DeviceNet Troubleshooting

DeviceNet Troubleshooting Guidelines
DeviceNet will not function correctly if design rules are not followed.
Even a Network previously thought to be functioning correctly may begin
to exhibit abnormal or anomalous operation due to incorrect system design.
The following are tips to help locate and correct these abnormalities.
For specific DeviceNet system installation information.

Please refer the "DeviceNet Planning and Installation Manual".
Manuals can be ordered via the Internet at http://www.theautomationbookstore.com/
Verify that all devices on the network have been certified by ODVA and
carry the DeviceNet Conformance check on their name plate.
Termination Resistors:
A termination resistor equal to 121 Ohms 1% , 1/4W must be attached at each end of the
Trunk cable. The resistors must be connected across the Blue & White wires of the
DeviceNet cable.
Resistor connection can be verified by disconnecting DeviceNet power and measuring
the resistance across the Can_H & Can_L lines (Blue & White Wire). This can be
measured with an Ohm meter. The reading should be approximately 60 Ohms.
Very Important: The DeviceNet network will not operate correctly without terminating
resistors. Termination resistors can be ordered from your local Allen-Bradley Distributor
using the part number 1485A-C2.
Page 1 of 15
Network Grounding:
The DeviceNet cable must by grounded at only one location. This should be done closest
to the center of the network. Connect the network Shield and Drain wire to an earth
ground using #8 AWG wire up to a maximum 3m ( 10Ft ) in length.Also connect the Vconductor ( Black Wire) of the network trunk cable and the DC ground of the power
supply to this ground connection.
Power Supply Discussion:

DeviceNet requires 24VDC. Use a power supply rated 24VDC (+/- 1% ). Make sure the
power supply has it's own current limit protection. Provide fuse protection for each
segment of the cable system. DeviceNet requires a power supply to have a rise time of
less then 250mS to within 5% of its rated output voltage. The power supply must be sized
correctly to provide each device with its required power.
1. The thin wire trunk line can only handle 3 amps and the thick wire trunk line can
physically handle 8 amps. However, in North America the current is limited to 4 amps.
Multiple power supplies can be installed on a DeviceNet network, but no section of cable
should have more current flowing than the appropriate rating. An important note is that
when putting multiple power supplies on a network; break the Red V+ wire between the
power supplies. This effectively isolates the power supplies from each other.
2. Common mode voltage can sometimes be an issue on DeviceNet networks which have
trunk lines that are extra long and/or have devices on them, drawing large currents at
longer distances. If the voltage on the Black V- wire ever gets more than 4.65 volts
different from one point of the network to another, then communication problems could
occur. On an existing network, if the voltage between the Red V+ wire and the Black Vwire ever gets below 15 volts, then common mode voltage could be adversely affecting
network communications. Adding an additional power supply or moving an existing
power supply closer to the heavier current loads will normally cure common mode
voltage problems.
Important: It is recommended that the DeviceNet power supply should be used to power
the DeviceNet network only. When multiple power supplies are required, verify that the
V+ connection is broken between the supplies. Please refer to the " DeviceNet Planning
and Installation Manual " for more specific installation procedures.
Page 2 of 15
Verify Network Voltages

It needs to be understood that DeviceNet is actually a three wire Differential Voltage
network communication is accomplished by switching the CAN-H (White wire) and
CAN-L (Blue wire) signals relative to the V- line ( Black Wire ). The CAN-H swings
between 2.5 VDC (Recessive State) and 4.0 VDC (Dominant State) while the CAN-L
swings between 1.5 VDC (Dominant State) and 2.5 VDC (Recessive State)
Without a network master connected to the DeviceNet, the CAN-H and CAN-L lines
should read between 2.5 VDC and 3.0 VDC relative to V- and the voltages should be
identical. (Recessive State). Measure these voltages right at the SDN scanner. Use a
voltmeter in DC mode.
With a network master connected and polling the network, the CAN-H to V- voltage
will be around +3.2 VDC. The CAN-L to V- voltage will be around 2.4 VDC. The
reason these values appear a little different than the ranges shown on the scope trace, is
that the signals are switching, which slightly affects the DC value being read by the
VOM.
If Can-H to V- and Can_L to V- are too low; less than 2.5 V dc and 2.0 V dc respectively
the issue is probably a bad transceiver or bad wiring. To find a bad transceiver remove
one node at a time measuring Can-H and Can-L to V- each time a device is removed.
To check a transceiver (rough test) with everything removed from a device use an ohm
meter to measure resistance between V+ and Can-H V+ and Can-L V- and Can-H V- and
Can-L. These impedances should all be greater than 1 M ohm.
Page 3 of 15
Examine the System Design of the Installation
Walk the network if possible to determine the actual layout. ( Make a sketch of the network )
Check number of nodes
Check cumulative drop length
Check individual drop lengths
Check branched drop length
Check total trunk length, including long drop near the ends
Check the termination location and measure the terminators
Check the power supply cable length and gauge
Check for one, and only one, earth ground of the V- and shield
Break the combination shield/V- connection to frame ground and verify >1.0 Mohm
to frame ground
Check for one and only one V- to shield connection
Break the shield/V- connection at the power supply and verify >1.0 Mohm shield to
V- with 24VDC off
Check for shorts of CAN- and/or CAN+ to shield or V- verify with an OHM meter
Check the length and gauge of the earth ground connection
Check total power load and its distribution points
Check the Power
Check trunk and drop current limits

