FIAMA EP43RS User manual

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 1/38
USER MANUAL AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
DIGITAL ELECTRONIC INDICATORS WITH INDUSTRIAL FIELDBUS
(Profinet, EthernetIP, Ethercat, IO-Link, Modbus)
EP43RS, EP46RS
EP43NET, EP46NET
F4RS-MT, F4RS-M12
F4RS-AM, F4RS-EM43, F4RS-EM46
F4NET-MT, F4NET-M12
F4NET-AM, F4NET-EM43, F4NET-EM46

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
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1 Manual purpose
This manual has been designed by the Manufacturer to provide the necessary information regarding the EP4
and F4 device series to those who are authorized to carry out safely its installation, maintenance, removal and
disposal. All the necessary information for the buyers and planners can be found in the Sales documentation.
In addition to adopting good technical construction practices, the information should be read carefully and
strictly applied. Failure to observe this information could cause risks for the health and safety of people and
economical damage. This information, provided by the Manufacturer in the original language (Italian) is also
available in other languages to satisfy legislative and/or commercial needs. This manual must be kept in good
conditions by a responsible person in an ideal place so that it is always available for consultation. In case this
manual is lost or deteriorates, a replacement should be requested directly from the manufacturer indicating
the manual’s code. This manual reflects the state of the instrument at the time of input on the market: however,
the manufacturer reserves the right to make changes, add or improve the manual without further notice.
1.1 Identification
The identification label is applied on the instrument.
To determine the identification code of the instrument, consult the sales documentation.
1.2 Environmental conditions
Temperature range: min. 0°C, max. + 50°C.
It is forbidden to use the instrument other than for its specific use and in potentially explosive conditions or
where anti-explosive elements are required.
1.3 Storage
Here below are some references to be followed for the storage of the instrument:
Avoid environments with excessive humidity and those exposed to bad weather (avoid open areas).
Avoid putting the instrument directly on the ground.
Store the instrument in its original packaging.
1.4 Conformity declaration and EC marking
The instrument respects the following Communitarian Directives:
2014/30/EU Electromagnetic compatibility, 2011/65/EU RoHS.
1.5 Maintenance
The instrument does not need particular maintenance except cleaning, only with a soft cloth dampened with
ethyl alcohol or water. Do not use hydrocarbon solvents (petrol, thinners, etc.): the use of these products could
affect the proper function of the instrument.
Repairs should be done only and exclusively at the FIAMA technical assistance centre.
1.6 Calibrations and tests
It is advisable to calibrate the instrument periodically, once every working year.
To conduct calibration, follow the calibration procedure described in the present manual.
1.7 Technical Support
For any kind of technical assistance, contact the sales department of the Manufacturer directly indicating the
information given on the identification label, the number of hours used and the type of defect.
1.8 Manufacturer’s responsibility
The manufacturer declines any responsibility in case of:
•Using the instrument contrary to applicable national safety and accident-prevention laws.
•Incorrect installation, inobservance of, or incorrect procedures in contrast with the instructions provided
in the present manual.
•Defective electrical power supply.
•Modifications or tampering.
•Operations carried out by untrained or unqualified staff.
The safety of the instrument also depends on the strict observance of the procedures indicated in the manual:
always operate the instrument in its functioning capacity and carry out a careful routine maintenance.
•All phases of inspection and maintenance should be carried out by qualified staff.
•The configurations indicated in the manual are the only ones permitted.
•Do not attempt to use the instrument in anyway which is contrary to the indications provided.
•The instructions in this manual do not substitute but are a complement to the obligations of the current
legislation regarding safety laws.

