In industrial automation, communication between PLCs
(Programmable Logic Controllers) is essential for efficient system control and
data exchange. Mitsubishi PLCs provide a straightforward method for connecting
and sharing data across devices using a feature known as "Simple PLC
Communication." In this blog post, we will guide you through the process
of setting up and configuring Simple PLC Communication in Mitsubishi PLC
using GX Works 3, focusing on easy-to-follow steps that will allow you
to enable communication between PLCs quickly.
Step 1: Open GX Works 3 and Create a New Project
The first step is to open GX Works 3, Mitsubishi
Electric's powerful programming and configuration software for their PLCs. Once
the software is open, create a new project. You will be prompted to select the PLC
type for your project, so make sure you choose the correct model based on
your setup. After selecting the PLC type, click OK to proceed. This will
set the groundwork for your project and ensure that the software is configured
to work with the correct hardware.
Step 2: Navigate to Module Parameters and Ethernet Port
Settings
After creating your project, the next step is to configure the communication settings for your system. In the GX Works 3 interface, navigate to the Module Parameters section. From there, find and select Ethernet Port Settings. This is where you configure the communication port of your Mitsubishi PLC, which will be responsible for handling data transfer between devices via Ethernet. The settings here will enable the PLC to communicate over a network using the Ethernet protocol.
Step 3: Select Simple PLC Communication under Application
Settings
With the Ethernet settings configured, the next step is to
activate the Simple PLC Communication feature. Under the Application
Settings section, look for the option labeled Simple PLC Communication.
This feature enables the PLC to easily communicate with other PLCs or devices
over the network without the need for complex setup procedures. By selecting
this option, you will simplify the communication setup, making it easier to
exchange data between multiple Mitsubishi PLCs or between a PLC and a connected
device.
Step 4: Enable Simple PLC Communication and Access
Detailed Settings
Once you’ve selected the Simple PLC Communication
option, a setting will appear asking whether to enable or disable this feature.
Set the option to “Use” to activate the communication feature and allow
data exchange between devices. To fine-tune the communication parameters, click
the Detailed Setting button. This will open a new window with advanced
options, allowing you to customize the communication settings further based on
your needs.
Step 5: Configure Source and Destination Parameters
In the Detailed Settings window, you will be asked to
configure the key parameters for your communication setup, including the source
and destination of the data. Specifically, you will need to define the IP
addresses of the PLCs or devices involved, the device type (whether
it’s another PLC or another device), and the data sharing words (which
represent the data that will be exchanged between devices). By specifying these
parameters, you establish the communication channels and determine how data
will be transmitted between the source and destination devices.
Step 6: Apply the Settings and Transfer the Program to
the PLC
Once you have completed the configuration, apply the
settings to the project. The changes will be saved, and you are now ready to
transfer the PLC program to the actual PLC hardware. This process is essential
for making the communication settings active and operational. After the program
is transferred to the PLC, it will be able to communicate with other connected
devices according to the settings you’ve specified.
Step 7: Verify Data Transfer Using Device Monitoring
To verify that the communication is functioning correctly,
you can use the Device Monitoring feature in GX Works 3. This allows you
to monitor the source and destination data being transferred between devices.
By checking the shared device data, you can ensure that the communication setup
is working as expected. This step is crucial for troubleshooting and confirming
that the data exchange is occurring smoothly without any issues.
Setting up Simple PLC Communication with Mitsubishi
PLCs using GX Works 3 is a straightforward process that can
significantly enhance your industrial automation systems. By following these
easy steps, you can quickly establish communication between devices, allowing
for efficient data exchange and system coordination. Whether you're working
with multiple PLCs or integrating other devices into your control network,
Mitsubishi’s Simple PLC Communication feature simplifies the setup and ensures
reliable communication across your system.
By leveraging Mitsubishi PLC Simple PLC Communication, you can streamline your automation processes, reduce configuration complexity, and achieve more effective control and monitoring of your industrial systems.
The FX5U series PLCs are renowned for their advanced control capabilities and user-friendly interfaces, and the Simple PLC Communication feature further enhances their versatility. With this feature, engineers and operators can seamlessly connect multiple FX5U PLCs, enabling efficient data sharing, synchronization, and coordination between machines and processes.
By utilizing Simple PLC Communication, users can easily set up communication parameters such as IP addresses, device types, and data sharing configurations. This allows for streamlined data exchange between different PLCs without requiring extensive programming expertise. The feature significantly reduces the complexity typically associated with PLC-to-PLC communication, making it an ideal choice for applications where efficient and straightforward data exchange is crucial.
Furthermore, the Simple PLC Communication feature supports both local and remote communication setups, enhancing the flexibility of industrial control systems. Engineers can efficiently configure these communication settings and monitor data traffic through user-friendly interfaces provided by Mitsubishi's programming software.