Check type (size and length) of cable bringing power into the trunk
Measure the 24V supply at the middle and ends of the network
Consider spot checking the power for noise with an oscilloscope
It is recommended but not required that the 24 VDC Network Power for DeviceNet
should be used for the DeviceNet network only to aid in eliminating noise issues.
Check the Wiring
Check lead dress in junction boxes

Check that connectors are screwed together tightly
Check that glands are screwed tightly
Check for foreign material (electrical tape, RTV, etc.) in glands
Check that nodes are not touching extremely hot or cold surfaces
Check that cables are kept a few inches away from power wiring
Check that cables are not draped on electric motors, relays, contactors or solenoids
Check that cables are not constrained so as to place excessive tension on connectors
Wiggle connectors to provoke intermittent failures
Page 4 of 15
Check the Scanner Configuration

Verify the scanlist
Baud Rate
Node Address
Series/Revision of the 1747/1771-SDN scanner
Refer to Knowbase for documents on factory defaulting DeviceNet Scanners
Check the Nodes

Cycle power to the 24V supply, this will reset the scanner to initialize the network
Examine the scanner display codes to identify problem nodes.
( Reference the SDN manual for a description of these codes )
At problem nodes
Blinking GREEN means the node is not being allocated by the scanner
Check that the node is in the scan list
Check that the scanner is not bus off
Check if connection is timing out
Blinking RED means no communication
Check for missing power on all nodes
Check if all other nodes are disconnected
Check node baud rate ( Bad baud rate does not always cause buss off )
Check scanner, if a code 91 is displayed then the communications connection with the node
has timed out. Recycle 24V supply and then reset scanner.
Page 5 of 15

If scanner goes bus off again, The problem is some combination of
Defective node
Node baud rate
Bad topology
Bad connections
Bad scanner
Bad power
Bad grounding
Bad electrical noise
A Solid RED light at power-up means two nodes have the same address.
A Solid RED after allocation means bus off Check baud rate.
If the problems persist:
Replace T-Tap
Check topology
Check power for noise with oscilloscope or power disturbance analyzer
Finally if the problem remains after all else has been tried replace the node.
( Be sure to set the node address and baud rate on the replacement node, if applicable )
Page 6 of 15
Points to Remember
Pressing the reset button on the scanner does not reset the network
Cycling the rack power does not reset the network
When using a DeviceLink a bus off (solid RED) condition can only be cleared by
cycling the 24V power
Cycling power on the network will cause the scanner to go bus off
DeviceNet 9000 bus off (solid RED) condition can be cleared by cycling the 24V
power or by pressing the program button for several seconds
Extreme care must be given to the task of setting initial addresses and baud rates
because one incorrect node address or incorrect baud rate will cause other nodes
to appear to be bad (solid RED).
If the scanner is bus off (code 91), nodes will not re-allocate (flashing GREEN or
RED) even if they are functioning correctly
RSNetworx for DeviceNet and a 1770-KFD/1784-PCD can be used to identify the
functioning nodes on the network.
If a node goes bus off (solid RED for DeviceLink), and is replaced and still goes
bus off, the problem is not the node but rather the setting of the address or baud
rate or a network wide problem related to topology, grounding, electrical noise or
an intermittent node
MORE TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Try to distinguish, as soon as possible, a device problem from a media problem.

Try to reduce the system to the smallest size, which still exhibits the problem. This can be
done by removing nodes, drops, taps, or lengths of trunk can do this.
Use substitution where possible to rule things out, but be careful!
Actual Field Case:

Product A works with Product B and not with Product C.
We conclude that the problem is with Product C -- WRONG!!
The problem was with product A., Product C was operating correctly, But just happened to be
Susceptible to the fault in the product A.
Always remember do not assume too much!
If you suspect a media problem, inspection is always a good first step.
Verify lengths, topology, and proper termination ( VERY IMPORTANT ).
Always. Always, ALWAYS!!........... Check all Connections.
Page 7 of 15

