Features Of Communications Interface Units - Omron SYSMAC NX-CIF Series User Manual

1 Features and System Configuration
1-1 Features of Communications Inter-
face Units
The NX-series Communications Interface Units (hereafter called CIF Units) provide the following fea-
tures.
 Features as Sysmac Devices
The CIF Units are classified as Sysmac devices. Sysmac device is a generic name for EtherCAT
slaves, EtherNet/IP slaves, and other OMRON control components that were designed with the
same communications and user interface specifications. You can use Sysmac devices together with
NJNX-series Machine Automation Controllers and the Support Software to achieve optimum func-
tionality and ease of operation.
 Features as NX Units
The CIF Units are classified as NX Units.
NX Units are connected to an NX-series CPU Unit or NX-series Communications Coupler Unit to
use them.
Multiple NX Units can be flexibly combined to achieve the optimum Unit configuration for the appli-
cation with less wiring, less work, and less space.
 Features as Serial Communications Devices
The CIF Units are also classified as serial communications devices. Both RS-232C and
RS-422A/485 are supported as the serial interface. No-protocol communications are supported as
the communications protocol.
Other convenient functions include logging send/receive data and a serial line monitor that you can
use to display and save line data.
You can use serial communications instructions for CIF Units. If you use the serial communications
instructions for CIF Units when you create the user program, you do not have to program processing
for the serial communications protocol. Refer to 1-4 Serial Communications Instructions for the CIF
Units on page 1-8 for information on serial communications instructions for CIF Units.
Precautions for Correct Use
Serial communications instructions for CIF Units cannot be used for all system configurations,
connected communications masters, and connected Communications Coupler Units. Refer to
1-4-2 Conditions for Using Serial Communications Instructions for CIF Units on page 1-8 for
detailed conditions on using the serial communications instructions for CIF Units
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NX-series Communications Interface Units User's Manual (W540)