I/O Functions Of The Ci Device Versions; User-Specific Procedure - Siemens SIMATIC RF185C Operating Instructions Manual

3.2

I/O functions of the CI device versions

Unlike the C device versions, the CI device versions SIMATIC RF186CI and RF188CI have an I/O
interface. You can use this interface either as a single digital input or output or for the
connection of an IO-Link module (e.g. IO-Link module K20).
The I/O interface can, for example, also be used as an alternative to the digital inputs/outputs
of the controller. One such application example is the configuration of automatisms that are
triggered by an event or changed status, for example, by a transponder that was recognized.
Unlike with the digital inputs/outputs of the S7 controller, the status is changed by the event
that occurs and remains in this status until a new event occurs. Note that the reaction time of
the digital outputs (and inputs) of the communication module depends on the CM load and is
50 - 100 ms on average.
If the I/O interface is used for connecting an IO-Link module, the CM can use up to 8 digital
inputs/outputs of each of the modules. Only DI/DO modules with a maximum of 16 bits of
cyclic process data are supported (input and output data). Note that the SIMATIC RF200 IO-
Link Ident readers cannot be operated via SIMATIC RF186CI/RF188CI.
Note that connected IO-Link modules retain the set parameter assignment even in a de-
energized state. As a consequence, an IO-Link master that was previously configured on a
different IO-Link master and then used with an RF18xCI can demonstrate unexpected
behavior. In this case, you may need to re-assign the module parameters via the Port
Configuration Tool (PCT) using a standard IO-Link master.
3.3

User-specific procedure

As described above, the communication modules are designed for different environments
and requirements.
If you operate the communication modules in an automation environment, they are
configured and programmed from the perspective of an S7 user. Integration in third-party
controllers (e.g. Rockwell controllers) is, of course, also possible. In this case, the
configuration, engineering, and programming is performed from the point of view of a
Rockwell user. If you operate the communication modules in an OPC UA or XML environment,
the configuration and programming are made from the perspective of an OPC UA or XML
user.
If you want to adapt the communication modules to your requirements, we recommend the
following user-specific procedure:
SIMATIC RF185C, RF186C, RF188C, RF186CI, RF188CI
Operating Instructions, 03/2022, C79000-G8976-C512-04
3.2 I/O functions of the CI device versions
Description
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