Opens or shorts may be the biggest problem. On an idle bus (without traffic) voltages can indicate
problems. CAN_L and CAN_H should be about 2.5 to 3.0 volts relative to V-. If there is traffic,
CAN_L will be a little lower, CAN_H a little higher.
Use an OHM meter to check resistance between CAN_H and CAN_L when idle. This should be
about 60 ohms (two 120 ohm terminators in parallel). This value may be as low as 50 ohms if
there are many nodes attached. Make sure all wires are well attached to the right places. The V+
level, relative to V-, should always be between 11 to 25 volts.
One common problem people run across is incorrect setting of baud rates and node addresses.
Always verify the nodes address and baud rate before installing it on a network. And try not to
change a nodes baud rate while on the network. Do all baud changes on a point-to-point only
connection.
Ground Loops
Before trying this make sure the shield is grounded in only one place.
Use the oscilloscope to determine if there are ground loops in your system. You should NOT see
60 Hz or Harmonics in your signal. Assuming you use DC coupling on the oscilloscope you
should see....
2.8 VDC offset on both Can_High & Can_Low NO Sinusoidal signal; ie 60 Hz components.
DeviceNet Cable (Color Codes and Signals)

BLACK
BLUE-Uninsulated
WHITE
RED
GREEN
Common
Signal Low
Shield
Signal High
Power Supply
Chassis Ground
-- COM
-- CAN_L
-- SHIELD
-- CAN_H
-- VDC+
-- EARTH GROUND
Page 8 of 15
DeviceNet QD Connectors
Examining the connector with the keyway pointing down. Number the pins starting at the pin right
most to the keyway (1) and continue counter clockwise until you reach pin (5).
PIN 1
PIN 2
PIN 3
PIN 4
PIN 5
SHIELD
VDC+
COM
CAN_HIGH
CAN_LOW
Micro QD Cable
GREEN ( or Bare wire )

RED
BLACK
WHITE
BLUE
Mini QD Cable
10-Pin Linear Plug ( 1787-PLUG10R )
Black * Blue * Shield * White * Red

Recommended for daisy-chain network connections
DeviceNet Flat Media

Flat media connectors are available in Micro/Mini Quick Disconnect and Open Style.
Flat Media helps speed up network installation as well eliminating wiring mistakes.
Page 9 of 15
DeviceNet Scanner Status / Error Codes

The bicolor (GREEN/RED) module status indicator displays device status. It indicates whether
the device has power and is functioning properly.
Indicator is
Then
Take this action
------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
Off
Green
| There is no power applied to the device.
| Apply power.
| The device is operating in normal condition.| Do nothing.

|
Flashing Green
Flashing Red
Red
| The device needs configuring.
| Configure the device.
| There is an invalid configuration.
| Verify dip switch
| settings.
| Check configuration
| setup.
| The device has an unrecoverable fault.
| Replace the module.
------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
The network status indicator is a bicolor (GREEN/RED) LED. The following table provides
troubleshooting information about communication links.
Indicator is
Then
Which Indicates
Take this action
-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Off
| The device has no power or
| the channel is disabled for |

| communication due to bus off|
The channel is
|Power-up the scanner,
disabled for
|provide network power
DeviceNet
communication
|to channel, and make
| condition, loss of network
| power, or has been
|sure channel is
|enabled in both the
| intentionally disabled.
|scanner configuration
|table and module command
|word.
-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Flashing
|The two-digit numeric display|
The channel is
Green
|for the channel indicates an |
enabled but no
|error code that provides more|
communication is
|information about the
|condition of the channel
occurring
|Configure scan list

|table for channel
|to add devices
|
|
-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Solid Green
There's normal operation
|All slave devices in|
|the scan list table |
|are communicating
|normally with the
|scanner
Do Nothing
-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Page 10 of 15

-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Solid Red
|The communications channel
|The scanner may be
|Reset module. If
|has failed.The two digit
|defective.
|failures continue,
|numeric display for the
|replace module.
|channel displays an error
|code that provides more
|condition of the channel
-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Flashing Red |The two-digit numeric display|At least one of the |Examine the failed
|for the channel display an
|slave devices in the|device and check the
|error code that provides more|scanner's scan list |scan list table
|table has failed to |for accuracy.
|condition of the channel.
|communicate with the|
|scanner.The network |
|has faulted.
-------------|-----------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------|
Your 1747/1771-SDN Scanner Module has a node address/status indicator that uses numeric
displays to indicate diagnostic information about your module. The display flashes at
approximately 1 second intervals, depending on network traffic. The following table
summarizes the meanings of the numeric codes.
Numeric Code
Description
Take this action
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
Network Address|Normal operation. The numeric display
Displays
0 - 63
Do nothing
|matches the scanner's node address on the|

|DeviceNet network
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
70
|Scanner failed Duplicate Node Address
|Change the scanner channel
|check
|address to another available
|one. The node address you
|selected is already in use on
|that channel.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
71
|Illegal data in scan list table
|Reconfigure scan list table
|(node number alternately flashes).
|and remove any illegal data.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
72
|Slave device stopped communicating
|Inspect the field devices and
|verify connections.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
73
|Device's identity information does not
|Verify that the correct device
|match electronic key in scan list table
|is at this node number.
|entry (node number alternately flashes). |Make sure that the device at
|
|the flashing node address
|matches the desired electronic
|key (vendor, product code,
|product type).
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
Page 11 of 15

---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
74
|Modify your configuration and
|Data overrun on port detected.
|check for invalid data.
|Check network communication
|traffic.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
75
|No network traffic at all has been
|Verify connections.
|detected.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
76
|No direct network traffic for scanner
|None. The scanner hears other
|detected.
|network communication.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
77
|Data size expected by the device does
|Reconfigure your module for
|not match scan list entry
|the correct transmit and
|receive data sizes.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
|Slave device in scan list table does not |Add the device to the network,
78
|exist (node number alternately flashes). |or delete the scan list entry
|
|for that device.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
|Scanners duplicate node check
79
|Make sure that your module is
|was not acknowledged or module failed to |connected to a valid network.

|transmit a message.
|Check for disconnected cables.
|Verify baud rate.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
80
|Enable RUN bit in SDN module
|Scanner is in IDLE mode.
|command register.
|Put PLC/SLC in RUN mode.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
81
|Scanner is in FAULT mode.
|Check ladder program for
|fault bits being set in SDN.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
|Error detected in sequence of fragmented |Check scan list table entry for
82
|I/O messages from device
|slave device to make sure that
|input and output data lengths
|are correct. Check slave
|device configuration.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
|Slave device is returning error responses|Check accuracy of scan list
83
|when scanner attempts to communicate with|table entry. Check slave device

|it (node number alternately flashes).
|configuration. Slave device may
|be in another master's scan
|list.
Reboot slave device.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
84
|Scanner is initializing the DeviceNet
|None. This code clears itself
|channel.
|once scanner attempts to
|initialize all slave devices
|on the channel.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
Page 12 of 15

---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
85
|Data size larger than 255 bytes
|Configure the device for a
|smaller data size.
|OR a run time data size error received.
|slave has a variable
OR the
|connection size which AB
|scanners do not support.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
86
|Device is producing zero length data
|Check device configuration
|(idle state)
|and slave node status.
while channel is in
|Run Mode.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
88
|Shared inputs error also appears at
|Check connection of master to
|power-up and reset, the module displays
|slave that is configured for
|all 14 segments of the node address and
|shared inputs - it may be
|status display LEDs.
|powered down or disconnected.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
89
|This is an ADR error.
The Device does
|Check configuration or disable
|not support the Auto-Device Recovery
|the ADR function for this
|or is not configured properly.
|device.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
90
|User has disabled communication port
|Reconfigure your module.
|Check Module Command Register.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
|Bus-off condition detected on comm port. |Check DeviceNet connections and
91
|Scanner is detecting communication errors|physical media integrity.Check

|
|system for failed slave devices
|or other possible sources of
|network interference.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
92
|No network power detected on comm port.
|Provide network power.
|Make sure that scanner drop
|cable is providing network
|power to scanner comm port.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
95
|Application FLASH update in progress.
|None. Do not disconnect the
|module while application FLASH
|is in progress. You will lose
|any existing data in the
|scanner's memory.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
97
|Scanner halted by user command.
|Check ladder program for cause
|of fault bits.
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
98
|Unrecoverable firmware failure.
|Service or replace your module
---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
99
|Unrecoverable hardware failure.
|Service or replace your module.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Page 13 of 15

---------------|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------|
E2
| RAM Test Failure
| Return/Replace module
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E4
| Lost Power During FLASH Upgrade
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E5
| No Boot or Main Code
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
E9
| The 1747-SDN scanner has been flushed
| Cycle Power on SDN to recover
| From the command register.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Page 14 of 15

80%-90% of all network problems stem from miswiring,
loose connections, opens or shorts during the
wiring installation phase.
Rockwell Automation now offers the....
MediaChecker
Product Features
Tests your installed network cable for Shorts
Tests your installed network cable for Opens
Displays distance to cable short
Displays distance to cable open
Determines if there are split pairs in twisted cables
Identifies miswiring at connector end
Displays conductors that are miswired
Measures overall network cable length
Measures network termination value (resistance)
Multi language support
Supported Networks
DeviceNet - Thick, Thin & KwikLink Flat Media
ControlNet- RG6 Coax cable, DS3/4 cable (Tap)
Ehternet- STP, UTP
Data Highway +
Remote I/O
To order your own MediaChecker

contact your local Rockwell Automation / Allen-Bradley
distributor or sales office and request
Catalog Number 1788-MCHKR
Page 15 of 15

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DeviceNet Troubleshooting Guidelines

For specific DeviceNet system installation information.