1. PREFACE 1.1. INTRODUCTION TO THE PLX51-DF1-MSG This manual describes the installation, operation, and diagnostics of the ProSoft Technology PLX51-DF1-MSG DF1 Messenger. The PLX51-DF1-MSG provides intelligent data routing between EtherNet/IP and DF1 which can help simplify the migration from PLC2, PLC3, PLC5, and SLC systems to ControlLogix or CompactLogix platforms, where a DF1 interface is required.
Preface 1.2. FEATURES The PLX51-DF1-MSG can transfer data from a DF1 device to a maximum of eight Logix controllers. The module operates in one of three modes, simplifying the configuration for all applications. Mode Description Message Initiator The PLX51-DF1-MSG converts DF1 messages to Logix...
When connected to devices that provide more than one DF1 port, it is possible to implement DF1 communication redundancy with the use of two PLX51-DF1-MSG’s. These can be configured in one of two modes, either Simultaneous or Active / Standby.
Page 8
MicroLogix and SLC stations, may find the PLX51-DF1-MSG useful when upgrading to newer ControlLogix processors, which no longer have a serial port. These systems can easily be upgraded using the PLX51-DF1-MSG without affecting the existing and often costly wireless infrastructure.
1.4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The following documents contain additional information that can assist you with the module installation and operation. Resource Link PLX50 Configuration Utility Software www.prosoft-technology.com PLX51-DF1-MSG User Manual PLX51-DF1-MSG Datasheet www.prosoft-technology.com Example Code & UDTs www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/video/cds/cde/cde205_220_420/i Ethernet wiring standard nstallation/guide/cde205_220_420_hig/Connectors.html...
2. INSTALLATION 2.1. MODULE LAYOUT The PLX51-DF1-MSG has three ports at the bottom of the enclosure. The ports are used for Ethernet, RS232 serial, and power. The power port uses a three-way connector which is used for the DC power supply; positive and negative (or ground) voltage, as well as the earth connection.
Page 12
Ethernet interface, and the auxiliary communication interface (RS232). Figure 2.2. – PLX51-DF1-MSG front and top view The module provides four DIP switches at the top of the enclosure as shown in the top view figure above.
Installation 2.2. MODULE MOUNTING The module provides a DIN rail clip to mount onto a 35mm DIN rail. Figure 2.3 - DIN rail specification The DIN rail clip is mounted on the bottom of the module, toward the back. Use a flat screw driver to pull the clip downward.
NOTE: When using a shielded cable, it is important that only one end of the shield is connected to earth to avoid current loops. It is recommended to connect the shield to the PLX51-DF1-MSG module, and not to the other DF1 device.
Setup 3. SETUP 3.1. INSTALL CONFIGURATION SOFTWARE The network setup and configuration of the PLX51-DF1-ENI is done in the ProSoft PLX50 Configuration Utility. This software can be downloaded from www.prosoft-technology.com Figure 3.1. - ProSoft PLX50 Configuration Utility Environment 3.2. NETWORK PARAMETERS The module has DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enabled as factory default.
Page 16
Setup Within the PLX50 Configuration Utility environment, the DHCP server can be found under the Tools menu. Figure 3.2. - Selecting DHCP Server Once opened, the DHCP server will listen on all available network adapters for DHCP requests and display their corresponding MAC addresses. Figure 3.3.
Page 17
Setup To assign an IP address, click on the corresponding “Assign” button. The IP Address Assignment window opens. Figure 3.4. - Assigning IP Address The required IP address can then be either entered, or a recently used IP address can be selected by clicking on an item in the Recent List.
Page 18
Setup A new IP address can then be assigned by repeating the previous steps. NOTE: It is important to return DIP switch 2 back to Off position, to avoid the module returning to a DHCP mode after the power is cycled again. In addition to the setting the IP address, a number of other network parameters can be set during the DHCP process.
Page 19
Setup Right-clicking on a device, reveals the context menu, including the Port Configuration option. Figure 3.8. - Selecting Port Configuration The Ethernet port configuration parameters can be modified using the Port Configuration window. Figure 3.9. - Port Configuration Alternatively, these parameters can be modified using RSLinx. Page 19 of 69...
Setup 3.3. CREATING A NEW PROJECT Before you configure the module, a new PLX50 Configuration Utility project must be created. Under the File menu, select New. Figure 3.10. - Creating a new project A PLX50 Configuration Utility project will be created, showing the Project Explorer tree view. To save the project use the Save option under the File menu.
