Introduction
Single Port Multi Access (SPMA) is a method of accessing data from other devices with the computer by going through the networks. When transferring screen data from CX-Designer, users can send it to the NS through a PLC connected with the NS by a Serial, Ethernet or Controller Link network. When transferring/monitoring data, such as a ladder program, from CX-Programmer, users can also send it to the PLC through the NS connected with the PLC by a Serial, Ethernet or Controller Link network.
Be sure to confirm safety at the destination NS or PLC before transferring data.
For general SPMA connections see article SPMA Connections and Routing Methods.
To see the benefits of programming a PLC via a connection with the NS HMI on a real customer's machine, click the packaging solutions area link below.
industrial.omron.eu/ibonhart
The following examples are provided below:
- Example 1: Serial Connection between computer and PLC and Serial 1:N NT Link between PLC and NS set for transferring Screen Data to NS through PLC
- Example 2: Serial Connection between Computer and PLC and Ethernet between PLC and NS Set for Transferring Data to NS through PLC
- Example 3: Ethernet between Computer and PLC and Controller Link between PLC and NS Set for Transferring Data to NS through PLC
- Example 4: Ethernet between Computer and PLC and Serial 1:N NT Link between PLC and NS Set for Transferring Screen Data to NS through PLC
- Example 5: Ethernet between Computer and NS and Serial 1:N NT Link between NS and PLC Set for Transferring Screen Data to PLC through NS
- Example 6: Ethernet between Computer and NS and Controller Link between NS and PLC Set for Transferring Screen Data to PLC through NS
- Example 7: USB between Computer and NS, and Serial 1:N NT Links between NS and PLC Set for Transferring Screen Data to the PLC through NS
- Example 8: USB Connection between computer and PLC and Serial 1:N NT Link between PLC and NS set for transferring Screen Data to NS through PLC
Preliminary Information
The NS may also be referred to as the PT (programmable terminal). A serial connection for the PT-to-PLC uses the NT Link 1:N protocol. A serial connection from the computer-to-PLC uses Toolbus, USB or Modem methods. The examples presume basic connections such as PLC-to-PT and Computer-to-PT/PLC have been already established.
Overview
Screen data can be uploaded/downloaded from the CX-Designer to/from a PT connected by serial, Ethernet or Controller Link communications through the PLC (CS/CJ-series PLCs only) connected with the PT by a Serial, Ethernet or Controller Link network. In addition, the data can be downloaded/uploaded to a Memory Card placed in the PT.
Transferring/Monitoring Ladder Programs via a PT
Data such as ladder programs can be downloaded/uploaded from/to the CX-Programmers to/from the PLCs through the PT. The PT is connected with the CX-Programmers by USB, or by Ethernet or Controller Link network. It is connected with the PLCs by serial connection or by Ethernet or Controller Link network.
Note: The CX-Net cannot be used when using the CX-Programmer through the PT. Uploading screen display and responses of touch input actions may slow down when using the CX-Programmer through the PT. Correct operation is possible only for the configurations described in this document.
Example 1
Serial Connection between computer and PLC and Serial 1:N NT Link between PLC and NS set for transferring Screen Data to NS through PLC
This section describes data transfer from the CX-Designer to a PT connected either an RS-232C port or a peripheral port on the PLC's CPU Unit by a Serial (1:N NT Link) connection through a PLC connected with the computer by serial (Toolbus) connection. In this example, the cable between the computer and the PLC is connected to the peripheral port on the PLC and the cable between the PLC and the PT is connected to the RS232C port on the PLC.
Setting the Communications Method
- Open the desired project on CX-Designer and select PT - Transfer - Transfer Program. The Screen data Transfer Dialog Box will appear.
- Click the Comms. Method button on the top right of the dialog box. The Comms Setting Dialog Box will appear.
- Select Pass through PLC option.
- Select the communications method between computer and PLC. Here Serial (Toolbus) is set as an example.
- Select the communications method between PLC and PT. Here NT LINK is set as an example.
- Click the Set button to the right of the communications method setting. The following Serial Setting Dialog Box will appear.
- Set the Port to the COM port to use to connect the computer to the PLC. Select the baud rate between a computer and PLC. Set whether to detect the baud rate set for the peripheral port on the PLC. The default is to detect the baud rate. If detection is disabled (pin on the PLC's DIP switch is turned ON), set the baud rate to the same speed as set for the peripheral port on the PLC. Select the port to use to connect the PT and PLC.
- Click the OK Button in the Serial Setting Dialog Box.
- Click the Set button on the right of the NS and PLC Field. The following Serial Setting Dialog will appear.
- Set the port to use to connect PLC and the unit number of the PT that will be the destination. Here the unit number is set to 0 because the cable is connected to the RS-232C port with a 1:1 connection.
- Click the OK Button in the Serial Setting Dialog Box.
- Click the OK Button in the Comms Method Dialog Box.
Transferring Screen Data
- Click the Connect Button in the Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box. After completing the connection, the screen on the PT switches to the following screen and the PT will wait for the data to be transferred. Here the entire project will be transferred as an example.
- Check Select All, and click a button to display the Transfer Confirmation Dialog Box.
- Click the Start button. The download will be started.
- If Auto-reset after transmission is not selected, the Confirmation Dialog box for restart will be displayed at the computer when the data transfer is finished. The PT must be restarted to operate the screens that have been transferred.
Click the YES Button to restart the PT.
Example 2
Serial Connection between Computer and PLC and Ethernet between PLC and NS Set for Transferring Data to NS through PLC
This section describes an example of settings used when transferring screen data from the CX-Designer to a PT connected by Ethernet through a PLC connected with the computer by a serial (toolbus) connection. The values such as IP Address and Network Address described below are the examples, so please set values in accordance with the actual environment.
Settings on the PLC
Create the following routing table entry using CX-Programmer Ver.3.1 or later and transfer the routing tables to the PLC.
- Input the unit number of the Ethernet Unit. Here, 1 is input.
- Input the network address of the Ethernet Unit. Here, 3 is input.
*Check the correct DIP switch positions for serial ports on the PLC
Settings on the PT
Make the settings on the CX-Designer as shown below. After completing these settings, transfer them to the PT along with screen data.
- Select PT menu – Communication Setting on CX-Designer.
- Set the Ethernet to Enable.
- Set the same IP address as that of the PT. Here 192.168.0.22 is set as an example. Set the Sub-net Mask of the PT. Here, 255.255.255.0 is set as an example.
- Click the Add Button to display the IP Address Setting Dialog Box. Set the same Node Address and IP Address as those set in the Ethernet Unit. Here, 6 is set for Node Address and 192.168.0.6 is set for the IP Address as examples.
- Click the OK button.
- Transfer the settings with the screen data to the PT. To do this, connect the PT with the computer directly and perform standard data transfer. Do NOT transfer the data through the PLC.
Setting the Communications Method
- Open the desired project on the CX-Designer and select PT menu - Transfer - Transfer Program. The Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box will appear.
- Click the Comms. Method Button on the Comms. Setting. The Comms. Method Dialog Box will appear.
- Check Pass Through PLC box.
- Select the communications method between the computer and PLC. Set Serial (Toolbus).
- Select the communications method between PLC and PT. Set Ethernet.
- Click the Set button on the right of the communications method setting. The following Serial Setting dialog box will appear.
- Set the Port to the COM port to use to connect the computer and PLC. Here COM1 is set as an example.
- Click the OK button in the Serial Setting dialog box.
- Click the Set button on the bottom right of the PT and PLC field. Ethernet/CLK Setting dialog box shown below will be displayed.
- Set the Network Address between the PT and PLC (the Value set in the local network table using CX-Net). Here, 3 is set as the Network Address for Ethernet communications.
- Set the Node Address of the destination PT for the Node Address. Here, the node address of the PT is input. Here, 22 is set as an example.
- Click the OK Button in the Ethernet/CLK Setting Dialog Box.
- Click the OK Button in the Comms Method Dialog Box.
Transferring Screen Data
- Click the Connect button in the Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box. After completing the connection, the window will switch to the following window. Here, the entire project will be transferred an example.
- Select Select All, and click the button to display the Transfer Confirmation Dialog box.
- Click the Start Button. The download will be started.
- If Auto-reset after transmission is not selected, the Confirmation Dialog box for restart will be displayed at the computer when the data transfer is finished. The PT must be restarted to operate the screens that have been transferred.
Click the Yes Button to restart the PT.
Example 3
Ethernet between Computer and PLC and Controller Link between PLC and NS Set for Transferring Data to NS through PLC
This section describes an example of settings used when transferring screen data from the CX-Designer to a PT connected by Controller Link through a PLC connected with the computer by an Ethernet connection. The values such as IP Address and Network Address described below are the examples, so please set values in accordance with the actual environment.
Settings on the PLC
- Set the IP Address of the PLC Ethernet Unit (hardware or software setting) and Node Address (rotary switch setting). For instance, set values as follows:
IP Address: 192.168.0.6
Network Address:1
Node Address:6
- Set the Node Address and Network Address of the PLC Controller Link Unit. For instance, set values as follows:
Network Address:3
Node Address:4
- Create the following routing table using CX-Net in CX-Programmer Ver.3.1 or later and transfer it to the PLC.
| UNIT | UNIT NUMBER | LOCAL NETWORK ADDRESS |
| Ethernet Unit | 1 | 1 |
| Controller Link Unit | 2 | 3 |
Settings on the PT
Make the settings on the CX-Designer shown below. After completing these settings, transfer them to the PT along with the screen data.
- Select PT menu - Communication Setting in CX-Designer.
- Set Controller Link to Enable.
- Click the Routing Table Setting Button on Comm-All. The Routing Table Setting Dialog Box will be displayed.
- Input 1 as the Destination Network Address, 3 as the Remote Network Address, and 4 as the Gateway Node Address (Controller Link Unit's node address). Click the OK Button to return to the Comms. Setting Dialog Box.
- Transfer the above settings along with and desired screen data to the PT. At this time, connect the PT directly to the computer. Perform normal screen transfer without selecting Pass Through PLC.
Setting the Communications Method
- Open the desired project on the CX-Designer and select PT Menu - Transfer - Transfer Program. The Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box will appear.
- Click the Comms. Method Button at the top right of the dialog box. The Comms. Method Dialog Box will appear.
- Select Pass Through PLC.
- Select the communications method between a computer and PLC. Here, Ethernet is set.
- Select the communications method between the PLC and PT. Here, CLK (Controller Link) is set.
- Click the Set button to the right of the communications method setting. The following Network Settings Dialog Box will appear.
- Input the Ethernet network address for the Network of the FINS source address. Here, 1 is set as an example.
- Input network address and node address of the PLC's Ethernet Unit for the Network and Node of the FINS destination address. Here the network address is set to 1 and the node is set to 6 as examples.
- Click the Driver Tab and make the following settings.
Input the IP address of the PLC's Ethernet Unit. Here, 192.168.0.6 is input as an example.
- Click the OK Button in the Network Settings Dialog Box.
- Click Set Button on the Comms.Method between PT and PLC at the bottom right of the screen to display the Ethernet/CLK Setting.
- Set the Network Address of the Controller Link communications between the PT and PLC (the value set in the local network table using CX-Net). In this example, 3 was set as the Network Address for Controller Link communications and so set 3.
- Set the Node Address of the destination PT. In this example, set the Node Address of the PT's Controller Link Unit, ie., set 5.
- Click the OK Button.
Transferring Screen Data
- Click the Connect button in the Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box. After completing the connection, the window will switch to the following window. Here, the entire project will be transferred an example.
- Select Select All, and click the button to display the Transfer Confirmation Dialog box.
- Click the Start Button. The download will be started.
- If Auto-reset after transmission is not selected, the Confirmation Dialog box for restart will be displayed at the computer when the data transfer is finished. The PT must be restarted to operate the screens that have been transferred.
Click the Yes Button to restart the PT.
Example 4
Ethernet between Computer and PLC and Serial 1:N NT Link between PLC and NS Set for Transferring Screen Data to NS through PLC
This section describes data transfer from the CX-Designer to a PT connected with the either the RS-232C port or peripheral port on the PLC's CPU Unit by a Serial 1:N connection through a PLC connected by Ethernet. The values such as IP Addresses and Network Addresses described below are the examples, so please set values in accordance with the actual environment.
