Technical Specifications

FAQ

1. What is the main function of VW3CANTAP2 in a CANopen network?
VW3CANTAP2 is a CANopen junction box designed to provide convenient connection points between a CANopen trunk cable and compatible automation devices. It provides two screw terminal blocks for the CANopen trunk connection, two RJ45 ports for connecting compatible drives, and one RJ45 port for connecting a PC. This arrangement allows the junction box to serve as a central connection point within a CANopen machine network. It is particularly useful in control cabinets where multiple CANopen devices need to be connected while keeping the communication wiring organized and accessible for commissioning or maintenance.

2. How many CANopen devices can be connected directly to VW3CANTAP2?
VW3CANTAP2 provides two RJ45 connectors specifically intended for connecting compatible drives, together with one additional RJ45 connector intended for PC connection. The two screw terminal blocks are used for the CANopen trunk cable tap connection. The actual number of devices that can be included in the complete CANopen network depends on the overall network architecture, communication specifications, node addressing, bus length, and the requirements of the connected equipment. VW3CANTAP2 should therefore be considered a connection and branching component rather than a device that determines the maximum number of CANopen nodes in the entire network.

3. What type of connections are provided by VW3CANTAP2?
VW3CANTAP2 provides a combination of screw-terminal and RJ45 connections. Two screw terminal blocks are provided for connecting the CANopen trunk cable, while two RJ45 connectors are available for connecting compatible drives. A third RJ45 connector is provided for connecting a PC. This combination makes the junction box suitable for integrating different connection arrangements within the same CANopen installation. The exact conductor assignment and network wiring should follow the communication requirements of the connected Schneider Electric equipment and the applicable CANopen installation design.

4. Can VW3CANTAP2 be used to connect a PC to a CANopen network?
Yes. VW3CANTAP2 includes an RJ45 connection intended for connecting a PC to the CANopen network. This can be useful during commissioning, configuration, diagnostics, and maintenance when a PC-based tool needs access to the CANopen system. The PC connection does not replace the CANopen controller or master function; the actual communication capabilities depend on the PC interface, software, and CANopen configuration being used. Before commissioning, verify that the PC interface is compatible with the network and that the required communication software and configuration are correctly installed.

5. Which Schneider Electric equipment can be connected through VW3CANTAP2?
VW3CANTAP2 is intended for compatible Schneider Electric CANopen equipment, including applicable Altivar variable speed drives and other devices supporting the corresponding CANopen communication interface. The two RJ45 drive connections are particularly useful for connecting compatible drives within a CANopen machine network. However, compatibility should always be checked against the exact device model and communication interface before installation. Equipment from different product generations may use different communication interfaces or connection methods, so the complete part number and CANopen option should be verified rather than relying only on the product family name.

6. What should be checked if CANopen communication fails when using VW3CANTAP2?
If communication fails, first inspect the physical connections at the trunk cable terminals and all RJ45 ports. Confirm that the CANopen conductors are connected to the correct terminals and that all RJ45 connectors are fully inserted. Next, check CANopen node addresses, communication speed, network topology, and bus termination. A duplicated node address or incorrect termination can cause communication problems even when the physical connectors appear to be correctly installed. The trunk cable and branch connections should also be inspected for damage or loose terminals. If a PC is connected for diagnostics, the communication interface and software configuration should be checked as well. Monitoring CANopen diagnostic information can help determine whether the problem originates from the physical network, device configuration, or communication interface.

7. What are the advantages of using VW3CANTAP2 instead of making separate CANopen connections?
VW3CANTAP2 provides a structured connection point for CANopen trunk wiring, drive connections, and PC access. This can make control cabinet wiring easier to organize and can simplify commissioning and maintenance. Instead of manually creating several separate branch connections, the junction box provides dedicated connection points for the trunk and compatible RJ45 devices. The arrangement also makes it easier for technicians to identify communication connections during troubleshooting. In systems containing several Altivar drives, a dedicated CANopen junction box can help maintain a cleaner wiring structure and reduce the amount of ad-hoc communication wiring inside the control cabinet.

8. What installation precautions should be followed when using VW3CANTAP2 in an industrial automation system?
VW3CANTAP2 should be installed in a suitable control cabinet or protected industrial environment, taking into account its IP20 protection level. The CANopen trunk wiring should be connected carefully to the designated screw terminals, and the RJ45 connectors should be fully inserted and protected from excessive mechanical stress. Communication wiring should be routed away from high-power motor cables and other strong electromagnetic interference sources whenever practical, especially in installations containing multiple variable speed drives. The CANopen network should also be checked for correct topology, node addressing, communication parameters, and termination. Before commissioning, verify all terminal connections and RJ45 connections, then test communication between the controller, connected drives, and any PC-based commissioning equipment.