SNAP-PAC-EB2
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SNAP-PAC-EB2

Availability: Obsolete
OBSOLETE - SNAP PAC Ethernet Brain, analog/digital/serial

Production Specification

NOTE: Due to the unavailability of essential parts, SNAP PAC EB-series brains have reached their end of life as of March 1, 2022. Instead, use a SNAP-PAC-R1 controller/brain; it has all the same features plus additional power (and programmability, if you need it).

The SNAP-PAC-EB2 brain is an I/O and communications processor for your control system. Designed primarily to work in distributed systems controlled by a SNAP PAC S-series or R-series controller, the SNAP-PAC-EB2 can also be controlled by a groov EPIC processor or used as intelligent remote I/O with Allen-Bradley industrial PLC systems. The SNAP-PAC-EB2 provides local intelligence that frees the controller (PAC, EPIC, or PLC) for supervisory tasks.

As an I/O processor, the SNAP PAC brain independently handles functions such as latching, thermocouple linearization, watchdog timers, and PID loop control. These functions continue to work on the brain even if communication with the SNAP PAC controller is lost.

The SNAP-PAC-EB2 brain supports all the SNAP I/O analog, digital, and serial input and output modules available on the Opto 22 website. These modules can all be mixed on the same mounting rack and placed in any position on the rack. The brain and modules mount on a SNAP PAC rack, which holds up to 4, 8, 12, or 16 modules.

NOTE: In order to use Opto 22 serial modules with an EB2 brain, the I/O should be controlled by a SNAP PAC controller or groov EPIC processor running a PAC Control strategy.

In addition to I/O processing, the SNAP PAC brain communicates over a standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet network. The brain is equipped with two switched Ethernet network interfaces. Because these interfaces share a single IP address and act just like an Ethernet switch, SNAP PAC brains can be installed in a multi-drop (daisy-chain) configuration, extending the control network without the added expense of additional Ethernet network hardware. SNAP PAC brains can also be installed in a star configuration using standard, off-the-shelf Ethernet network components.

The SNAP-PAC-EB2 brain supports communication using multiple protocols running simultaneously over Ethernet. Most customers use the PAC Project software suite for control, monitoring, and data acquisition. At the same time, you can communicate using other methods, including EtherNet/IP, Modbus/TCP, SNMP, SMTP, FTP, and OptoMMP. Communication with OPC 2.0-compliant clients is available through OptoOPCServer. Additional programming options are available when the EB is used with a groov EPIC processor.

The SNAP-PAC-EB2 brain provides basic digital functions but does not offer high-speed digital functions; if you need high-speed counting (up to 20 KHz depending on the module), quadrature counting, pulse measurement, and frequency and period measurement, choose the SNAP-PAC-EB1 brain instead. For a complete list of features and specifications, see form #1689, the SNAP PAC Brains Data Sheet, under the Docs & Downloads tab.

Compare SNAP PAC controllers and brains.

If you are not using PAC Project software and a SNAP PAC controller or groov EPIC processor with this brain and instead need to communicate directly with it, see the SNAP PAC .NET OptoMMP SDK.

Build your system in the SNAP I/O Configurator.

Ethernet and Serial Brains [Ethernet Brains are Obsolete 3/1/22]

Power Requirements

5.0–5.2 VDC at 750 mA maximum (does not include module power requirements)

Memory

16 MB RAM

Backup battery for real-time clock

Rechargeable (recharges whenever the brain has power). 5-year life when power is off (replacement part number: SNAP-PAC-BATTERY-ML2430). (Models manufactured before August 2007 have a 3-volt CR2032 lithium battery, available in retail stores. See original user guide for replacement steps.)

