FP 1601 GETTING OFFLINE

[PRIYA CHANDAR]

We are using 18 fp 1601 modules connected a lan network tranferring datas continously..Suddenly some of the modules gets offline ie( i couldnt even ping).After i do a power recycle the module starts communicationg as usual.We use a 48 port ethernet switch , & provided isolated power supply to the modules.All the modules are grounded perfectly & the operating temperature is about 35 deg C.Is there any other possible reasins for this problem?Can i get any Diagnostic utility available to check the 1601 modules like what we have for 1600? 

[Ching_F.]

Hi Priya Chandar,

There is no such utility for the 1600.  We can try to troubleshoot the issue though.  The first thing to see is if there are specific modules that are always dropping off the network, or if all the modules stop communicating randomly.  One other thing to check is to see if it may be that the network you are using is kicking these modules off due to their activity.  You can check to see if the module has communication errors by connecting it to the computer via crossover cable and communicating to it.  If you do not notice that the FieldPoint module stops communicating when using a crossover cable, it is most likely the network that is the issue.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.  Best of luck on your application, and have a great day!!

[MEWART]

I was just researching this also. Recently I have had a 1601 start to fall off the network also. Cycling the power does restore the unit. I have 5 1601 on the same DC supply with only one having this problem. The 1601s all tie into a managed switch the switch shows them connected, they just don't respond. We updated the firmware in the 1601s last Dec with no prior problems. Is there a possible connection?

[eek]

Indeed, it is most likely a network issue. If you have several modules communicating a one time, some may get kicked offline if there is an overflow of network activity. 

But again, you can verfiy that the modules are communicating properly by connecting via crossover cable.

[MEWART]

We use managed switches exclusivly in the network. Not likly due to conjestion. The TCI/IP protocol takes care of the handshaking. If this were a problem, large networks (Like the internet) would have equipment falling off line everywhere. I have one mod with a problem consistantly. This smells like a hardware problem and possibly firmware related.

[eek]

Well let's try and see what is causing this one 1601 to fall off. Are you running the same application on all of your modules? My initial guess is that if each one is running different code, it might be that the one that is falling off is experiencing some sort of memory leak.

You might consider checking the Real Time System Manager for memory usage, perhaps even adding some sort of "heartbeat" LED to your normal priority loop to make sure your normal priority loop isn't being starved.

Some other questions: Does the module fall off the network after the same amount of running time? And when it does fall off, can you communicate with it in any sort of way? Can you ping it's IP address? What condition is the status light in?

Let's see what we can make of this curious behavior.

Cheers,

Emilie

Applications Engineer