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
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2 Installation
Before installing the instrument, heed the following warnings:
•Connect the instrument strictly following the instructions of the manual.
•It is the responsibility of the user to check, before using, the correct setting of all parameters of the
instrument to avoid damage to persons or things.
•The instrument CANNOT function in a hazardous environment (inflammable or explosive).
•The unit contains parts sensitive to electrostatic charge, therefore handling of the internal electronic
boards has to be carried out with appropriate care to avoid permanent damage.
3 Description
The instruments of the F4 and EP4 series are position indicator units with an integrated position sensor,
providing a comprehensive system for measuring linear or rotary displacements.
The fieldbus output (available in Profinet, EthernetIP, Ethercat, IO-Link versions) allows connection to a PLC
or remote supervision system, enabling the creation of a compact measurement device that is easy to install
and applicable to various types of industrial machinery (such as packaging, woodworking, aluminum, sheet
metal, etc.) for implementing manual format changes using handwheels operated by the operator.
The following versions are available:
•F4 with a linear magnetic tape type P50 position transducer,
•F4 AM with a rotary position transducer with magnetic ring mounting with pass-through hollow shaft
with diameters 25mm (AM25), 20mm (AM20), 14mm (AM14),
•F4 EM43 with a rotary transducer with pass-through shaft diameter 14mm,
•F4 EM46 with a rotary transducer with pass-through shaft diameter 20mm or 25mm,
•EP43 with the position transducer with pass-through hollow shaft mounting of diameter 14mm
integrated into the container,
•EP46 with the position transducer with pass-through hollow shaft mounting of diameter 20mm
integrated into the container.
The backlit LCD display has 2 lines: the first indicates the current machine position to the operator, while the
second shows the position to reach for the new machine configuration. This target position is communicated
to the EP4 (or F4) via the fieldbus through the PLC, enabling manual format changes through handwheel
operation. Two LED indicators, green and red, indicate whether the new positioning position has been reached
or not.
With three buttons on the front panel, it is possible to program the value to be shown on the display for each
turn of the hollow shaft and activate functions such as reset/preset of the position, absolute/relative position,
mm/inch conversion (all of these functionalities are also accessible from the remote supervisor).
All activated functions are shown with symbols on the display.
The instrument must be externally powered with a voltage of 10-30VDC and has an internal backup battery
that ensures the maintenance and updating of the position, even in the absence of external power, for a period
of 6-8 years. In the absence of external power, the display is turned off, and communication on the bus is not
managed.
The robust housing of EP4 and F4 is made of solid machined and anodized aluminum alloy, while the
command hollow shaft is made of stainless steel and rotates on ball bearings.

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4 Unit programming
4.1 User menu
Note: All the following parameters are also available on the fieldbus.
To access programming of the parameters, keep pressed until appears on the display. Then press O
2 times and 3 zeroes will appear. The first digit on the right will blink: using (digit increase) and. (digit
selection) insert the pass code which is 273 and confirm with O. In case of incorrect insertion of the password,
the unit exits the programming mode.
The various parameters can be scrolled with button and appear in the following order:
value to be shown after one complete rotation of the shaft
number of decimal places
button activation mode
preset quote
count direction
backlash compensation value
target value
tolerance around target value
device address
serial port communication baud rate
parity bit
To modify the selected parameter press O. The value can be changed with and . buttons. Confirm with
button O.
To exit programming press .
4.1.1 Firmware revision
In the password menu of the keypad, by entering the password 732, it will be possible to view information
regarding the version of the instrument and its firmware release.
Note: all versions are compatible with each other.
4.2 Configuration parameters
4.2.1 Value to be shown after one complete rotation of the hollow shaft: Vis
This parameter, together with the following one, defines the value which is shown after one rotation of the
hollow shaft. The allowable range is from 0,0001 to 99999. The decimal place is set after programming the
last digit on the left: after pressing, the decimal place will blink and with it can be moved to the desired position.
Confirm with O.
In the version with a linear transducer for linear magnetic tape (F4), this parameter corresponds to the value
shown on the screen for a displacement of 40mm. With the default value of 40.0, the display shows the
measurement in millimeters and tenths.
In the version with a rotary transducer, this parameter corresponds to the value to be shown on the screen for
each revolution of the hollow shaft.
4.2.2 Number of decimal places nDec
It is the number of decimal places to visualize on the display, allowed range from 0 to 4.
Example 1: if each rotation of the hollow shaft will cause a displacement of 50, set =50 and =0.
Example 2: if each rotation of the hollow shaft will cause a displacement of 12,345 and the desired output on
the display is 12.3, set =12.345 and =1.
4.2.3 Button activation mode: nTasti
This parameter programs the button functions.
The value is a number with 3 digits, each corresponding to a button: the digit on the right sets the O button,
the digit in the middle sets while the last digit on the left sets.
The possible values are in the following table:

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VALORE
TASTO
TASTO O
TASTO
0
Not active
Not active
Not active
1
mm/inch conversion
Reset
ABS/REL measurement
2
Not active
Preset
Not active
3
Not active
Fast Preset
Not active
4
Not active
Delayed Reset after 3s (*)
Not active
5
Not active
Delayed Preset after 3s (*)
Not active
(*) Delayed means that to activate the function (reset or preset), it is necessary to keep Opressed for
approximately 3 s.
1) Reset: reset function of the shown value; after pressing Othe shown value is set to zero.
2) Preset: preset function of the shown value; after pressing Othe shown value becomes equal to the value
in the parameter, which can be set immediately after (when the digit on the right is set to 2).
3) Fast Preset: the fast setting of the shown value on the display; after pressing O, appears and
pressing 2 times Oit is possible to set the value directly (use and then confirm with O). This function is useful
when the shown value must be corrected often.
4) Delayed Reset: to activate the function reset it is necessary to keep Opressed for approximately 3 s
5) Delayed Preset: to activate the function preset it is necessary to keep Opressed for approximately 3 s
6) ABS/REL measurement: Enables switching from an absolute to relative value; after pressing, the shown
value is temporarily set to zero to measure a relative motion of the shaft. On the display the rel icon indicates
that the current display is relative to the reference point that has just been created. Pressing again causes the
absolute value to be shown and the abs icon will appear.
Note: The ABS/REL function is enabled only if the measurement is in mm units.
7) mm/inch conversion: Pressing converts the measurement from millimeters to inches and back. When in
inch mode, the inch icon will appear and the shown value will have an additional decimal place. When the
parameter =4 the mm/inch conversion is not available.
4.2.4 Count direction: dir
It sets the count direction, allowed values are 0 or 1.
By setting 0, the shown value increases turning the shaft clockwise.
By setting 1, the shown value decreases turning the hollow shaft clockwise.
4.2.5 Target Value: tgt
Value shown on the first line of the display which indicates the position which must be reached by manual
adjustment.
4.2.6 Backlash compensation value: Loop
If set different to zero, at each inversion of the rotation direction, the shown value does not change until the
shaft completes a rotation which is equal to or above the backlash compensation value.
Set a positive value for backlash compensation in the forward direction and a negative value for compensation
in the reverse direction.
4.2.7 Tolerance around target value: InPos
When the actual value reaches inside the window around the target value (which is defined by the tolerance)
the red LED is turned off the green LED is turned on.
Example: with target value =50 and =10, the green LED is on between 40,1 e 59,9.
4.2.8 Device address: Addr
4.2.8.1 Ethercat version
Default value: 0.
This parameter allows setting the address for Ethercat communication. Use this function ONLY if you are not
using the automatic addressing available with the Ethercat protocol.

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Allowed values:
•0 [uses automatic addressing]
•[1-255]
4.2.8.2 Modbus version
This constant represents the address of the instrument for MODBUS communication with the MASTER unit.
Possible values range from 1 to 247. Default value: 1.
4.2.8.3 other versions
Unused in IO-Link, profinet e EthernetIP versions.
4.2.9 Baud rate serial communication: Baud
This parameter is only present in the version with RS485 Modbus serial output and is used to set the baudrate of
the serial communication:
VALORE
Baud rate
0
9600
1
19200
2
38400
3
57600
4
115200
4.2.10 Parity bit: Par
This parameter is only present in the version with RS485 Modbus serial output and is used to set the parity bit of
the serial communication:
VALORE
Parità
0
even
1
odd
2
no parity 2 stop bit
4.3 Status LEDs
The two LEDs positioned beside the display light up according to the current position value, the target position
value, and the InPos parameter value.
If the current position is within the range [target position - InPos; target position + InPos], the green LED will light
up. Otherwise, the red LED will light up.