Hold-down screw

Torque: 8 in-lb (0.9 N-m)

Operating Temperature

-20 to 60 °C

Storage Temperature

-40 to 85 °C

Humidity

0–95% humidity, non-condensing

Agency certifications

-EB models: UL, CE, RoHS, DFARS; UKCA
-SB models: CE, RoHS, DFARS; UKCA

Warranty

30 months from date of manufacture

Ethernet Brains (EB) only

Ethernet Net­work Interfaces

IEEE 802.3 network, 10Base-T and 100Base-TX. Supports Auto MDI-X (crossover cable not needed). Two switched interfaces, allowing multi-drop (daisy-chain) or standard star network configuration.

Maximum Ethernet Segment Length

100 meters with Category 5 or superior UTP
For 100 Mbps at this distance, use Category 5 or superior solid UTP.

Serial Brains (SB) only

Network interfaces

RS-485, 2- or 4-wire, twisted pair(s), with shield

Serial data rates

300 baud to 230.4 Kbaud

Range: Serial multidrop

32 stations maximum on a segment (including PC, controller, repeaters, and I/O units); up to 3000 ft (914 m) on a segment

SNAP PAC Brains Data Sheet

NOTE: Due to the unavailability of essential parts, SNAP PAC brains are obsolete and no longer available. Instead of Ethernet-based brains, use a SNAP-PAC-R1 controller/brain; it has all the same features plus additional power (and programmability, if you need it). For serial brain options, contact Opto 22 Product Support. 

SNAP PAC brains are powerful and versatile I/O and network communications processors. Designed primarily to work in distributed systems controlled by a SNAP PAC controller, SNAP PAC Ethernet brains can also be used as intelligent remote I/O for groov EPIC systems and Allen-Bradley Logix-based PLC systems.

SNAP PAC brains provide local intelligence for functions such as latching, counting, thermocouple linearization, watchdog timers, and PID loop control.

This document covers the following SNAP PAC brains:

SNAP PAC Brains User's Guide

NOTE: Due to the unavailability of essential parts, all SNAP PAC brains (EB-series) are obsolete and no longer available. Instead of Ethernet-based brains, use a SNAP-PAC-R1 controller/brain; it has all the same features plus additional power (and programmability, if you need it). For serial brain options, contact Opto 22 Product Support..

SNAP PAC brains, one of the four components of the SNAP PAC System, provide I/O processing and network communications for your distributed SNAP PAC System. SNAP PAC Ethernet brains can also be used as intelligent remote I/O in a groov EPIC system or an Allen-Bradley Logix-based PLC system.

This guide shows you how to install and use all SNAP PAC brains:

IO4AB User's Guide

This guide provides instructions on how to set up EtherNet/IP messaging between an Allen-Bradley® Logix™ controller and Opto 22’s SNAP PAC I/O using Opto 22’s EtherNet/IP Configurator as well as Allen-Bradley’s RSLogix™ 5000 software.

Legacy Edition, PAC Manager User's Guide

This document is the Legacy Edition of the PAC Manager User's Guide. It includes information about both SNAP PAC hardware and older hardware.

Use this guide if you are using any legacy hardware (SNAP Ultimate, SNAP Ethernet, and SNAP Simple I/O, E1 and E2 brain boards) with PAC Manager (software part number PACMANAGER).

If you are using SNAP PAC controllers and SNAP PAC brains only, use Form 1704, PAC Manager User's Guide instead of this guide.

PAC Manager User's Guide

This guide shows you how to use PAC Manager to assign IP addresses, configure I/O, and inspect and maintain Opto 22 SNAP PAC hardware. PAC Manager is part of the PAC Project Software Suite and also available separately (part number PACMANAGER).

NOTE: If you are using older Opto 22 hardware in addition to SNAP PAC controllers and brains, use the Legacy Edition of this guide, form #1714.

