M-System’s R6 Series Remote I/O is designed to support DCS/PLC/HMI systems by expanding their I/O flexibility and capabilities. The R6 provides an ideal wiring saving solution using Modbus RTU, Modbus/TCP, DeviceNet, and CC-Link protocols to efficiently transmit a small number of I/O signals scattered around users’ remote locations. The R6 system consists of a backplane (base), power supply module, network interface module, and various I/O modules. In "New R6 Series Ultra-Slim, Mixed Signal Remote I/O – (1) " , we introduced the new R6 series. This article will introduce more about its I/O modules, Network interface modules and PC Configurator software. 1. I/O Modules
Table 1 lists available I/O modules for use with the Remote I/O R6 Series. Modules are available for all basic I/O signals, including DC voltage/current I/O signals, temperature sensor input signals, and contact I/O signals. Range settings for analog I/O signals can be configured easily using DIP switches located on the side of each module. The output function during the loss of communication with the master device/system is DIP switches selectable to either hold the last normally received data or reset (Ao: -15% of the output range, Do: fix at OFF). It is also PC configurable, which allows for more detailed setting changes. Using the DIP switches on the side of each module, and set to the PC mode, settings made by R6CON will be applied to I/O modules. The PC Configurator software model R6CON is downloadable free of charge from M-System’s web site http://www.m-system.co.jp. For example, if the user is using an analog output module, the output function at the loss of communication is only selectable for either hold or reset in DIP switch mode. However, in PC mode it is available to set output to a desired scaling value. This functionality is beneficial when designing system operations to ensure safety in the event of a communications error, or loss. In addition, parameters such as zero-span adjustment, scaling, and conversion speed may be changed in PC mode.
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3. PC Configurator Software The R6CON PC configurator software is a dedicated application for setting and monitoring R6 Series I/O and network module parameters. It allows the R6 Series modules to be connected to a computer using a cable (model: MCN-CON [9-pin D-sub connector] or COP-US [USB connector]) (see Figure 2). R6CON Features:
(1) Editing parameters The procedure to change device parameters consists of loading (uploading), changing, and writing (downloading) the parameters. Then, simply click the “Upload” button on the Parameter Editing screen (see Figure 3) and the network module and all connected devices will be loaded and displayed on the left side of the screen. When you wish to change the parameters for a particular device, click on that device and its settings will be shown on the right side of the screen, where they may be edited. Once you are finished editing the parameters, you can write them back to the device by clicking the “Download” button on the display. (2) Saving and loading parameters to and from a file User can save and load parameters being edited by the software to and from a file. Used in combination with the software’s upload and download functionality, this capability allows device parameters to be stored for backup or future configuration changes. (3) Displaying the I/O status User can use this function to display the I/O status of any device connected to the computer. Click the “Monitor” button on the Parameter Editing screen and it will display the Monitor screen, shown in Figure 4. This screen displays information such as module model, firmware version, range, I/O value, percent value, and scaling value, providing a clear indication of the setup and current operational state of connected R6 Series devices. This capability lets you fine-tune zero and gain settings for analog I/O modules while monitoring their I/O status, making it an extremely convenient feature. |
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