Functions Of Tool Port - Panasonic AFPX-C30R User Manual

6.2 Functions of Tool Port

6.2.1 Tool Port
With the tool port, the FP-X offers two different communication modes as below.
Computer link
• Computer link is used for communication with a computer connected to the PLC. Instructions
(command messages) are transmitted to the PLC, and the PLC responds (sends response messages)
based on the instructions received.
• A proprietary MEWNET protocol called MEWTOCOL-COM is used to exchange data between the
computer and the PLC. There are two different communication methods, 1:1 and 1:N communication. A
1:N network is called a C-NET. The maximum of 99 FP-X units can be connected with one personal
computer.
• The PLC answers automatically to the commands received from the computer, so no program is
necessary on the PLC side in order to carry out communication.
General-purpose serial communication
• With general-purpose serial communication, data can be sent back and forth between an image
processing device connected to the COM. port and an external device such as a bar code reader.
• Reading and writing of data is done using a ladder program in the FP-X, while reading and writing of
data from an external is handled through the data registers.
• It is available only in the RUN mode. The computer link mode is automatically selected in the RPOG
mode so that the tool etc. can be connected.
Note:
• The data received before changing to the PROG mode remain in the data registers. Execute the F159
(MTRN) instruction right after the mode was changed to the RUN mode and clear them.
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