Diagnostic Tools; What To Do If You Cannot Solve The Problem; Checking The Ethernet Leds - GE VersaMax PLC User Manual

13.5 Diagnostic Tools

Ethernet Communications
For public disclosure
There are several tools to assist you in diagnosing problems that may occur with Ethernet
operations and Ethernet Global Data.
Check the Ethernet LEDs, as detailed in the following sections, to troubleshoot a
•
problem on power-up of the Ethernet Interface. The LEDs provide an immediate
visual summary of the operating state of the Interface.
• Use the PLC Fault Table, also explained in this chapter. The PLC Fault Table
records exceptions logged by the PLC, the Ethernet interface, and other modules. The
PLC Fault Table is accessed through the PLC programming software.
• The application program can use special status data to monitor Ethernet operations.
− The Ethernet interface status address, selected during PLC configuration,
contains information about the operating status of the Ethernet interface.
− The Exchange Status words, selected during Ethernet Global Data configuration,
contain information about the status of exchange operations.
Use the Station Manager function to troubleshoot a problem with the Ethernet
•
Interface, with the network, with PLC backplane communication, or with your
application. The LOG, TALLY, and STAT Station Manager commands are especially
useful. Refer to the VersaMax PLC Ethernet Station Manager Manual(GFK–1876)
for information on how to access and use the Station Manager.

13.5.1 What to do if you Cannot Solve the Problem

If you still cannot solve your problem, call GE Automation – NA, 1- 800-433–2682.
Please have the following information available when you call.
• The Name and Catalog Number marked on the product.
• Description of symptoms of problem. Depending on the problem, you may also be
asked for the following information:
− The ladder logic application program and the PLC sweep length at the time the
problem occurred.
− A listing of the configuration parameters for the Ethernet Interface that failed.
− A description of the network configuration. This should include the number of
PLCs and host computers accessing the network, the type of network cable used
(e.g. twisted pair, fiber optic, etc.), length of network cable, and the number and
manufacturer of transceivers, hubs, and network switches used.

13.5.2 Checking the Ethernet LEDs

After configuring the Interface, follow the steps below to verify that the Ethernet
Interface is operating correctly.
1. Turn power OFF to the PLC for 3–5 seconds, then turn the power back ON. This
starts a series of diagnostic tests. During powerup diagnostics, after a brief delay the
STAT LED on the Ethernet side of the CPU module blinks. Both the LAN and
PORT1 LEDs are off. If a fatal diagnostic failure occurs, the failure is indicated by a
two-digit pattern in amber on the STAT LED.
2. For IC200CPUE05-IL and earlier versions, the following applies:
After successful power-up, all three LEDs on the Ethernet side turn on briefly. Then
the STAT and LAN LEDs should be green. The LAN LED blinks when there is
traffic.
For version IC200CPUE05-IL and later the following applies:
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