Can Two Processors Control Separate Motion Groups in One Kinetix Rack using ENxTR?

Question:

Is it possible for two processors in the same rack to control separate motion groups using a single Kinetix Rack and EN3TR? This setup includes a 6500/5700 rack with 8 axes, divided between 4 axes on each PLC. There may be complications to consider with the common IAM module (6500) for the Power Supply Axis (5700). According to KB sources, this configuration may not be feasible for 5500's due to BUS Sharing fault issues.

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It appears that no one is answering, so I will assume the answer is "NO." Feel free to chime in whenever you're ready!

From my understanding and previous experience, you could think technically it's feasible to split the 8 axes between two PLCs, considering the BUS load is maintained. However, you might run into some practical difficulties and complexity. Rockwell Automation does share provisions for IAM/PAM sharing on its documentation. But the shared IAM (especially being a power supply axis) might create complications considering dynamic decisions during motion, and possibly lead to conflicting instructions. Moreover, the possibility of BUS sharing faults should not be overlooked. It's recommended to reach out to Rockwell support for a conclusive answer or go for separate Kinetix Racks if feasible, for a simplified and robust setup.

It sounds like you've got a complex setup there! Generally, using two processors in the same rack to control different motion groups can be tricky, especially with shared resources like the IAM module. The potential for BUS Sharing faults in the 5500 series could definitely complicate things, and even if you technically can manage the axes, the communication overhead and resource sharing might lead to performance issues or unexpected behavior. Have you considered using dedicated racks or possibly looking into using Motion Group configurations within a single processor? That might simplify things and avoid the pitfalls of shared control in the first place.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Can two processors in the same Kinetix rack control separate motion groups?

Answer: - Yes, it is possible for two processors to control separate motion groups in one Kinetix rack using an EN3TR module.

FAQ: 2. What setup is required for controlling separate motion groups with two processors in a single rack?

Answer: - The setup involves a 6500/5700 rack with 8 axes, divided between 4 axes on each PLC.

FAQ: 3. Are there complications to consider when using a common IAM module for the Power Supply Axis?

Answer: - Yes, there may be complications to consider with the common IAM module, especially for the Power Supply Axis on the 5700.

FAQ: 4. Why may this configuration not be feasible for 5500's according to KB sources?

Answer: - This configuration may not be feasible for 5500's due to BUS Sharing fault issues as outlined in the KB sources.

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