Page 21
Setup In the Add New Device window, select the PLX51-DF1-MSG, and click the Ok button. Figure 3.12 – Selecting a new PLX51-DF1-MSG The device appears in the Project Explorer tree as shown below, and its configuration window opened. The device configuration window can be reopened by either double clicking the module in the Project Explorer tree or right-clicking the module and selecting Configuration.
The Operating Mode determines how the DF1 messages are routed. In DF1 Slave mode, the module automatically routes the DF1 message and function to the correct Logix tag. In this mode, the PLX51-DF1-MSG maps the DF1 request to the preconfigured tag.
Page 23
Setup The general configuration is shown in the figure below. The DF1 general configuration window is opened by either double clicking on the module in the tree or right-clicking the module and selecting Configuration. Figure 3.14. - General Configuration Page 23 of 69...
Page 24
This parameter configures the module to check for duplicate packets and flagging them when they occur. Enable Store and Forward When using the Radio Modem protocol, the PLX51-DF1-MSG can be used to repeat messages from other nodes on the radio network (only relevant for DF1 Radio Modem protocol).
Page 25
Setup The serial DF1 configuration is shown in the figure below. The DF1 Serial configuration window is opened by either double clicking on the module in the tree or right-clicking the module and selecting Configuration. In the configuration window, select the second tab at the top Serial –...
The DF1 Slave mode allows mapping of virtual Data Files to Logix tags across multiple controllers. The mapping of data files to Logix tags is managed in the PLX51-DF1-MSG itself. Thus, the routing of the Node address to Logix controller as well as DF1 File Number to a Logix tag is managed by the PLX51-DF1-MSG.
Page 27
Setup The Logix controller paths can either be entered manually or you can browse to them by clicking the Browse button. The Target Browser will open and automatically scan for all available EtherNet/IP devices. If the EtherNet/IP module is a bridge module, it can be expanded by right-clicking on the module and selecting the Scan option.
Page 28
Setup The second part of the DF1 Slave mode is to configure the link between a DF1 node and File Number combination to a Logix tag. This will allow the DF1 message initiator to effectively write to, or read from, a Logix tag using traditional File Numbers (e.g. N7, F8, etc.). Figure 3.19.
Page 29
Setup NOTE: When using Unprotected Bit Write PLC-2 messages only one byte worth of bits can be written at a time. The module can emulate more than one destination DF1 Node Address, and thus route multiple messages to different Logix controllers. It is important to enter the correct associate DF1 Node address in each mapping record.
Page 30
Setup The two figures below show how DF1 messages are routed to the Logix tags using the DF1 Slave Map mode. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure that the Logix tag array datatype and size matches that of the DF1 File Number. Failing to do this can result in communication faults.
(the PLX51-DF1-MSG initiates the messaging when in the Scheduled Tag mode). In this mode, the PLX51-DF1-MSG transfers data between a Logix controller and a DF1 device without any configuration or programming required in either the DF1 device or the Logix controller.
Page 32
Setup If the EtherNet/IP module is a bridge module, it can be expanded by right-clicking on the module and selecting the Scan option. Figure 3.25 - Scanning node in the Target Browser` Figure 3.26 - Target Browser selection The required Logix controller can then be chosen by selecting it and clicking the Ok button, or by double-clicking on the controller module.
Page 33
Setup The third step is to configure the link between a DF1 node and File Number combination to a Logix tag, and the associated action and scan required. Figure 3.27 - Scheduled Tag Mapping The Logix Function field specifies whether the transaction will result in a read or write from the Logix controller’s perspective.
Page 34
Setup The Target Tag can be either entered manually or selected using the Tag Browser in the PLX50 Configuration Utility. The Tag Browser requires the controller to be available on the network. To browse to the tag, click on the Browse button. The Tag Browser opens and scans all the tags inside that controller.
IP address of the module, as set in the module configuration. It can be modified if the PLX51-DF1-MSG is not on a local network. The Connection path can be set by right-clicking on the module and selecting the Connection Path option.
Page 36
Setup To initiate the download, right-click on the module and select the Download option. Figure 3.31 - Selecting Download Once complete, you will be notified that the download was successful. Figure 3.32 - Successful download During the download process, the module’s time will be compared to that of the PC’s time. Should the difference be greater than 30 seconds, you will be prompted to set the module time to that of the PC time.
