Chapter 3 Communications; Supported Communications; Device Setup - Omron CX-PROGRAMMER V9 Operation Manual

OMRON
CHAPTER 3
Communications
This chapter describes the communications options available to CX-Server and is confined to software aspects
and the associated CX-Server interface; more detailed information relating to each hardware product is to be
found in its associated OMRON commercial manual.

Supported Communications

Communications between CX-Server and target PLC's are achieved by a combination of different network
connection types. SYSMAC WAY, SYSMAC LINK, SYSMAC NET, Controller Link, Toolbus, Ethernet,
Memory Card Writer, PROM Writer, Modem and Device Net. Each network connection has different
capabilities. SYSMAC NET is specially suited for medium to large scale systems where connecting PLCs to
computers is included. SYSMAC LINK provides the necessary capabilities of an industrial network: SYSMAC
WAY operates at a much simpler level, its primary functions are for monitoring and diagnostics. SYSMAC
WAY and Toolbus both provide Modem connection facilities.
The combination employed depends upon the requirements of the system. The network connection types used
will determine the maximum speed of data transfer rates and frame lengths that can be used. When the PLC
network is first set, the default connection should be used to determine the maximum frame length and baud
rates.
CX-Server controls communications with target PLCs, formats messages into the correct protocol and then
transmits them to the device (normally a PLC but it can be a memory card); messages are also received from the
PLC containing data to be transmitted to applications, for example CX-Programmer, CX-Protocol and CX-Net
Network Configuration tool. The type of messages transmitted include requests to update point data or to
download programs.
When a PLC is being configured, as discussed in Chapter 2 - Introduction to CX-Server Projects, CX-Server
automatically provides a list of the possible network types associated with the selected device; PLC Tools User
Manual Chapter 8 - CX-Net Network Configuration Tool describes how to create the actual PLC/network
communications links (including the creation and modification of associated Routing and Data Link Tables).

Device Setup

PLC Settings
Each CX-Server project can contain a list of devices. A device can be a PLC which can be configured to map on
to a physical connection (either directly or via an existing gateway connection). A correctly configured
connection allows connections to the PLC.
Each device added to the CX-Server project must be given a unique name within the CX-Server project file; the
device type and network connection should also be given, for example: 'CV500', 'SYSMAC WAY'.
The Change PLC dialog allows a new PLC to be added to the CX-Server project and its device type and network
settings to be defined. It is also used to edit existing PLC details. It is accessed from the invoking application or
from CX-Server CX-Net tool. It can also be accessed from the Project editor by expanding the device list,
selecting the appropriate PLC and then clicking the properties button in the toolbar or selecting Properties from
the File menu.
Revision 2.0
Note: A PLC cannot be created unless a CX-Server project has been opened. Whilst PLCs
are added to the CX-Server project via this dialog, the CX-Net Network
Configuration Tool must be used to set up routing tables for those PLCs acting as a
gateway. Refer to the PLC Tools User Manual Chapter 8 - CX-Net Network
Configuration Tool for further information.
PART 3: CX-Server Runtime
CHAPTER 3 – Communications
CX-Server Runtime_Page 15