Settings on the PLC
- Set the IP Address of the PLC Ethernet Unit (hardware or software setting) and Node Address (rotary switch setting). For instance, set values as follows.
IP Address: 192168.0.6
Network Address: 1
Node Address: 6
- Create the routing tables using CX-Net in CX-Programmer Ver.3.1 or later and transfer them to the PLC. Create the local network table treating either the RS232-C port or peripheral port as the Communications Unit by setting the items shown below.
When connecting the PT with the PLC using the RS-232C port, treat the RS-232C port as the Communications Unit. Set 252 for the SIOU, and set 3 for the Local Network of the serial communications that pass through this unit number.
| UNIT NUMBER | LOCAL NETWORK ADDRESS |
| 252 (Serial Port) | 3 |
When connecting the PT with the PLC by the Peripheral Port, treat the peripheral port as the Communications Unit. Set 253 for the SIOU, and set 3 for the Local Network of the serial communications that pass through this unit number.
| UNIT NUMBER | LOCAL NETWORK ADDRESS |
| 253 (Peripheral Port) | 3 |
- Add the Local Network Table for PLC Ethernet Unit in the same manner. Set 1 for the SIOU and 1 for Ethernet Local Network that pass through this unit number.
| UNIT NUMBER | LOCAL NETWORK ADDRESS |
| 1 | 1 |
Settings on the PT
There is no need to make settings when connecting a PLC with a PT by Serial (1:N NT Link) connection.
Setting the Communications Method
- Open the desired project on the CX-Designer and select PT Menu - Transfer - Transfer program. The Screen Data Transfer will be displayed.
- Click the Comms.Method Button on the Comms.Setting field. The Comms. Method dialog box will appear.
- Select Pass Through PLC.
- Select the communications method between the Computer and PLC. Here, Ethernet is set.
- Select the communications method between the PLC and PT. Here, NT Link is set.
- Click the Set Button to the right of the communications method setting. The following Network Settings Dialog Box will appear.
- Input the Ethernet network address for the Network of the FINS source address. Here, 1 is set as an example.
- Input network address and node address of the PLC's Ethernet Unit for the Network and Node of the FINS destination address. Here, 1 is set for the Network and 6 is set for the Node as an example.
- Click the Driver Tab and make the following settings. Input the IP Address of the PLC's Ethernet Unit. Here 192.168.0.6 is set for the IP Address as an example.
- Click the OK Button on the Network Settings Dialog Box.
- Click the Set Button on the bottom right of the Comms.Method between NS through PLC. The Serial Setting Dialog Box shown below will be displayed.
- Set the serial communications network address (the value set in the local network table in the CX-Net) between the PT and PLC. In this example, set 3 as the Serial communication network address was set 3.
- Set the NT link unit number of the destination PT. Here, 0 is set because the RS-232C port is connected 1:1.
- Click the OK Button in the Serial Setting Dialog Box.
- Click the OK Button in the Comms Method Dialog box.
Transferring Screen Data
- Click the Connect button in the Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box. After completing the connection, the window will switch to the following window. Here, the entire project will be transferred an example.
- Select Select All, and click the button to display the Transfer Confirmation Dialog box.
- Click the Start Button. The download will be started.
- If Auto-reset after transmission is not selected, the Confirmation Dialog box for restart will be displayed at the computer when the data transfer is finished. The PT must be restarted to operate the screens that have been transferred.
Click the Yes Button to restart the PT.
Example 5
Ethernet between Computer and NS and Serial 1:N NT Link between NS and PLC Set for Transferring Screen Data to PLC through NS
Transferring Data such as a Ladder Program from a Computer to a PLC through a PT Connected to the Computer via Ethernet and Connected to the PLC via Serial 1:N NT Link.
Settings on the PT
- Open PT Menu - Communication Setting Tab.
- Select the Enable on the Ethernet to display settings on the right side of the screen. Set these items in the way shown in the following table. It is also possible to make the following settings in the CX-Designer system settings and transfer them together with any desired screen data beforehand.
| ITEM | SETTING |
| Network Address | 1 (network address between the computer and the PT) |
| Node Address | 22 (PT's node address) |
| IP Address | 192.168.0.22 (PT's IP address) |
| Subnet Mask | 255.255.255.0 |
| IP Address (of computer) | 192.168.0.10 |
Settings on the PLC
It is not necessary to make settings when connecting a PLC with a PT by serial communications (1:N NT Link).