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4.4 Position calibration (via keypad)
After mounting the instrument on the machine and setting all the parameters, to show the correct measurement
on the screen, it is necessary to perform the reset or preset of the position. Position the machine at a point
where the correct measurement to be shown is known precisely (e.g., reference stop) or measure the position
at that point on the axis. Program the parameter with the value 3 in the middle digit and exit
programming. Now press the Obutton, and the word "Preset" will appear. Press Oand set the correct
measurement to be shown on the screen, confirm with O, and the correct measurement will appear on the
display. If the calibration position were to be zero, instead of the preset, it is possible to use the reset by setting
the value 1 in the middle digit of the parameter. Then, pressing Owill zero the measurement on the
display.
Now that the instrument is calibrated, it is necessary to restore the parameter to the desired value to
avoid accidental reset/preset of the position.
5 Battery
The battery status is indicated by the icon on the display and is reported in the specific registers of the fieldbus.
Note: the battery status indicators (icon on display and value on the bus) are updated when the instrument is
powered exclusively by the battery, without external power supply.
5.1 Battery replacement
The battery ensures the maintenance and updating of the position in the absence of external power for at least
6-8 years depending on usage conditions (there is no battery consumption when the instrument is powered).
When the battery icon appears on the display or under the previously indicated conditions, the battery
replacement must be carried out within 15 days.
The replacement procedure is as follows:
1. Power the instrument with external power (to prevent the loss of machine position). If it is necessary to
remove the 24V power supply, proceed with recalibrating the position afterward.
2. Unscrew the two hex screws and remove the battery cover (note: the cover is connected to a flexible cable
and requires maximum attention not to damage or bend it at sharp angles).
3. Remove the depleted battery.
4. Insert the new battery type ½ AA 3.6V, respecting the polarity (negative pole inward).
5. Close the cover, ensuring that the cable is correctly inserted along the length of the battery.
6 Communication protocols
In the following paragraphs, the operation mode of the EP4 and F4 units is described in all available versions
(Modbus, Profinet, EthernetIP, Ethercat, IO-Link).
Please refer ONLY to the version in use.

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6.1 Modbus
The EP4 and F4 series instruments are equipped with serial communication, following the Modbus RTU
standard, on an RS485 line. When a power supply is not available, the serial port is not active and the
instrument does not respond to the master.
The data format exchanged consists of 8-bit words with 1 stop bit and a parity bit according to what is set in
the programming parameter Par. The protocol is based on a QUERY/RESPONSE structure: slave devices
respond to queries from a master with a message containing the identifying address and the requested data.
The MODBUS protocol ensures the validity of the exchanged data over the line with a "Cyclic Redundancy
Check" error control; two CRC bytes are appended to the messages.
Further Information on the creation of two CRC bytes are available on www.modicon.com.
The activated MODBUS commands are:
0x03: multiple reading of registers
0x10: writing of several registers.
0x06 writing of one register.
6.1.1 Reading registers
To read the registers of the device, the network master must send a query composed as follows (every element
is a single byte):
ADDRESS | 0x03 | START_REG_HI | START_REG_LO | N_REG_HI | N_REG_LO | CRC_HI | CRC_LO
START_REG_HI | START_REG_LO is the address at the starting 16 bit for the reading
N_REG_HI | N_REG_LO is the number (16 bit) of the registers to be read
The device replies with the following message:
ADDRESS | 0x03 | NBYTE | DATA_1_HI | DATA_1_LO | DATA_2_HI | DATA_2_LO | … | CRC_HI | CRC_LO
NBYTE is the sequence of the data read
DATA_1_HI | DATA_1_LO | DATA_2_HI | DATA_2_LO | … is the stream of data read.
6.1.2 Register writing
To write the registers of the device, the network master must send a query composed as follows (every element
is a single byte):
ADDRESS | 0x10 | START_REG_HI | START_REG_LO | N_REG_HI | N_REG_LO | NBYTE | DATA_1_HI |
DATA_1_LO | DATA_2_HI | DATA_2_LO | … | CRC_HI | CRC_LO
The device replies with the following message:
ADDRESS | 0x10 | START_REG_HI | START_REG_LO | N_REG_HI | N_REG_LO | CRC_HI | CRC_LO
Note:
In case the writing of registers is implemented with a sequence of single writes (i.e., a query to write the first
register, followed by a second query to write the second register, and so on), it is MANDATORY to insert a
delay of at least 100ms (milliseconds) between writing register 0 (Vis) and writing register 2 (vDec).

