Siemens IE/PB LINK PN IO Operating Instructions Manual page 41

A basic device with an inserted C-PLUG uses the configuration data of the inserted C-PLUG
when it starts up unless the internal memory is full. This is, however, only possible when the
data from a compatible device type was written to the C-PLUG.
Replacing a device
Saving the configuration data on the C-PLUG makes it simple to replace the LINK. If a LINK
needs to be replaced, the C-PLUG is simply taken from the replaced LINK and inserted in
the replacement device. After it starts up the first time, the replacement automatically has the
same configuration data as the replaced device.
C-PLUG formatting
Note
Using the C-PLUG of a LINK with firmware version < V3.0
If you use a C-PLUG that has already been used in a LINK with firmware version < V3.0, the
C-PLUG can only be read. To have configuration data transferred to it, this C-PLUG must be
reformatted.
Use only a C-PLUG that is formatted for the IE/PB LINK PN IO.
A C-PLUG that has already been used in a different device type and that was formatted for
this device type must first be formatted for the LINK. After formatting, all data areas are
deleted on the C-PLUG and the LINK restarts.
The configuration data is adopted only after reloading or after turning on the power supply
again.
To format use STEP 7 special diagnostics > Operating mode > C-PLUG. For more detailed
information, refer to the online help in the topic "General Diagnostics Functions - C-PLUG
Diagnostics Object".
Diagnostics
Malfunctions are signaled using diagnostics mechanisms of the device (LEDs "ER" and
"MT"):
● Inserting a C-PLUG that contains the configuration data of an incompatible device type.
● General malfunctions of the C-PLUG
● Duplicate database
IE/PB LINK PN IO
Operating Instructions, 11/2017, C79000-G8976-C393-02
Installation, connecting up, commissioning
3.5 C-PLUG
41