PC-Based I/O Overview

This document shows examples of system architecture for PC-based I/O control systems and lists Opto 22 products that work together for PC-based control. System examples include:

  • Ethernet systems using SoftPAC, a software-based programmable automation controller programmed with PAC Control
  • Ethernet systems using the OptoMMP protocol
  • Direct control of I/O using no I/O processor (no brain)
  • High-speed control using the Pamux protocol
NOTE: Before choosing to use a PC for control, consider groov EPIC.  A groov EPIC processor offers many features similar to a PC, such as a Linux OS with optional secure shell access; cybersecurity features; Ethernet, USB, and HDMI ports; and the ability to run the control program and HMI on the same hardware. In addition, a groov EPIC system offers real-time control using traditional programming languages; guaranteed-for-life I/O on the same chassis; industrial toughness for hazardous locations; and easier integration with company computer networks, manufacturing, business, and facility systems, and cloud-based services & software.

Using Modbus Devices with Opto 22 Products Technical Note

This technical note introduces the Modbus protocol and gives you basic information for using it to communicate between Opto 22 products and other devices. Because Modbus/TCP and Modbus serial are handled differently by various manufacturers, the tech note describes specific areas that may be a concern and includes troubleshooting suggestions.

SNAP PAC System Specification Guide

This guide is a comprehensive introduction to the SNAP PAC System. The guide describes the system's components (software, controllers, I/O processors, and I/O); shows how to build a basic system and how to expand it; and includes installation instructions, wiring diagrams, dimensional drawings, and specifications for parts.

SNAP PAC Controller and Brain Comparison Chart

This document compares features of SNAP PAC hardware controllers (SNAP PAC S-series and R-series) and SNAP PAC brains, all part of the SNAP PAC System.

NOTE: Due to the unavailability of essential parts, all SNAP PAC brains are obsolete and no longer available. Use rack-mounted controllers instead of Ethernet-based brains. For serial brain options, contact Opto 22 Product Support.

SNAP PAC System Product Guide

This document lists and describes all current Opto 22 SNAP PAC System part numbers, including PAC Project software, SNAP PAC controllers, and SNAP I/O modules of all kinds. SNAP PAC mounting racks and SNAP power supplies are also listed.

SNAP PAC Controllers and Brains Firmware README

This README file lists revision changes made to the firmware used in SNAP PAC S-series, R-series, and SoftPAC controllers; SNAP PAC EB-series and SB-series brains; and G4EB2 and G4D32EB2 brains.

SNAP PAC I/O Coprocessor Firmware README

This README file lists changes to the I/O coprocessor firmware available in rack-mounted Opto 22 controllers and brains manufactured starting in 2016.

I/O coprocessors can be present in the SNAP PAC R-series controllers, and in SNAP PAC EB-series and SB-series brains. Instructions to find out if your device has an I/O coprocessor are included in this README and in the PAC Manager User's Guide.

NOTE: The following products manufactured with I/O coprocessors have firmware R3.0a; you do not need to update the firmware in these products at this time:

  • SNAP-PAC-EB1
  • SNAP-PAC-EB1-W
  • SNAP-PAC-SB1
  • SNAP-PAC-SB2

EtherNet/IP for SNAP PAC Protocol Guide

This guide provides detailed descriptions of the EtherNet/IP commands that can be accessed when using remote Opto 22 I/O with an Allen-Bradley controller.

Modbus/TCP Protocol Guide

This document shows you how to set up communication between Ethernet-based Modbus systems (using Modbus/TCP) and the groov EPIC system or SNAP PAC System.

In addition to groov I/O and the SNAP PAC System, the guide also covers Modbus/TCP communication with older Opto 22 Ethernet-based devices, including SNAP Ethernet, SNAP Simple, and SNAP Ultimate I/O; and E1 and E2 brain boards.

OptoMMP Protocol Guide

This guide is for programmers who are writing custom applications to communicate with Opto 22 memory-mapped devices. These devices include groov EPIC processors; groov RIO modules; SNAP PAC controllers and SNAP PAC EB and SB brains; G4EB2 brains; SNAP Ultimate, SNAP Ethernet, and SNAP Simple I/O; E1 and E2 brain boards, and SNAP-LCE controllers.

The guide describes how to use the IEEE 1394-based OptoMMP memory-mapped protocol for programming. The guide also contains the complete memory map for all Opto 22 memory-mapped devices.

