communications processor
Communications processors create a link between DCMs on the production floor and the system's host computer. The "cp" ensures proper message routing and control between the shop floor network and the TCP/IP network. The Communications processor field is an alphanumeric that can be up to 20 characters in length. Only the first 6 characters will be sent down to the attached DCM.At least one communications processor must, therefore, be defined for the shop floor. A communications processor can be linked to many DCMs, Although a DCM must have one and only one associated communications processor. Changes made to a communications processor setup can affect each of its attached DCMs. In the case of the RTL-based DCM, each RTL-DCM will also be it's own Communications Processor and therefore there will be a Communications Processor defined for each DCM.
The Communications processor should be one of the first elements of the shop floor which is defined. Recommended steps are:
1.) Create Boot Sets. These files are not used in the rtl/cim style dcms.
2.) Configure the communications processor
3.) Create Reason Sets
4.) Create Work Centers
5.) Configure DCMs
6.) Configure Machines
7.) Configure process variables on each machine if option purchased
8.) Configure profiles on each machine if option purchased
9.) Define display groups