Ethernet/IP Integration

The OV80i vision system supports real-time communication with EtherNet/IP-based PLCs. This guide explains how to configure cyclic I/O connections, map data structures, and use Overview’s Node-RED tools to access both global and ROI-level inspection results.

Overview

The OV80i functions as an EtherNet/IP adapter, while your PLC operates as a scanner (or master). Once configured, the devices exchange structured data every cycle using a compact and predictable format.

Supported Features

• Cyclic I/O communication - 20–10,000 ms cycle time support

• Data throughput - Up to 256 bytes in each direction

• Custom data handling - Read/write Node-RED data as part of the active recipe

Network Setup

1. Assign a static IP address to the OV80i.

2. Ensure both the OV80i and your PLC are on the same subnet.

3. Make sure EtherNet/IP traffic is allowed on your network.

4. Put the OV80i into Ethernet/IP Mode by selecting it on the Industrial Ethernet tab in the sidebar.

   

PLC Configuration

1. Download the OV80i EDS file and import it into your PLC development environment

2. Add the OV80i as a new EtherNet/IP device using the EDS file.

3. Set the Input and Output Assembly instances and Requested Packet Interval (RPI).

4. Map assembly data to appropriate tags in your PLC.

5. Confirm data is being exchanged in real-time.

Input Assembly (OV80i → PLC)

The input assembly contains data sent from the OV80i to the PLC on every cycle. This includes system status, inspection results, recipe information, and optional ROI breakdowns.

Output Assembly (PLC → OV80i)

The output assembly contains control data sent from the PLC to the OV80i. You can use it to trigger inspections, change recipes, or pass in custom parameters.

Timing and Handshake Behavior

Custom Data Support

The OV80i can accept or return additional custom data as part of your Node-RED flow.

PLC → OV80i

• Write external flags, thresholds, or counters to influence logic in Node-RED

OV80i → PLC

• Return calculated values, measurements, timestamps, or conditional outputs

Custom data fits into the extended portion of the assemblies, starting after the core signals and recipe info.

ROI Result Breakdown (Classification Recipes Only)

For classification recipes, you can expose per-ROI results to the PLC using Overview’s custom Node-RED node: Format data for PLC.

How it works:

• Placed between All Blocks Output Data and Send Data to PLC in the Node-RED flow

• Automatically populates a structured ROI region starting at byte 16 in the input assembly

• Supports up to 4 ROIs per inspection

• Each ROI includes:

  • ROI ID

  • Pass/fail bit

  • Confidence score

  • Reserved bytes for future use

⚠️ Format Data for PLC Node works with Classification Recipes Only