.

VIM2 Dual Simplex or Redundant Setups

Two VIM2s can either be setup as a dual simplex or

redundant pair for installations that either consists of

many field devices or require additional communication

resiliency, respectively.

If two VIMs are configured for dual simplex operation, both

VIM2s will work as Standalone units and no redundancy link

cable is installed.

If two VIMs are configured for redundant operation, the

active and standby VIM2s monitor each other with a

continuous status command using the redundancy link

cable supplied with each redundant pair. The active VIM2

communicates over the network to the Industrial Ethernet

device and the standby sends an intermittent signal to the

device to maintain communication integrity.

The Ethernet I/O drivers are available separately from the

VIM2 hardware. Each operating VIM requires one license

for the running protocol. For example, a redundant pair of

VIMs requires two copies of the driver running on that pair,

but an offline spare does not require licensing.