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6.1.3 Parameters
The parameters that can be read/written through serial communication are listed in the table below.
A more detailed explanation of the following parameters is available in the "User Menu" chapter.
Indirizzo
modbus
Parametro
Size
Range
Default value
Funzione
0
Visual
4
1..99999
•1000 (EP4)
•400 (F4)
•value to be shown after one
complete rotation of the shaft
(EP4)
•value to be shown after 40mm
displacement (F4)
2
vDec
2
0..4
1
It is the number of decimal places
in the Visual parameter
3
nDec
2
0..4
1
It is the number of decimal places
to visualize on the display
4
nTasti
2
0..0x151
0x111
It is the button activation mode
5
Dir
2
0..1
0
Counting direction
6
Preset
4
-99999
+99999
0
Preset position value
8
Loop
4
-99999
+99999
0
Backlash compensation value
10
Positioning
window
2
0..30000
10
Positioning window value
11
Error
2
Refer to the next section “battery
status”
12
Quota
4
-99999
+99999
14
Target
4
-99999
+99999
16
Control
2
By writing the indicated values via
Modbus, it is possible to activate
the corresponding functionalities:
0x4141: Activates the always-on
display feature.
0x4040: Deactivates the always-on
display feature.
6.1.3.1 Always on display
By writing (via Modbus) 0x4141 to the Control register, the EP4 activates the "always-on display" functionality.
The device will display the target position and the current position even in the absence of external power.
Additionally, the configuration menu and the three buttons remain active. However, the status LEDs and the
display backlight are turned off. The impact on battery consumption of this functionality is approximately 15%.
By writing 0x4040 to the Control register, the EP4 deactivates the "always-on display" functionality.
By writing 0x1111 to the Control register, the EP4 resets the Error register to the value 0.

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6.1.3.2 Battery status
The battery status is indicated by the icon on the display and the Modbus Error register.
The Modbus Error register can take the following values to indicate the battery status:
•0x0000: In case of optimal operating condition.
•0xFFFF: If the battery level has dropped below a critical threshold. In this case, it is necessary to proceed
with replacement within 15 days.
•0x00FF: If the battery is completely discharged, absent, or faulty. In this case, the battery must be
immediately replaced because in this state, it is not guaranteed that the instrument can save the current
position value when the 24V power supply is removed.
WARNING: If this value is present in the Error register at machine startup, it is necessary to perform the
machine repositioning procedure (homing or reset) because the position detected by the EP4 is no longer
aligned with the actual position of the machine.

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6.2 Profinet
EP4 and F4 implement the Profinet IRT protocol (conformity class C) for IO-Device units, Ethernet interface.
Communication consists of a cyclic part (Status e Target) and an acyclic part (Parameters).
To correctly associate EP4 and F4 devices with the appropriate Profinet ProductFamily, please refer to the
table below:
Codice
Profinet device name
Profinet device id
EP43NET
EP4NET
0x0111
EP46NET
EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-AM
EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-MT
F4NET
0x0112
F4NET-M12
F4NET
0x0112
F4NET-EM43
EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-EM46
EP4NET
0x0111
Please ensure to select the appropriate Profinet ProductFamily corresponding to your EP4 or F4 device model.
The communication (I/O) part of the two product families is identical.
The communication is structured into a cyclic part (State and Target) and an acyclic part (Parameters).
6.2.1 Cyclic communication (Process Data)
The cyclic communication of the EP4/F4 families is designed for the exchange of 10 input bytes and 4 output
bytes. A punctual description of each byte is provided later on to make their understanding easier.
6.2.1.1 Inputs (Slave → Master): 10byte, 5 word
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Status word
2
UINT
Word showing the device status (Status word table).
Actual position
4
DINT
Actual position
Actual target position
4
DINT
Target position which is currently shown on the display
Status word: when moving from 0 to 1, each bit in this word warns about a different status of the device. The
meaning of each status is explained below.