The module is now configured and will start operating immediately. Figure 3.34 - Module online 3.7. RSLOGIX 5000 CONFIGURATION The PLX51-DF1-MSG modules can be easily integrated with Allen-Bradley Logix family of controllers. For Logix versions 20 and beyond, the modules can be added using the EDS Add-On-Profile (AOP), which is described in section 3.7.1.
Page 38
Setup Alternatively, the EDS file can be downloaded from the product web page at www.prosoft- technology.com. It can then be registered manually using the EDS Hardware Installation Tool shortcut, under the Tools menu in Studio 5000. Figure 3.35 - EDS Hardware Installation Utility After the EDS file has been registered, the module can be added to the Logix IO tree in Studio 5000.
Page 39
ProSoft Technology modules as shown in the figure below. Figure 3.37 – Selecting the module Locate and select the PLX51-DF1-MSG module, and select the Create option. The module configuration dialog opens, where you must specify the Name and IP address as a minimum to complete the instantiation.
Page 40
Setup Once the instantiation is complete, the module appears in the Logix IO tree. Figure 3.39 – Logix IO tree The Module Defined Data Types are automatically created during the instantiation process. These data types provide meaningful structures to the module data. An excerpt of the Input Image is shown in the following figure.
In the Module Properties dialog, enter the IP address, the assembly instance, and size for the input, output, and configuration. Below are the required connection parameters. Connection Parameter Assembly Instance Size Input 34 (32-bit) Output 1 (32-bit) Configuration 0 (8-bit) Table 3.3 - RSLogix class 1 connection parameters for the PLX51-DF1-MSG Page 41 of 69...
Page 42
Setup Figure 3.42 - RSLogix General module properties in RSLogix 5000 NOTE: You will need to enter the exact connection parameters before the module will establish a class 1 connection with the Logix controller. Next, add the connection requested packet interval (RPI). This is the rate at which the input and output assemblies are exchanged.
Page 43
Setup Once the module has been added to the RSLogix 5000 IO tree, assign the User Defined Types (UDTs) to the input and output assemblies. You can import the required UDTs by right-clicking on User-Defined sub-folder in the Data Types folder of the IO tree, and selecting Import Data Type.
Page 44
Two controller tags representing the Input and Output assemblies. A routine mapping the PLX51-DF1-MSG module to the aforementioned tags. To change the routine to map to the correct PLX51-DF1-ENI module instance name, make sure that the mapping routine is called by the Program’s Main Routine.
4. OPERATION 4.1. MESSAGE ROUTING When the PLX51-DF1-MSG has been set up, the DF1 message initiator sends a read/write to a DF1 address, then routed to a Logix tag. There are various indicators to determine if the mapping has routed the DF1 messages correctly. Refer to the diagnostics section for a more detailed explanation.
Operation 4.2.1. I NPUT SSEMBLY The following parameters are used in the input assembly of the module: Parameter Datatype Description Instance STRING The instance name of the module that was configured under the general DF1 configuration in the PLX50 Configuration Utility. Status.Reserved BOOL Reserved...
Operation 4.2.2. O UTPUT SSEMBLY The following parameters are used in the output assembly of the module. Parameter Datatype Description RoutingInhibit BOOL This bit inhibits the module’s routing capabilities. When set, no DF1 messages are routed. This may be required in applications running a redundant DF1 network where one of the PLX51-DF1-MSGs is to run in a hot-standby mode.
Diagnostics 5. DIAGNOSTICS 5.1. LEDS The PLX51-DF1-MSG provides three LEDs for diagnostic purposes as shown below. Figure 5.1 - PLX51-DF1-MSG front view Description Module The Module LED provides information regarding the system-level operation of the module. If the LED is red, the module is not operating correctly. For example, if the module application firmware has been corrupted or there is a hardware fault the module will have a red Module LED.
Diagnostics 5.2. MODULE STATUS MONITORING The PLX51-DF1-MSG provides a range of statistics that can assist with module operation, maintenance, and diagnostics. The statistics can be accessed in full by the PLX50 Configuration Utility or using the web server in the module.
Page 51
Diagnostics The Status monitoring window can be opened by either double-clicking on the Status item in the Project Explorer tree, or by right-clicking on the module and selecting Status. Figure 5.4. - Status monitoring - General The General tab displays the following general parameters. It can also be used to set the module time to the PC time: Parameter Description...