NOTE: This guide replaced previous individual programming guides for SNAP Ultimate I/O (form #1312) and SNAP Ethernet I/O (form #1227). This document was formerly called the "SNAP Ethernet-Based I/O Units Protocols and Programming Guide."

UKCA Declaration of Conformity (EMC, LVD, RoHS)

This document is the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity for the products listed herein, in accordance with the rules, regulations and standards of the United Kingdom. The models cited have been tested to the essential requirements listed in the Standards section, and fully comply with the legislation as listed in UK Legislation section.

Declaration of Conformity (EMC, LVD, RoHS)

This document is the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity for the products listed herein, in accordance with European, international, and/or national standards and regulations.

Case Study: J.A. King

Whether it’s making sure grains are stored without excess moisture, weighing raw materials for chemical production, or batching and mixing ingredients for baked goods, automation is key to better results. System integrator J.A. King reduces costs for customers in a variety of material handling and mixing applications.

Case Study: Amalgamated Research, LLC

As the research and development department of Amalgamated Sugar in the 1970s, ARi began with a mission to develop efficient processes to extract sugar from sugar beets.

But over time, their continuous research in the industrial separation field has led them far beyond sugar.

Case Study: ISI Water Desalination

Once a haven for pirates, today Nassau and nearby islands host thousands of tourists. One essential is fresh water, and most resorts rely on desalination to provide it.

This case study follows a major resort whose desalination system needed complete replacement—without any break in service to the resort. See how ISI Water of St. George, Vermont, solved the problem.

White Paper: The Case for Intelligent Remote I/O

This white paper explores the use of intelligent remote I/O in industrial automation systems. Employing a distributed architecture, rather than centralized control, offers three advantages: minimizing single points of failure, spreading the load, and maximizing scalability.

The paper details applications that could be made more efficient by using built-in functions offered by intelligent remote I/O. It also gives a specific example of how distributed intelligence could be used in a PLC system.

Replacing the SNAP PAC Rechargeable Battery Technical Note

Several SNAP PAC controllers and brains contain a rechargeable backup battery. The battery recharges whenever the brain has power and retains data for an extended period of time with the power off.

You should never have to replace this battery, but if you do, this technical note shows you how.

Quick Guide: Troubleshooting Info from SNAP PAC Systems

This technical note provides a quick guide about diagnostic files to collect and send in to Opto 22 Product Support for analysis when troubleshooting a SNAP PAC System.

Using Intelligent SNAP I/O with Allen-Bradley PLC Systems

This technical note introduces SNAP I/O (brain, mounting rack, and I/O modules) for Allen-Bradley industrial PLC systems that use EtherNet/IP, including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and MicroLogix.

The technical note briefly presents communication concepts, such as implicit and explicit messaging, and describes how to use implicit messaging to communicate with an A-B RSLogix-based PLC system.

White Paper: Adding Process Control to a PLC-Based System

This white paper discusses the strengths of traditional programmable logic controller (PLC) systems and distributed control systems (DCSs). The paper weighs methods of adding process control to a PLC-based system and proposes distributed I/O processing as the best method. It also introduces intelligent remote SNAP I/O, which adds process control analog functions.

Updating the Loader on a SNAP Device

It is rarely necessary to update the loader in a SNAP PAC controller or brain, but if you need to, this document shows you how. If you have questions, contact Opto 22 Product Support.

Expanding Allen-Bradley Systems with Intelligent Remote I/O (Chinese)

This document is written in Chinese.

This white paper explores a new way to expand Allen-Bradley PLC systems, adding functionality as well as additional I/O, with less strain on the central PLC and little programming.

Expanding Allen-Bradley Systems with Intelligent Remote I/O

This white paper explores a new way to expand Allen-Bradley PLC systems, adding functionality as well as additional I/O, with less strain on the central PLC and little programming.

I/O Solutions for Temperature Monitoring (Chinese)

This document is written in Chinese.

This white paper describes various temperature sensors such as RTDs, thermocouples, ICTDs, thermistors, and infrared sensors, and the Opto 22 solutions for using them.

Primer: I/O Solutions for Temperature Monitoring

This primer describes various temperature sensors such as RTDs, thermocouples, ICTDs, thermistors, and infrared sensors, and the Opto 22 solutions for using them.

EtherNet/IP Implementation in SNAP PAC Products

This technical note summarizes EtherNet/IP technology and how SNAP PAC devices can be integrated into an EtherNet/IP environment to send data to EtherNet/IP enabled devices such as Allen-Bradley PLCs.

Case Study: NASA - JPL

NASA’s Deep Space Network site in Madrid experienced a crisis when engineers detected cracks in the elevation bearings of a 230-foot parabolic antenna that enables 24/7 monitoring of satellites, space probes, and spacecrafts. These bearings support the 4 million pound weight of the antenna as it tilts up and down. To determine the precise nature of the problem, the antenna's bearings will be lifted and the existing shim pack removed and replaced with load cell transducers, which will convert the measured pressured into an electrical signal output and deliver it to an Opto 22 SNAP PAC System.

Specifically, SNAP-AIMA analog input modules will connect four sets of load cells (one for each set of bearings) to SNAP-PAC-EB2 brains, which will receive accurate load cell readings as the antenna moves across the bearings. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory will then be studying the data, formulating theories, and determining why the antenna’s bearings have been cracking.

Case Study: Ballarat Health Services

Ballarat Health Services in Victoria, Australia, is a major health care organization comprising two hospitals, convalescent homes, psychiatric services, six nursing home hostels, and rehabilitation centers. Ballarat upgraded from older Opto 22 M4 controllers and now uses Opto 22's SNAP PAC System for equipment automation and building management. Their broad set of applications includes remote monitoring, alarming, process and discrete control, and data acquisition for performance optimization, energy management, and regulatory compliance reporting.

Opto 22 RoHS 3 Statement of Compliance - Restriction of Hazardous Substances

This document is a statement of compliance with the EU Directive 2015/863/EU, Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS 3). This document lists Opto 22 products that comply with the substance restrictions of the RoHS 3 directive.

UL Approval Document

This document lists all Opto 22 part numbers that have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approval.

CE Declaration: Component

This document is the Manufacturer's Declaration for the listed products as mentioned in the attachment - to which this confirmation refers - that they are in accordance with the mentioned European, international and/or national standards and regulations.

CE Declaration: Low Voltage

This document is the Manufacturer's Declaration for the listed products as mentioned in the attachment - to which this confirmation refers - that they are in accordance with the mentioned European, international and/or national standards and regulations.

Firmware for all SNAP PAC products

Firmware for all SNAP PAC products (single download).

See the README document for information on changes and fixes in the current version of this product's firmware.


Selecting the Correct Version of PAC Manager to Install Firmware


To install firmware, use the most recent release of PAC Manager (you can download the latest version from the Opto 22 website). Older versions of PAC Manager cannot install certain levels of firmware on controllers and brains shipped after certain dates or with certain versions of firmware currently installed on them. The following sections explain which versions of PAC Manager can install which versions of firmware for the indicated hardware.

 

SNAP PAC R-series Controllers


Some SNAP-PAC-R1 controllers shipped after August 26, 2024 require firmware R10.5g (or higher) and new bootloader firmware. For instructions on identifying these controllers, review the README document.

SNAP R-series controllers shipped after February 22, 2022 shipped with new Ethernet components, PAC firmware R10.4d (or higher), and new bootloader firmware. For more information about minimum firmware requirements and installation requirements, review the README document.

SNAP R-series controllers shipped after April 2, 2018 shipped with new flash components, PAC firmware R9.5g (or higher), and new bootloader firmware. Lower versions of firmware are not compatible with these controllers. For instructions on recovering controllers that are accidentally installed with lower versions of firmware, review the README document.