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Bit
Nome
Descrizione
0
Ready
Device ready
1
Target reached
The current position is within the positioning window.
2
Battery low
The battery charge level is below a critical threshold: in this case it is necessary
to substitute it within 15 days.
3
Battery fault
The battery is completely discharged, absent, or malfunctioning. In this case the
battery must be immediately replaced because in this state it is not guaranteed
that the instrument will be able to maintain the correct value when the 24VDC
power supply is off.
NOTE: if this bit is present when the machine is turned on, it is necessary
to execute a homing or reset procedure because the value measured by the
EP4NET is no longer consistent with the actual position of the machine.
4
Encoder fault
Internal encoder fault
6.2.1.2 Outputs (Master → Slave): 4 byte, 1 dword
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Target position
4
DINT
Target position to be shown on the display

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6.2.2 Acyclic communication (record data)
The EP4 and F4 device uses two groups of acyclic parameters which contain the 11 parameters used for
configuration.
The first group contains the configuration parameters for visualization (the same parameters which are
accessible from the device menu). These parameters are mapped as initial record data, that is as acyclic
parameters whose value is written by the PLC ad every new connection of the unit (and so also when the unit
is powered on). These (initial) values are contained within the GSDML file and can be modified by the
development environment of the control unit which is used.
Since they are acyclic parameters, they can be read and written, with the specific commands, also during
operation; note that each time the unit is turned on, the PLC will restore the initial configuration.
All of these parameters can be read and written.
The second group contains only the current position and the target position in order to allow both a preset and
acyclic reset. These two parameters are NOT mapped as initial record data. It is possible to conduct an acyclic
write using a web server which is available at the IP address of the device, or through a function block.
All of the parameters can be modified in any moment.
6.2.2.1 Parameters
Index: 3
This set of parameters is used as Initial Record Data, i.e. as the initial values that the PLC automatically
sends to the EP4_NET unit whenever it is switched on.
For a more detailed description of the following parameters please refer to the Unit programming section.
Indice
parametro
Parametro
Tipo
Range
Default value
Funzione
0
Visual
UDINT
1..99999
•1000 (EP4)
•400 (F4)
•value to be shown after one
complete rotation of the shaft (EP4)
•value to be shown after 40mm
displacement (F4)
1
vDec
UINT
0..4
1
It is the number of decimal places in the
Visual parameter
2
nDec
UINT
0..4
1
It is the number of decimal places to
visualize on the display
3
nTasti
UINT
0..0x151
0x111
Button activation mode
4
Dir
UINT
0..1
0
count direction
5
Preset
DINT
-99999
+99999
0
Preset value
6
Loop
DINT
-99999
+99999
0
backlash compensation value
7
Positioning
window
UINT
0..30000
10
target value tolerance
6.2.2.2 Position
Index: 4
This set contains exclusively the two useful positions of the device.
It is possible to reset the positions or preset them to a desired value by using acyclic access.
Indice
parametro
Parametro
Tipo
Range
Accesso
Funzione
0
Position
DINT
-99999
+99999
R/W
Actual position of device
1
Target position
DINT
-99999
+99999
R/W
Target position of device

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6.3 Ethernet IP communication protocol
EP4 and F4 implement the EthernetIP protoco for IO-Device units, Ethernet interface. Communication consists
of a cyclic part (Status e Target) and an acyclic part (Parameters).
To correctly associate EP4 and F4 devices with the appropriate EthernetIP ProductFamily, please refer to the
table below:
Codice
Ethernet IP prodName
EthernetIP prodCode
EP43NET
Fiama EP4NET
0x0111
EP46NET
Fiama EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-AM
Fiama EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-MT
Fiama F4NET
0x0112
F4NET-M12
Fiama F4NET
0x0112
F4NET-EM43
Fiama EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-EM46
Fiama EP4NET
0x0111
Please ensure to select the appropriate Profinet ProductFamily corresponding to your EP4 or F4 device model.
The communication (I/O) part of the two product families is identical.
The communication is structured into a cyclic part (State and Target) and an acyclic part (Parameters)
6.3.1 Cyclic communication (Process Data)
The cyclic communication of the EP4/F4 families is designed for the exchange of 10 input bytes and 4 output
bytes. A punctual description of each byte is provided later on to make their understanding easier.
6.3.1.1 Inputs (Slave → Master): 10byte, 5 word
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Status word
2
UINT
Word showing the device status (Status word table).
Actual position
4
DINT
Actual position
Actual target position
4
DINT
Target position which is currently shown on the display

