What Is An Nt Link; Ethernet; Controller Link; Host Link - Omron NS - SETUP Setup Manual

1-2 Communications with the Host
1-2-1

What is an NT Link?

An NT Link is a method for high-speed communications between an OMRON PLC and an
OMRON Programmable Terminal (PT) using a special protocol. In addition to a 1:1 NT Link,
where a single PT is connected to a single PLC, NS-series PTs also support 1:N NT Links,
allowing up to eight PTs to be connected to a single PLC port.
CS- and CJ-series PLCs can also be connected using high-speed 1:N NT Link communica-
tions. For details on the PLCs that support high-speed 1:N NT Link communications, refer to
Appendix 8 Standard Models.
In the rest of this manual, "NT Link" refers to NT Link communications in general, "1:1 NT
Link" refers to an NT Link in a 1:1 configuration only, and "1:N NT Links" refers to NT Links in
a 1:N configuration only. Where necessary, "normal 1:N NT Links" and "high-speed 1:N NT
Links" are used. When "1:N NT Links" is used alone, it refers to both normal and high-speed
communications.
1-2-2

Ethernet

Ethernet Units in PLCs that are supported by the NS-series PTs can be used to read and
write data, word, and bit information simply. The use of FINS (Factory Interface Network Ser-
vice) message communications, one of OMRON's standard communications services, en-
ables high-speed communications without the need to be aware of the protocol.
For details on connection methods, refer to Section 5 Connecting to Host via Ethernet or
Controller Link. For details on the PLCs that can be connected to the Ethernet, refer to Ap-
pendix 8 Standard Models.
1-2-3

Controller Link

Controller Link is an FA network that can send and receive large data packets among
OMRON PLCs and FA computers. Controller Link Units for PLCs that are supported by the
NS-series PTs connected to NS-CLK21 Controller Link Interface Units can be used to read
and write data, word, and bit information simply.
The Controller Link supports data links that enable data sharing and a message service that
enables sending and receiving data when required.
For details on connection methods, refer to Section 5 Connecting to Host via Ethernet or
Controller Link. For details on the PLCs that can be connected using Controller Link, refer to
Appendix 8 Standard Models.
Note: Controller Link Interface Units are compatible only with the NS15, NS12, and NS10.
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Host Link

Host Link is a serial communications protocol for connecting an OMRON PT 1:1 to a host (a
PLC) to read and write bits and words from the host. Host Link communications connect a PT
to many different PLCs. Refer to the Host Connection Manual (Host Links) for connection
methods and the PLCs for which Host Links can be used.
1-2-5

Connecting to a Temperature Controller

OMRON Temperature Controllers can be connected with an RS-485 connection.
Attach a CJ1W-CIF11 RS-422A Converter to serial port A or B to convert the communica-
tions protocol to RS-485. For details, refer to the Host Connection Manual (Temp. Control,
MemLink).
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