 

SNAP PAC S-series Controllers


SNAP S-series controllers shipped after February 22, 2022 shipped with new Ethernet components, PAC firmware R10.4d (or higher), and new bootloader firmware. For more information about minimum firmware requirements and installation requirements, review the README document.

SNAP S-series controllers shipped after April 2, 2018 shipped with new flash components, PAC firmware R9.5g (or higher), and new bootloader firmware. Lower versions of firmware are not compatible with these controllers. For instructions on recovering controllers that are accidentally installed with lower versions of firmware, review the README document.

 

SNAP PAC Ethernet and Serial Brains


Some EB and SB brains shipped after April 2, 2018 shipped with new flash components, PAC firmware R9.5g (or higher), and new bootloader firmware. Lower versions of firmware are not compatible with these controllers. For instructions on recovering controllers that are accidentally installed with lower versions of firmware, review the README document.

 

SoftPAC


For SoftPAC firmware version R9.4c (or lower): To upgrade to firmware version R9.5a (or higher), you must install SoftPAC from the PAC Project installation file to update SoftPAC Monitor, then you can update the firmware. For instructions, see KB86020.

SNAP PAC EB-Series Bootloader

This download contains special firmware that upgrades the bootloader (or "loader") in SNAP PAC EB-series brains.

Starting in April 2018, some EB1- and EB2-series brains include a new flash component. These units have a hardware revision date of April 2, 2018 (or newer) and require bootloader R1.3b (or higher). For details, see KB87213.

SNAP-PAC-EB2 Brain Firmware

This download contains current firmware for the SNAP-PAC-EB2 brains. Current firmware for all SNAP PAC brains and controllers is available in a single download here.

See the README document for information on changes and fixes in the current version of this product's firmware.


To install firmware, use the most recent release of PAC Manager (you can download the latest version from the Opto 22 website). Older versions of PAC Manager cannot install certain levels of firmware on controllers and brains shipped after certain dates or with certain versions of firmware currently installed on them. 

Some EB and SB brains shipped after April 2, 2018 shipped with new flash components, PAC firmware R9.5g (or higher), and new bootloader firmware. Lower versions of firmware are not compatible with these controllers. For instructions on recovering controllers that are accidentally installed with lower versions of firmware, review the README document.


CAD 3D Drawing: SNAP-PAC-EB2 Ethernet Brain

This CAD file contains a 3-dimensional drawing of the SNAP-PAC-EB2 Ethernet brain, which provides I/O processing and communications. 

CAD Drawing: SNAP-PAC-EB2 Brain

This CAD file includes drawings for the SNAP-PAC-EB2 brains, which provide distributed control for the SNAP PAC System.

Video: SNAP PAC System Overview

This overview describes the four integrated components of the SNAP PAC system: software, controllers, brains and I/O. This hardware and software system is designed for industrial control, remote monitoring and data acquisition.

Video: Dual Ethernet Interfaces: Controllers vs. Brains

A quick overview of Dual Ethernet Interfaces: Controllers vs. Brains.

Video: I/O Solutions for Temperature Monitoring

A quick overview on I/O Solutions for temperature monitoring.

Video: Using SNAP PAC System with Ethernet/ IP

A quick overview of how any device using the EtherNet/IP protocol from Allen-Bradley can communicate with Opto 22 SNAP PAC controllers and brains. More info: IO4AB

Video: Webinar: Controller Redundancy in PAC Control 9

Learn how to implement controller redundancy in SNAP PAC systems.

Playlist: Opto 22 I/O for Allen-Bradley

Learn about Opto 104AB using this playlist of videos.

PID: Reaction Curve Tuning for Interactive PID algorithms

Tune your real-world PID control loop with this graphical tuner. Plug in your data and get calculated P, I, and D values, plus scan rate.

SNAP PAC Networking

Learn the basics about dual ports, redundancy, segmenting, and daisy chaining of SNAP-PAC networking in this interactive demo.