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 15/38
Status word: when moving from 0 to 1, each bit in this word warns about a different status of the device. The
meaning of each status is explained below.
Bit
Nome
Descrizione
0
Ready
Device ready
1
Target reached
The current position is within the positioning window.
2
Battery low
The battery charge level is below a critical threshold: in this case it is necessary
to substitute it within 15 days.
3
Battery fault
The battery is completely discharged, absent, or malfunctioning. In this case the
battery must be immediately replaced because in this state it is not guaranteed
that the instrument will be able to maintain the correct value when the 24VDC
power supply is off.
NOTE: if this bit is present when the machine is turned on, it is necessary
to execute a homing or reset procedure because the value measured by the
EP4NET is no longer consistent with the actual position of the machine.
4
Encoder fault
Internal encoder fault
6.3.1.2 Outputs (Master → Slave): 4 byte, 1 dword
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Target position
4
DINT
Target position to be shown on the display

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 16/38
6.3.2 Acyclic communication (record data)
The EP4 and F4 device uses two groups of acyclic parameters which contain the 11 parameters used for
configuration.
The first group contains the configuration parameters for visualization (the same parameters which are
accessible from the device menu). These parameters are mapped as initial record data, that is as acyclic
parameters whose value is written by the PLC ad every new connection of the unit (and so also when the unit
is powered on). These (initial) values are contained within the GSDML file and can be modified by the
development environment of the control unit which is used.
Since they are acyclic parameters, they can be read and written, with the specific commands, also during
operation; note that each time the unit is turned on, the PLC will restore the initial configuration.
All of these parameters can be read and written.
The second group contains only the current position and the target position in order to allow both a preset and
acyclic reset. These two parameters are NOT mapped as initial record data. It is possible to conduct an acyclic
write using a web server which is available at the IP address of the device, or through a function block.
All of the parameters can be modified in any moment.
6.3.2.1 Parameters
Index: 3
This set of parameters is used as Initial Record Data, i.e. as the initial values that the PLC automatically
sends to the EP4_NET unit whenever it is switched on.
For a more detailed description of the following parameters please refer to the Programming section.
Indice
parametro
Parametro
Tipo
Range
Default value
Funzione
0
Visual
UDINT
1..99999
•1000 (EP4)
•400 (F4)
•value to be shown after one
complete rotation of the shaft (EP4)
•value to be shown after 40mm
displacement (F4)
1
vDec
UINT
0..4
1
decimal point position for
2
nDec
UINT
0..4
1
decimal point position on display
3
nTasti
UINT
0..0x151
0x111
button activation mode
4
Dir
UINT
0..1
0
count direction
5
Preset
DINT
-99999
+99999
0
Preset value
6
Loop
DINT
-99999
+99999
0
backlash compensation value
7
Positioning
window
UINT
0..30000
10
target value tolerance
6.3.2.2 Position
Index: 4
This set contains exclusively the two useful positions of the device.
It is possible to reset the positions or preset them to a desired value by using acyclic access.
Indice
parametro
Parametro
Tipo
Range
Accesso
Funzione
0
Position
DINT
-99999
+99999
R/W
Actual position of device
1
Target position
DINT
-99999
+99999
R/W
Target position of device

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 17/38
To access the previous data structures acyclically, it is necessary to set the msg functions as follows (the
example image is taken from the function available for rslogix5000):
With this command, the entire parameter block is read from the PLC and saved in the structure set as the
'Destination element'. Similarly, for writing, the 'Set attribute single' command should be used to send a
structure containing all the configuration bytes to the unit.

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 18/38
6.4 Ethercat communication protocol
EP4 and F4 implement the Profinet IRT protocol (conformity class C) for IO-Device units, Ethernet interface.
Communication consists of a cyclic part (Status e Target) and an acyclic part (Parameters).
The communication (I/O) part of the two product families is identical.
6.4.1 Cyclic communication (Process Data)
The cyclic communication of the EP4/F4 families is designed for the exchange of 10 input bytes and 4 output
bytes. A punctual description of each byte is provided later on to make their understanding easier.
6.4.1.1 Inputs (Slave → Master): 10byte, 5 word
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Status word
2
UINT
Word showing the device status (Status word table).
Actual position
4
DINT
Actual position
Actual target position
4
DINT
Target position which is currently shown on the display
Status word: when moving from 0 to 1, each bit in this word warns about a different status of the device. The
meaning of each status is explained below.
Bit
Nome
Descrizione
0
Ready
Device ready
1
Target reached
The current position is within the positioning window.
2
Battery low
The battery charge level is below a critical threshold: in this case it is necessary
to substitute it within 15 days.
3
Battery fault
The battery is completely discharged, absent, or malfunctioning. In this case the
battery must be immediately replaced because in this state it is not guaranteed
that the instrument will be able to maintain the correct value when the 24VDC
power supply is off.
NOTE: if this bit is present when the machine is turned on, it is necessary
to execute a homing or reset procedure because the value measured by the
EP4NET is no longer consistent with the actual position of the machine.
4
Encoder fault
Internal encoder fault
6.4.1.2 Outputs (Master → Slave): 4 byte, 1 dword
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Target position
4
DINT
Target position to be shown on the display

