FP-1600 Communication broke

[josorio]

I have a network of FP-1600 modules, that we use for reports criticals alarms using a discrete inputs module FP-DI-301. Just from one of this module a got a lot of broken connection. I log all the alarms, and this problem is logged several times in a day without major problems. But somes times the module does not answer any more, and the only way to brings it back is by power cycle. We test all the network path installing a printer server beside FP-1600 module and using a plot program that ping this printer server all time, without any error. That mean the communication path seem to be o.k. What a just did was enable the wath dog timer (Enable for Bank) and see if that help. My current firmware version is 0320. I do know if this kind
of problem is also present in the other Network modules available in National Instrument.

[rgharrison]

Hi josorio,

This could be attributed to a couple of things. The first is that network loss could happen when a large number of subscriptions are made to a FP-1600. To verify that this is not the case, you can substitute this FP-1600 with one that is working correctly in your network. If the module now works correctly, then it could be attributed to a large number of subscriptions.

Another suspicion that I have and I think this is more relevant to your problem description is if you power supply to the module is intermittent or unstable. From the application note Troubleshooting Communication Problems with the FieldPoint Ethernet Network Modules
the power supply can cause communication loss until you power-cycle the module. Here is the description:

"Operation with Insufficient Power Supply

Most Common Symptom: Intermittent Loss of Communication
Under certain brown-out type conditions, the processor goes into a halt state that is not cleared until power is removed and re-applied to the module. This can happen if the power supply voltage drops below 11 V (the minimum specified voltage), but briefly remains in a range of ~0.7-10.9 V. However, because the module is operating outside of the specified power supply range, the exact failure mode cannot be guaranteed. To determine if you are suffering from an insufficient power supply, connect a multi-meter or oscilloscope to the V and C terminals of the FieldPoint Ethernet Network Module. Verify that the power supply voltage is above 11 volts at all times and under all operating conditions. For example, if the FieldPoint Ethernet Network Module power supply is also used to dr
ive other devices, test the power supply voltage when those devices are active and pulling maximum current."

Anyway, I hope that helps. Have a good day.

Ron
Applications Engineering
National Instruments

[josorio]

Thanks Ron,
I already change the power supply module, and alls others divice (fiber optics tranceiver, digital input module etc.) and the problem continue.

[rgharrison]

Hi josorio,

A couple other suggestions. When you power up the module, does the status light blink several times? Count the number of blinks to get an error message from it. Another thing that could cause this type of spurious communication is if the module has the same IP address as another computer on the network.

Finally, What revision is the FP-1600 that is having problems? This can be determined by looking at the sticker on the bottom of the module and reading the Assy#. It will be 185690x-01 where x is a letter. If the module is revision A or B, please contact National Instruments Tech Support for an RMA number (ni.com/ask and select Phone NI as the option) for and upgrade per ECO 13425. There was a manufacturing defect in some r
evision A and B modules that may account for this problem. To verify whether your module is suffering from the manufacturing defect, please download the test utility from: ftp://ftp.ni.com/support/fieldpoint/troubleshooting/FP1600Diag.zip

Anyway, hope that helps. Have a good day.

Ron

[josorio]

Hello Ron
I change the module wiht the intermitent comunication failure by another one that was working in other position. This module work fine. That mean that the problem is with this particular module, before do that a test others 3 modules in the same position and this present the same problem. The part number is 185690E-01. I am sending this modules to National Instrument for diagnostic.
Thank for your hints. I download the FP1600 diagnost program.