How does E-PLEX® protect against errors on the bus?
	There is a complex, but near-instantaneous, error-preventation process at work on an E-PLEX® network. On an E-PLEX® bus, data flow is initiated via the Clock. When the modules receive this command data is transmitted in an appropriate time-slice and the clock immediately echoes it back. The node then checks the data received back from the clock for errors. The Clock and nodes on the bus calculate a checksum of the entire packet and data is rejected and immediately resent if these checksums do not match. This process takes place 10 to 30 times per second.
	How are routine diagnostics performed?
	If for any reason, a module on the E-PLEX® bus is removed, responding from the wrong location, or is sending an incomplete data packet, a data error is generated and displayed. At any time, an end-user can utilize the built-in diagnostics of the clock module to interrogate the network and further isolate the issue.
	What redundancy is built into E-PLEX®?
	The end-user of any E-PLEX® system can access data and input control command via a number of user-interface and “switches”. Great care has been taken to ensure redundant access to data and control points both for convenience and for system reliability. If one display or control point fails, the system will continue to operate and data can be monitored and control managed via alternative modules. Within the Clock module, a backup copy of all module software is maintained. If a module fails, a “blank” spare can be connected to the bus and the Clock immediately recognizes it and downloads all required software. If 100% redundancy is desired, E-PLEX® can support an independent and completely redundant physical-layer as well as a “backup” Clock module that would become active should the main clock fail. Many of the digital I/O modules also have manual override capabilities to allow operation of a mission critical channel in the unlikely loss of the E-PLEX® data communications network.
	What happens if the E-PLEX® network is severed? What if power to the E-PLEX® is lost?
	Like any network, or for that matter any electrical system, E-PLEX® depends on certain connections being maintained. As described previously, the E-PLEX® bus can be configured in a “star” pattern. This ensures that if one leg of the bus is severed, the rest of the bus functions intact. In the unlikely event of all legs of the bus being severed, key modules that manage AC & DC loads have manual overrides that allow “limp-home” capability. Such an interruption or even power failures/interruption do not have a residual impact on E-PLEX®. E-PLEX® is fully operational within just a few seconds of the bus being reconnected or powering-up.
	In regard to electrical distribution, is E-PLEX® as safe and as robust as traditional methods?
	E-PLEX® ability to distribute and switch DC and AC power is a key component to its overall functionality. DC distribution modules incorporate several levels of safety and security functionality. Over-current protection is provided via MOSFET-based technology that can be programmed to provide precise protection. Short-circuit protection is also incorporated and manual overrides allow DC loads to be switched even if a full system failure occurs, ensuring “limp home” capability. Patent-pending, board-level circuit interrupters unique to the E-PLEX® product line have been designed and deployed to add supplemental fail-safe protection. For AC distribution and switching over-current protection and short-circuit protection is provided by Airpax® hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers. The E-PLEX® Distribution Module for AC (DMAC) is a hybrid offering the advantages of “networked” power distribution and remote switching with the traditional electro-mechanical protection historically supplied via circuit breakers.
	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 can be common across a wide array of equipment dramatically reducing part numbers and inventory within the service channel.
	How new is E-PLEX®? What is its field history?
	E-PLEX® was developed in the mid-1990s to meet the need for a low-cost, flexible protocol for system integration of complex equipment. E-PLEX® was initially deployed in large nuclear and turbine power plants and is currently at work in locations in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The technology crossed into numerous others industries starting in the late 1990s and is currently in production with high-end and production boat builders, conversion and production motor coach/RV manufacturers, and aviation support equipment. For the last decade E-PLEX® has proven robust and reliable in a wide range of markets and applications..
	How is an E-PLEX® system designed?
	ELogic® is a full- featured software suite that has been developed to supports the E-PLEX® product line. ELogic® allows the user to design, document, simulate, program, and diagnose an E-PLEX® system, all from a desktop PC. ELogic® provides a visual, intuitive design interface that anyone can use. Hardware is selected from drop-down menus and basic functionality and “logic” are assigned. ELogic® then writes the code for the design automatically. The user does not need to be a software programmer to use ELogic®.