(1) Streamlining the Transmission Sequence
MECHATROLINK-4 has greatly improved transmission efficiency by switching the communication mode from half duplex to full duplex.
This allows MECHATROLINK-4 to support the creation of systems with improved functionality and higher performance.

• Improved control performance: The transmission cycle for the same number of devices has been shortened to approximately 1/4 that of the previous version. This achieves more accurate control.
• Support for large-scale systems (equipment): The number of slave devices that can be connected to the same transmission cycle is approximately 4 times that of MECHATROLINK-Ⅲ.
• Setting aside the transmission cycle, idle time can be used for Internet protocol, message, and retry communications.s

(2) Multiple Transmission Cycles
With MECHATROLINK-4, different cycle settings can be set for each slave. Multiple transmission cycles can exist on the same network, allowing slave devices to be controlled with the optimal transmission cycle.

• Fast transmission cycles and slow transmission cycles can be set on the same network.
• I/O devices that do not require fast periodic control can be connected to high-speed networks without increasing the communications load.
• More slave devices can be connected by distributing the communications timing of devices that communicate using a slow cycle.
• The master program can be created more efficiently by setting the optimal transmission cycle for each slave.

(3) Multiple Control Domain System
MECHATROLINK-4 enables system configurations which allow up to eight masters on the same network. Use the multiple control domain system to improve equipment performance and support safety systems.

• Build logical groups called“ control domains” for each master and the slaves under its control.
• One master can manage multiple control domains.
• Slaves can belong to multiple control domains.
• Control communications within a control domain can be simultaneously perfomed in parallel. (the Parallel I/O transmission)

(4) Support for Safety Systems
MECHATROLINK-4 is capable of supporting safety systems by using the multiple control domain system (in the future).

(5) Connections to Ethernet Devices
Ethernet devices can be connected directly to MECHATROLINK-4. Idle bands within the transmission cycle created by improved transmission efficiency are used as Internet protocol bands. Internet protocol bands that are used have no impact on control communications.