Settings on the Computer
- Start up CX-Programmer. Select Ethernet as the network type. Then, click the Driver Tab on the Network Settings and set the IP address of the PT in the IP Address on this page.
- Click the Network Tab and set the items in the table below.
| ITEM | SETTING |
| FINS Source Address | Set the local network address of the PT |
| FINS Destination Address |
Connection via serial port A: 111 Connection via serial port B: 112 |
| Node* | 1 is set (fixed value) |
| Frame Length | 1000 is set as an example |
| Response Timeout | Default value of 2 |
*Note: The node set from the Network Tab page is fixed at 1. Transfer will not be performed correctly if another value is set. Be sure to set 1.
- After completing the settings, establish online connection and transfer the data (e.g., ladder program).
Example 6
Ethernet between Computer and NS and Controller Link between NS and PLC Set for Transferring Screen Data to PLC through NS
The following example shows how to perform settings for transferring data, such as a ladder program, from CX-Programmer, through a PT connected via Ethernet, to a PLC connected via Controller Link. The values such as IP Addresses and Network Addresses described below are the examples, so please set values in accordance with the actual environment.
Settings on the PT
- Select PT Menu - Comm.Setting on CX-Designer.
- Set Controller Link to Enable, and input 3 for Network Address and 5 for Node Address.
- Set the Ethernet to Enable.
- Set the Network Address between the computer and PT as the Network address. In this example, 1 is set.
- Set the PT's node address as the Node Address. In this example, 22 is set.
- Set the IP address set for the PT as the IP address. In this example, 192.168.0.22 is set.
- Next set the Sub-net Mask. In this example, 255.255.255.0 is set.
- Next, click the Add Button at the bottom left of the dialog box to display the IP Address Setting Dialog Box. In this example, the node address and IP address set for the PT and computer are set.
- Click the OK Button.
- Transfer the above settings together with any desired screen data to the PT.
Settings on the PLC
Start up CX-Programmer and connect the computer directly to the PLC. Then create the following routing table and transfer it to the PLC.
| ITEM | SETTING |
| SIOU (unit number of the PLC's Controller Link Unit) | 2 |
| Local Network | 3 |
| Destination Network | 1 |
| Relay Network | 3 |
| Relay Node (node address of the PT's CLK unit) | 5 |
Settings on the Computer
- Start up CX-Programmer. Set the IP address of the PT in the IP Address on the Driver Tab page of the Network Settings.
- Click the Network Tab and make the following settings.
| ITEM | SETTING |
| FINS Source Address - Network (between computer and PT) | 1 |
| FINS Destination Address - Network (between PT and PLC) | 3 |
| Node | 4 |
- After completing the settings, establish online connection and transfer the data (e.g., ladder program)
Example 7
USB between Computer and NS, and Serial 1:N NT Links between NS and PLC Set for Transferring Screen Data to the PLC through NS
The configuration below is the case to transfer data such as ladder programs from a CX-Programmer to a PLC through an NS that is connected with the CX-Programmer via USB, and with the PLC via Serial 1:N NT Link.
Settings on the NS
Connect to PLC via 1:N NT Link.
Settings on the PLC
Connect to NS via 1:N NT Link.
Settings on the Computer
- Start up CX-Programmer. Then, select PLC - Auto Online Connection - Direct Online.
- Select USB connection on the Direct Online dialog and click the Connect button.
- Select the connecting target PLC dialog will appear. Select the connecting target PLC under Serial PortA and click the Connect button.
- CX-Programmer will go online to the target PLC.
Example 8
USB Connection between computer and PLC and Serial 1:N NT Link between PLC and NS set for transferring Screen Data to NS through PLC
This section describes data transfer from the CX-Designer to a NS connected either an RS-232C port or a peripheral port on the PLC's CPU Unit by a Serial (1:N NT Link) connection through a PLC connected with the computer by USB. In this example, the computer and the PLC is connected by USB and the cable between the PLC and the PT is connected to the RS232C port on the PLC.
Setting the Communications Method
- Open the desired project on CX-Designer and select PT - Transfer - Transfer Program. The Screen data Transfer Dialog Box will appear.
- Click the Comms. Method button on the top right of the dialog box. The Comms Setting Dialog Box will appear.
- Select Pass through PLC option.
- Select the communications method between computer and PLC. Here USB is set as an example.
- Click on Communicate with multiple software tools via USB checkbox.
- Select the communications method between PLC and PT. Here NT LINK is set as an example.
- Click the Set button on the right of the NS and PLC Field. The following Serial Setting Dialog will appear. Set the port to use to connect PLC and the unit number of the NS that will be the destination. Here the unit number is set to 0 because the cable is connected to the RS-232C port with a 1:1 connection.
- Click the OK Button in the Serial Setting Dialog Box.
- Click the OK Button in the Comms Method Dialog Box.
Transferring Screen Data
- Click the Connect button in the Screen Data Transfer Dialog Box. After completing the connection, the window will switch to the following window. Here, the entire project will be transferred an example.
- Select Select All, and click the button to display the Transfer Confirmation Dialog box.
- Click the Start Button. The download will be started.
- If Auto-reset after transmission is not selected, the Confirmation Dialog box for restart will be displayed at the computer when the data transfer is finished. The PT must be restarted to operate the screens that have been transferred.
Click the Yes Button to restart the PT.
Precautions
- The CP1 series PLC does not support SPMA (through PLC).
- This article is intended to supplement official Omron documentation. The provided configurations should be thoroughly tested before implementation and may or may not function in specific applications. The user assumes full responsibility of the configuration, integration, performance and application of the provided configurations. For detailed information on the use and general configuration of Omron products, refer to official Omron manuals or contact your local Omron support representative.
- This information is current as of CX-One v4 release.
This routing communications frames can be done through different types of networks:
- Series
- Ethernet
- Controller-Link
- NT-Link
Many scenarios are possible with some restrictions:
Connecting to a PLC via a NS over Ethernet
Connecting to a PLC via a Controller Link NS
Connecting to a PLC via an Ethernet NS
Connecting to a PLC via a USB NS
Sign CX-Designer/Terminal NS Series
SPMA connection via the communication cards SCU21/31/41
I. CX-Designer/NS via Modem
II. Via API CX-Designer/NS CS / CJ
III. Via API CX-Designer/NS CS / CJ and modem
IV. CX-Designer/NS API via Ethernet
V. NS CX-Programmer/API via Ethernet
I. CX-Designer/NS connection via modem
1. Configure the port B of the NS-mode modem for data transfer
2. Set the transfer CX-Designer as follows:
II. Sign CX-Designer/NS Via API CJ / CS
1. Configure the device port Personalized Toolbus 9600 (8, N, 1 compulsory) and switch the switch 4 (Crane) ON
2. Configure the RS232C port on NT-Link 1: N at the same speed as selected in the NS (High speed = 115200, Standard = 38400) and specify the maximum number of NT / PC Link = 1
3. Create the routing table in the CS / CJ
4. Set CX-Designer as below
5. transfer the project
III. Sign CX-Designer/NS Via API CJ / CS and Modem
1. Configure the port device personalization, Toolbus 9600 (8, N, 1 compulsory) and switch the switch 4 (Crane) ON
2. Configure the RS232C port on NT-Link 1: N at the same speed as selected in the NS (High speed = 115200, Standard = 38400) and specify the maximum number of NT / PC Link = 1
3. Set CX-Designer as below
4. Transfer the project
IV. Sign CX-Designer/NS API via Ethernet
1. Configure the RS232C port on NT-Link 1: N at the same speed as selected in the NS (High speed = 115200, Standard = 38400) and specify the maximum number of NT / PC Link = 1.
2. Create the routing table in the CS1/CJ1
3. Set CX-Designer as below
4. Transfer the project
V. Sign CX-Programmer through NS-PLC Ethernet
1. Configure the RS232C port on NT-Link 1: N at the same speed as selected in the NS (High speed = 115200, Standard = 38400) and specify the maximum number of NT / PC Link = 1
2. Configure the IP addresses in the NS
3. Create the routing table in the CS / CJ
4. CX-Programmer Configure as follows:
5. Now you are ready to connect
