Are E-PLEX® modules “Plug-and-Play”?
The term plug and play can be defined variously, but is generally used to describe the ability to add modules to a bus at will and the interoperability of modules is automatic. Due to its cost and performance benefits, E-PLEX® utilizes a master/slave architecture. This architecture does require that the master module (i.e., the Clock) have a master copy of each modules programming. This means that new module can be added to bus but that an update to the Clock is required. The Clock has been designed for easy, front-panel access for such updates. However, E-PLEX® allows future functionality and modules to be programmed into the Clock. These option module features lay dormant until that module is introduced onto the clock. Once the module is added, the programming is downloaded to the module and it becomes an active part of the system. This approach actually redefines the term plug and play in a very important way. Because the Clock retains a master-copy of all programming, spare modules