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 19/38
6.4.2 Acyclic communication (SDO)
The EP4 and F4 device uses two groups of acyclic parameters which contain the 11 parameters used for
configuration.
The first group contains the configuration parameters for visualization (the same parameters which are
accessible from the device menu).
The second group contains only the current position and the target position in order to allow both a preset and
acyclic reset. It is possible to conduct an acyclic write using a web server which is available at the IP address
of the device, or through a function block.
All of the parameters can be modified in any moment.
6.4.2.1 Parameters
Index: 3
This set of parameters is used as Initial Record Data, i.e. as the initial values that the PLC automatically
sends to the EP4_NET unit whenever it is switched on.
For a more detailed description of the following parameters please refer to the Programming section.
Indice
parametro
Parametro
Tipo
Range
Default value
Funzione
0
Visual
UDINT
1..99999
•1000 (EP4)
•400 (F4)
•value to be shown after one
complete rotation of the shaft (EP4)
•value to be shown after 40mm
displacement (F4)
1
vDec
UINT
0..4
1
decimal point position for
2
nDec
UINT
0..4
1
decimal point position on display
3
nTasti
UINT
0..0x151
0x111
button activation mode
4
Dir
UINT
0..1
0
count direction
5
Preset
DINT
-99999
+99999
0
Preset value
6
Loop
DINT
-99999
+99999
0
backlash compensation value
7
Positioning
window
UINT
0..30000
10
target value tolerance
6.4.2.2 Position
Index: 4
This set contains exclusively the two useful positions of the device.
It is possible to reset the positions or preset them to a desired value by using acyclic access.
Indice
parametro
Parametro
Tipo
Range
Accesso
Funzione
0
Position
DINT
-99999
+99999
R/W
Actual position of device
1
Target position
DINT
-99999
+99999
R/W
Target position of device
6.4.3 Ethercat address
The indicators of EP4 and F4 series allow the use of automatic addressing functions defined by the Ethercat
protocol. However, it is still possible to set the Ethercat address using the ADDR parameter in the instrument's
menu. In case the automatic addressing feature is used, leave ADDR at the default value (0).

Digital position indicators with fieldbus –user manual
31/01/2024 EP4_F4 user manual.docx rev: 1.2 pag 20/38
6.5 IO-Link communication protocol
EP4 and F4 implement the IO-Link protoclfor IO-Device units. Communication consists of a cyclic part (Status
e Target) and an acyclic part (Parameters).
To correctly associate EP4 and F4 devices with the appropriate IO-Link ProductFamily, please refer to the
table below:
Codice
IO-Link device name
IO-Link device id
EP43NET
EP4NET
0x0111
EP46NET
EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-AM
EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-MT
F4NET
0x0112
F4NET-M12
F4NET
0x0112
F4NET-EM43
EP4NET
0x0111
F4NET-EM46
EP4NET
0x0111
The communication (I/O) part of the two product families is identical.
6.5.1 Cyclic communication (Process Data)
The cyclic communication of the EP4/F4 families is designed for the exchange of 10 input bytes and 4 output
bytes. A punctual description of each byte is provided later on to make their understanding easier.
6.5.1.1 Inputs (Slave → Master): 10byte, 5 word
Nome
Size
(byte)
Tipo
Funzione
Status word
2
UINT
Word showing the device status (Status word table).
Actual position
4
DINT
Actual position
Actual target position
4
DINT
Target position which is currently shown on the display
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