An Overview of MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ
MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ achieves high-speed communications at a baud rate of 100 Mbps by applying Ethernet technology to the physical layer. Furthermore, MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ controls 62 slaves in perfect synchronization using ASICs while achieving the high-speed cyclic communications required for motion control and high-capacity message communications.
Features
- MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ supports a variety of system configurations through cascade connections or star connections using a hub.
＊1: A slave device can be easily connected to the master without using a hub.
＊2: Devices connected to a hub can be plugged or unplugged without shutting down the system.
The number of nodes that can be connected per unit time is larger than that with a cascade connection.
- Ultra high-speed communications at a baud rate of 100 Mbps and a minimum transmission cycle of 31.25 μs.
- Connects up to 62 slave stations.
- Supports large- and small-scale systems with a maximum node-to-node distance of 100 m and a minimum station-to-station distance of 20 cm.
- Allows combining the use of different data sizes (8, 16, 32, 48, and 64 bytes), making it possible to select the optimum size for each device.
- Replace or add slaves while the machine is running.
- Use the multi-slave function to control multiple slaves with a single communication ASIC.
- A C1 master or C2 master can communicate with slaves by using message communications.
- Slaves can monitor the cyclic communications data of other slaves.
Maximum Number of Slaves
The maximum number of slaves connected to MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ is determined by the transmission cycle time and data size.
| Transmission Cycle Time （μsec） |
Number of Slaves | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16byte | 32byte | 48byte | 64byte | |
| 31.25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 62.5 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 125 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| 250 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 |
| 500 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 17 |
| 1000 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 |
| 2000 | 49 | 49 | 47 | 45 |
| 3000 | 62 | 62 | 61 | 59 |
| 4000 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| 5000 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| 6000 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| 7000 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
| 8000 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 |
Notes: 1. The data in the table on the left is for cascade connections with a station-to-station cable length of 1 m.
2. Refer to individual product specifications for specific product information.
Hardware
Communications ASICs
Two-mode Master & Slave:
JL-101 LQFP
20mm□
Two-mode Master & Slave:
JL-100 FBGA
Slave only:
JL-102 FBGA
12mm□
Slave only:
JL-103 LQFP
14mm□
Commercially available parts are also specified or recommended for other components, and standard circuits are available so that you can design your own devices.
Connector
Two types of connectors are available for MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ.
Industrial Mini Connectors
Assembled models available.
Connector with FA Specification
RJ-45
The user assembles the RJ-45 with Cat5eSTP cable.
MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ Cable
Software
A number of MECHATROLINK command sets are available for the application layer for different profile types.
The command set for the standard servo profile of MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ has been improved with the addition of new functions. For example, a new positioning command makes it possible to specify the acceleration/deceleration and torque limit at the same time.