Page 52
Diagnostics Figure 5.5. - Status monitoring - Transactions The Transactions tab displays the statistics associated with the following: DF1 messages Bridge messages (Not relevant for the DF1 Messenger) Logix Tag Mapping (DF1 Slave and Scheduled Tag Mode) Statistic Description Tx Packet Count The number of DF1 packets sent by the module.
Page 53
Diagnostics The following PCCC statistics are not relevant for the PLX51-DF1-MSG. Statistic Description PCCC Requests The number of EtherNet/IP PCCC requests that have been sent to a Logix controller. PCCC Failures The number of failed EtherNet/IP PCCC responses that have been received by the PLX51-DF1-MSG from a Logix controller.
Page 54
Diagnostics The fields in the Map Items tab adjust to suite the appropriate mode. Figure 5.6. - Map Item status Page 54 of 69...
Diagnostics 5.3. DF1 PACKET CAPTURE The module provides the capability to capture the DF1 traffic for analysis. To invoke the capture of the module, double-click on the DF1 Packet Capture item in the Project Explorer tree. Figure 5.7. - Selecting DF1 Packet Capture The DF1 Packet Capture window opens and automatically starts capturing all DF1 packets.
Page 56
Diagnostics To display the captured DF1 packets, the capture process must first be stopped by pressing the Stop button. Figure 5.9. - DF1 Packet Capture complete The captured DF1 packets are tabulated as follows : Statistic Description Index The packet index, incremented for each packet sent or received. Time The elapsed time since the module powered up.
Page 57
Diagnostics The packet capture can be saved to a file for further analysis by selecting the Save button on the toolbar. Previously saved DF1 Packet Capture files can be viewed by selecting the DF1 Packet Capture Viewer option in the tools menu. Figure 5.10.
Diagnostics 5.4. MODULE EVENT LOG The PLX51-DF1-MSG module logs various diagnostic records to an internal event log. These logs are stored in non-volatile memory and can be displayed using the PLX50 Configuration Utility or via the web interface. To view them in the PLX50 Configuration Utility, select the Event Viewer option in the Project Explorer tree.
Diagnostics 5.5. WEB SERVER The PLX51-DF1-MSG provides a web server allowing a user without the PLX50 Configuration Utility or RSLogix 5000 to view various diagnostics of the module. This includes Ethernet parameters, system event log, advanced diagnostics, and application diagnostics (DF1 diagnostics).
Technical Specifications 6. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 6.1. DIMENSIONS Below are the enclosure dimensions as well as the required DIN rail dimensions. All dimensions are in millimetres. Figure 6.1 - PLX51-DF1-MSG enclosure dimensions Figure 6.2 - Required DIN dimensions Page 61 of 69...
Technical Specifications 6.2. ELECTRICAL Specification Rating Power requirements Input: 10 to 28V DC, (70 mA @ 24 VDC / 130 mA @ 10 VDC) Power consumption 1.7 W Connector 3-way terminal Conductors 24 to 18 AWG Enclosure rating IP20, NEMA/UL Open Type Temperature -20°C to 70°C Earth connection...
Support, Service & Warranty 7. SUPPORT, SERVICE & WARRANTY 7.1. CONTACTING TECHNICAL SUPPORT ProSoft Technology, Inc. is committed to providing the most efficient and effective support possible. Before calling, please gather the following information to assist in expediting this process: Product Version Number...
Page 66
Support, Service & Warranty Europe / Middle East / Africa Asia Pacific Regional Office Regional Office Phone: +33.(0)5.34.36.87.20 Phone: +603.7724.2080 europe@prosoft-technology.com asiapc@prosoft-technology.com Languages spoken: French, English Languages spoken: Bahasa, Chinese, English, Japanese, REGIONAL TECH SUPPORT Korean support.emea@prosoft-technology.com REGIONAL TECH SUPPORT support.ap@prosoft-technology.com Middle East &...
Phone: +54.911.4565.8119 scone@prosoft-technology.com Languages spoken: Spanish, English 7.2. WARRANTY INFORMATION For complete details regarding ProSoft Technology’s TERMS & CONDITIONS OF SALE, WARRANTY, SUPPORT, SERVICE AND RETURN MATERIAL AUTHORIZATION INSTRUCTIONS, please see the documents at: www.prosoft-technology.com/legal Documentation is subject to change without notice.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the PLX51-DF1-MSG and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers