Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are available in a variety of sizes for applications big and small. While the application’s hardware requirements often drive the PLC selection, the programming software’s capabilities should also be considered as it has a significant effect on program development.

• Automation Direct Port Devices Driver Downloads
• Automation Direct Port Devices Driver Download Windows 7
• Automation Direct Port Devices Driver Download Windows 10

Some programmers may open the PLC programming software, create a new project and start creating ladder logic immediately—but this can lead to configuration-on-the-fly, not the most efficient technique. Instead, depending on the controller selected, the programming software may have built-in features allowing configuration based on menu-driven selections, which is often the better path (Figure 1).

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The AutomationDirect Do-more BRX Micro PLC family of PLCs enables efficient programming by providing top-down configuration and a device-centric approach.

In his July 2017 Control Engineering “Controller Embeds Programming Efficiency” article, Bill Dehner explains how top-down configuration and device-centric methods help lead a programmer down a quick and productive path. Bill Dehner, a Technical Marketing Engineer at AutomationDirect, explains how built-in, menu-driven choices configure devices, which then handle common functions behind the scenes with little programming required.

An example of this efficient programming can be found in AutomationDirect’s Do-more Designer PLC programming and documentation software, available via CD or free download. This article discusses top-down configuration and device-centric programming, possible with software such as Do-more Designer. The article also includes examples of how these concepts can be used to improve programming efficiency in Do-more controllers like the BRX micro PLC.

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What is Top-Down Configuration?

In the Control Engineering article, Bill Dehner explains top-down configuration. “For some controllers, configuration is simplified using a top-down method (Table),” he says. “The order of the tasks listed in the Table is by precedence, with each item in the list depending on the item or items above it. For example, everything below CPU configuration depends on how the CPU is configured. Serial port, port type, Ethernet I/O Master options and server options such as Modbus/TCP and EtherNet/IP Explicit messaging are all configuration selections typically available during CPU configuration. These selections add necessary parameters to some or all the items below CPU configuration.”

Table: Step to Top-Down Configuration

• CPU Configuration
• I/O configuration
• Module configuration
• Device configuration
• I/O mappings
• Memory configuration

Setting up a controller in the proper order can simplify a software development project by automating certain steps, and by helping below tasks fall into place. For example, when configuring an EtherNet/IP Server, only the appropriate parameters are exposed in subsequent configuration dashboards.

Device-Centric Concepts

Following a methodical top-down configuration leads to device-centric concepts. With device-centric, the device is in the middle, so the ladder diagram program talks to the device, not directly to the hardware (Figure 2). These device drivers take care of low-level details, freeing the programmer to concentrate on the application.

AutomationDirect’s Do-more Designer uses a device-centric approach which places the device in the middle to handle the low-level interface between hardware components and the PLC’s program instructions and memory.

“What is a device,” asks Dehner in the article? “A programmer likely thinks of a device as a sensor, encoder, I/O module, variable frequency drive (VFD), EtherNet/IP module, remote rack, or a similar piece of hardware,” he says. “In a device-centric controller, the devices are instead pieces of code between the program and the hardware. Using this concept, the device is configured, and it handles the details for control of the hardware by the controller such as establishing communication protocols, handshaking and defining memory requirements. Much of the hardware details are handled via configuration of each device, not with controller programming.”

A program instruction talks to a configured device, not to the hardware directly. Configuring a device defines memory and creates related variables, handshaking bits and memory flags.

A comm port device sends data to and from memory. As data is transmitted and received, buffering and status flags in memory are handled by the device. With device-centric programming, everything passes through the device which handles the details, behind the scenes.

A server is a device as well. Again, it talks directly with hardware. It runs in the background managing the data moving between memory and the hardware. An example is a Modbus/TCP device. It is configured, then functions mostly outside of the program, but the program accesses it to send and receive data.

Using Devices Efficiently

“Regardless of the complexity of the hardware selected, the device provides a clean, uniform interface between the hardware and controller program,” says Dehner in the Control Engineering article. “Each device is set up the same way, for example a Modbus/RTU or a general-purpose serial port, by following top-down configuration steps which require selecting features and filling in a few blanks.”

A typical application was discussed in the article—a box diverter. It contains a variety of hardware that is often controlled by a PLC. This includes encoders synchronizing a conveyor to a diverter gate dependent on box length, a VFD controlling a motor, and barcode scanning of a box on the conveyor to divert it to the proper destination. There are also inputs and outputs used to connect sensors and pneumatic actuators to detect a box and control a lift.

“As this box diverter application demonstrates, it’s not unusual to have several different pieces of automation hardware connected to a PLC, with each hardware component and its required connections defining the devices,” says Dehner in the article. “However, in this instance, a controller utilizing top-down configuration and device-centric concepts is quickly configured, with much of this effort performed automatically.”

“If the controller lacks on-board high-speed inputs, a high-speed counter module can be used to count the quadrature pulses from the encoder”, continues Dehner. “This module is not a part of the CPU configuration, but it is automatically discovered in the second step, I/O configuration” he says. “The third step, module configuration, will then autofill the needed parameters with default values for the discovered module. Any edits to the configuration required can be made here during this step. The PLC will automatically handle the I/O mapping for the added module, and create the needed image register addresses.”

Configuration and use of the built-in Ethernet port “device” in a controller such as the BRX begins at the top of the configuration list. During the CPU configuration step, the Ethernet I/O master is selected to enable it. When enabled, IP configuration and other communication options are created in the I/O configuration. At this point, the device is available for use in the program, since the I/O mapping is completed automatically.

In the article Dehner also discusses how the controller’s serial port uses simple ASCII text strings to communicate with the barcode scanner. “The port is recognized during the CPU configuration step, where a general-purpose serial port is configured including settings such as baud rate, and hardware protocols such as RS-232,” he says. “I/O and module configuration is not needed, and the device configuration is created automatically, providing a pre-configured interface with access to system resources. The memory configuration step automatically allocates memory for the device.”

In this diverter example, multi-point discrete input and output modules are used, which is typical in many automation applications. Similar methods are used to configure these modules. While some devices are more complicated to set up than others, they all use the same configuration methodology. Each is configured starting at the top of the Table, and then working down. By following this methodology, only parameters that need to be configured are accessible, and much of the configuration is automatically defined.

Effective Instructions

The diverter example above shows how a top-down and device-centric controller programming speeds configuration. The BRX controller using Do-more Designer programming software offers efficient PID loop and motion control instructions as well.

Many different control loops require the use of PID instructions, and Do-more Designer provides additional PID instruction features and functionality including run-time configuration, modularity and interchangeability.

“Part of this improved efficiency is the result of breaking down the PID loop into smaller pieces,” says Dehner in the article. “Instead of embedding all the PID parameters such as filters, scaling, ramp-soak tables and alarm handlers in one PID instruction, separate instructions are used to access the parameters individually to simplify customization of these control algorithms. These instructions can also include trend views for display to help with understanding of the control loop response, and to assist with initial tuning and troubleshooting.”

Motion control instructions can follow a similar path, broken down into different levels of instruction complexity, continues Dehner in the article. “Simple motion instructions allow quick application of basic move commands with minimal required configuration,” he says. “Intermediate-level motion instructions provide more user-defined parameters. Advanced instructions enable selection or creation of custom move profiles, often through a simple configuration process.”

New, advanced controllers provide a top-down approach and use device-centric methods. If the configuration is performed in the proper sequence, much of the hardware-to-software device configuration happens automatically. These efficient methods lead to quick development of program logic, and an enhanced variety of available instructions and programming further increases efficiency.

By: Jeff Payne, Automation Controls Group Product Manager at AutomationDirect

To read more articles about programmable control, click here.

*Originally published: Nov 8, 2017

Software Downloads

Automation Direct Port Devices Driver Downloads

Free Software, Upgrades, and Maintenance Releases:

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• DirectSoft
  Visit Host Engineering's website for new product information and software development kits.
• Dymo Labelers
  Visit the Dymo support website for the most current firmware, software, and drivers
• Ethernet SDK
  Visit Host Engineering's website for new product information and software development kits.
• SureServo
• SureStep
• Think & Do
  Visit the Phoenix Contact website for a complete list of Think & Do application notes and product information.
• WEG AC Drives and Soft Starters: Programming software and documentation for WEG CFW100, CFW300 and SSW07 products

Automation Direct Port Devices Driver Download Windows 7

Drivers:

Automation Direct Port Devices Driver Download Windows 10

• EA-MG-PGM-CBL drivers
  Drivers for the EA-MG-PGM-CBL USB-to-serial cable (Windows 2000 SP4, Windows XP SP2, and Windows Vista(32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit), Windows 8 and 8.1 (32/64 bit), Windows 10)
• Industrial Monitors
• USB-485M serial converter drivers
  Drivers for serial converter USB-485M for Windows XP/7/8/8.1/10 (32 bit and 64 bit)

Tools and Utilities:

• CTRIO Workbench Tool
  The CTRIO Workbench Tool allows you to configure our CTRIO (High Speed Counter I/O) modules. CTRIO Workbench has utilities to configure the CTRIO modules, verify module I/O mapping and upgrade the CTRIO OS image.

• DNLoader
  DNLoader is a free utility that allows you to upload and download PLC programs without the use of DirectSOFT. Available from the Host Engineering web site.

• ERM Workbench Tool
  The ERM Workbench Tool allows you to configure our ERM (Ethernet Remote I/O)modules. ERM Workbench has utilities to configure the ERM modules, verify module I/O mapping and upgrade the ERM OS image.

• MDM-TEL Configuration Wizard
  Version 2.08
  View End User License Agreement

• Modbus TCP master program
  For use in troubleshooting Modbus TCP connections to Modbus TCP slave devices.

• NetEdit Tool
  The NetEdit Tool allows you to configure our ethernet modules.

• NITRA Pneumatics Support Resources
  NITRA Pneumatics configuration software and help files

• Radio Modem Utilities
  These utilities are included on the CD that is received in the package with the Cirronet Products. For help in using these products, please go to the documentation section of our web site and download the user manuals.

  • CR-HN04/50x Serial Radio modems tools
    • HNWIZARD: This Configuration Wizard is located on the CR-HN04/50x software and documentation CD included in the CR-HN package
  • CR-SEAP-x Spread Spectrum Ethernet Access Point tools
    • IPHUNTER: The CR-SEAP CD has device detection and IP setting utility named IP Hunter. This utility will detect all Cirronet Ethernet devices on the local network, even those with no IP address.
    • SNAPCom:SNAPCom is a simple TCP/UDP utility program to help familiarize the user with the CR-SEAP and its operation. SNAPCom can be executed off the CD or copied onto a PC. There is no need to install the program. SNAPCom is not a configuration utility and assumes the CR-SEAP has previously been configured using IP Hunter, WinSNAP and/or a telnet session.
    • Winsnap: WinSNAP will automatically find the appropriate serial port and configure the serial port settings for you. The software will inform you of its progress and any problems that arise.
    • WinSEM: The WinSEM program can be used to set up the CR-SEB through the Console port.
  • CR-SEBx and CR-SEH Ethernet Radio Modems tools
    • IPHUNTER: The CR-SEAP CD has device detection and IP setting utility named IP Hunter. This utility will detect all Cirronet Ethernet devices on the local network, even those with no IP address.
    • WinSEM: The WinSEM program can be used to set up the CR-SEB through the Console port.

• Socomec Easy Config Utility for Diris meters
  This Configurator utility enables quick and easy remote device configuration for DIRIS A10 and A20 multifunction meters. Minimum requirements:

  • Windows XP Service pack 3, VISTA or Windows 7 / 8 / 10
  • 1.0 GHz, 512 MB
  • 500 MB on hard disk
  • Resolution screen: 1024x768
  • Framework .net version 3.5 SP1 or higher: Free download of the Microsoft site under www.microsoft.com/net

• SR55 IPConfig Tool
  The IPConfig Tool allows you to configure the IP addresses on SR55-CM-MODTCP and SR55-CM-ENETIP soft starter communication modules.

• Stratus A/C BTU/H Calculator
  A free utility to calculate required BTU/H for Stratus Enclosure Air Conditioners.

• T1K-MODBUS Setup Tool
  The T1K-MODBUS Setup Tool allows user configuration of extended timing parameters including Stop Bit(s), Parity, On Delay Time, Off Delay Time, and Communication Time-out that cannot be altered from the hardware dip switches. This software is Windows 95/98/NT/2K compatible and requires an RS-232 serial cable (our p/n D2-DSCBL is compatible) to be connected from a PC to the T1K-MODBUS auxiliary RJ11 serial port.

• Trumeter ADM Graphic Panel Meter Configurator Utility
  Configurator utility allows you to program custom configurations onto your ADM. Minimum requirements: A PC or laptop running Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10 operating system, 32- or 64-bit, Microsoft .NET Framework. (If you don’t have this, you can download it from www.microsoft.com/net).

• Ultrasonic Level Sensor WEBCAL software
  WEBCAL software is used for configuration and firmware updates of ultrasonic level sensors.

Configuration Files:

• D0-DEVNETS EDS File
  DeviceNet Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) for D0-DEVNETS is often required for proper configuration through a DeviceNet Master and its configuration software. This file is provided in 'zip' format. Save it to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file.

• F2-DEVNETS-1 EDS and Icon File
  DeviceNet Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) for F2-DEVNETS is often required for proper configuration through a DeviceNet Master and its configuration software. This file is provided in 'zip' format. Save it to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file. An icon (.ico) file is also included for your convenience.

• GS4-CM-ENETIP EDS File
  Ethernet/IP Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) for GS4-CM-ENETIP is often required for proper configuration through an Ethernet/IP Master and its configuration software.

• GS20A-CM-ENETIP EDS File
  Ethernet/IP Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) for GS20A-CM-ENETIP is often required for proper configuration through an Ethernet/IP Master and its configuration software.

• GS20(X) PID Configuration Tool
  A visualization and cross reference of the PID control parameters for GS20(X) drives.

• H0-PSCM GSD File
  Profibus GSD file for H0-PSCM is often required for proper configuration through a Profibus Master and its configuration software. This file is provided in 'zip' format. Save it to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file.

• H2-PBC GSD File
  Profibus GSD file for H2-PBC is often required for proper configuration through a Profibus Master and its configuration software. This file is provided in 'zip' format. Save it to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file.

• L5KPreDefine_Template
  L5KPreDefine_Template.txt is a template file that contains all of the predefined data types in RSLogix5000. This file is used in conjunction with the C-more Programming Software to import Allen Bradley RSLogix5000 predefined data types into the C-more Tag Name Database. Refer to Application Note 'C-more Importing AB Logix PreDefined Data Types' for instructions on using this file with the C-more Programming Software.

• Nitra Pneumatics EDS files
  Ethernet/IP and CMV Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) files are available. These files are provided in 'zip' format. Save to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file.

• SR55-CM-ENETIP EDS File
  Ethernet/IP Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) for SR55-CM-ENETIP is often required for proper configuration through an Ethernet/IP Master and its configuration software.

• T1H-PBC GSD File
  Profibus GSD file for T1H-PBC is often required for proper configuration through a Profibus Master and its configuration software. This file is provided in 'zip' format. Save it to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file.

• T1K-DEVNETS EDS File
  DeviceNet Electronic Data Sheet (EDS) for T1K-DEVNETS is often required for proper configuration through a DeviceNet Master and its configuration software. This file is provided in 'zip' format. Save it to your computer and use the unzip utility of your choice to extract the EDS file.