Tag: CPU

Understanding PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers): A Comprehensive Guide

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

In today’s highly automated world, machines and industrial processes are controlled by sophisticated electronic devices that ensure efficiency, precision, and safety. One of the key players in this realm is the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). PLCs are the unsung heroes behind the automation of countless industries, from manufacturing and agriculture to energy production and beyond. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the world of PLCs to understand how they work, their applications, components, programming, and their significance in modern industrial automation.

Chapter 1: The Basics of PLCs

1.1 What is a PLC?

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is a specialized computer designed to control and automate industrial processes and machinery. Unlike general-purpose computers, PLCs are tailored for reliability, ruggedness, and real-time control. They are commonly used in manufacturing plants, chemical processing, power generation, and various other industries.

1.2 Why Use PLCs?

PLCs offer several advantages over traditional relay-based control systems:

  • Flexibility: PLCs are highly adaptable and can be reprogrammed to handle different tasks without the need for hardware changes.
  • Reliability: PLCs are known for their robustness, with long lifespans and resistance to environmental factors.
  • Real-time Control: They provide precise control over processes with minimal delay.
  • Diagnostics: PLCs offer extensive diagnostic capabilities, making troubleshooting and maintenance easier.
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140CPU43412A Error Codes and Hot Standby

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

Our previous blog post on the 140CPU43412A describes the 140CPU43412A Configuration and Setup. 

140CPU43412A Hot Standby

You cannot create a Quantum Hot Standby configuration running one 140CPU53414A PLC with Unity firmware and one with NxT firmware. When using an NxT configuration in hot standby, both PLCs must have NxT firmware. When using a Unity Quantum hot standby configuration, only specific hot standby controllers can be used. The 140CPU43412A and 140CPU53414A PLCs are not supported in Unity Hot Standby configurations.

140CPU43412A Error Codes

The following are the error codes for the 140CPU43412A:

140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes

140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes

140CPU43412A Error Codes
140CPU43412A Error Codes

For ordering info or for a 140CPU43412A price quote you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A Firmware Part II

Joe Kaminski 1 Comment

Phase 1 of firmware restoration is described in our previous blog post on the 140CPU43412A firmware.

140CPU43412A Firmware Part II

Restoring a 140CPU43412U (Unity) to 140CPU43412A (Concept):

Phase 2

During the download:

• Do not power OFF the PLC

• Do not power OFF the PC

• Do not disconnect the cable

• Do not shut down OS loader

Any loss of communication during the update procedure can cause severe damage to the CPU or NOE module. Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury or equipment damage.

Reset the PLC

Once the download of the intermediate binary file has completed, the PLC has to be initialized. This task can be performed by one of the two following actions:  Reset the PLC by pushing on the Restart button located on the CPU (for more information, refer to the PLC technical documentation).  Power OFF then ON the PLC. Once the PLC has restarted, go to Phase 3: download the final Concept OS.

Phase 3

Presentation

The final binary file “q5rv135E.bin ” (140CPU34312 in our example) has to be downloaded. For that, follow the same procedure as the one described in the Phase 1.

Checking Version (optional)

If needed, you can check the new CPU version. For that  Open the OS loader tool.  Select the communication protocol.  Click on “Connect.” Then Click on “Properties.”

For ordering info or for a 140CPU43412A price quote you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A
140CPU43412A FIrmware

140CPU43412A Firmware Part I

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

Click now to view our blog on the 140CPU43412A Configuration and Setup. 

140CPU43412A Firmware

The q5rv144e.bin file supports both Concept (IEC & 984) and ProWORX PLCs.

In order to restore a 140CPU43412U (Unity) to a 140CPU43412A (Concept), three main phases are required.

Phase 1 – Restore the PLC to Concept with an intermediate OS. 

Phase 2 – Power OFF then ON the PLC. 

Phase 3 – Restore the Operating System with the appropriate file.

These phases are mandatory and cannot be by-passed.

Phase 1: 

Launching the OS Loader

The OS loader (provided with Unity) allows the user to download the Operating System to the PLC. To open it click on Start/Program/SchneiderElectric/Unity-PRO/OS loader.

Select the Communication Protocol

From the main screen of the OS loader, click on the “Next” button. To download the Operating System into the PLC, select the right communication protocol (in accordance with established physical link) and click on the “Next” button.

Select the Target Device

On the Device Type field, select Processor and the other needed parameters (Modbus address….). Then connect to the selected PLC (Node).

Select the Download Function 

From the screen described above press the “Next” button. A new screen is proposed: select “Download OS to device”.

Select the File to be Downloaded

Click on the “Browse…” button in order to select the file to download into the PLC. In this example we will restore the OS from 140CPU43412U to 140CPU43412A firmware. For that select the following folders: Quantum\Processor_modules\Unity_to_Concept. To restore the OS from Unity to Concept, two binary files can be selected:  Unity_to_Concept_43412A.bin (allows to “format” the processor to Concept)  q5rv135E.bin is the OS that will finally be downloaded in the processor. In our example we have to “format” the processor (remember, we still are in the Phase 1) then select and Validate “Unity_to_Concept_43412A.bin”. Once done click on the “Next” button.

Download the Intermediate OS

Once the previous screen is validated a warning is displayed: Click the “Okay” button. Two screens that give information regarding the file, the processor and the download are now displayed. Note: If the system detects a discrepancy on the hardware or on the OS version, the download will not be possible. This is indicated by a red cross and the “Next” button becomes unavailable. Solve this issue and continue. When the hardware – OS are compatible, click on the “Download” button to launch the download of the intermediate OS file.

Click Now for 140CPU43412A Firmware  Restoration Phases 2 & 3. 

For ordering info or for a 140CPU43412A price quote you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A
140CPU43412A Firmware

140CPU43412A Configuration and Setup

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

You can check out our previous blog post on the 140CPU43412A manual and configuration here for additional setup info.

Front Panel Topology
There are two switches (a three-position slide switch and a three-position key switch) located on the front of the 140CPU43412A configuration. The module has a single slide switch that is used to select the comm parameter settings for the Modbus (RS-232) ports.
Rear Panel Topology

The address switch, which is comprised of two rotary switches, is located on the rear panel of the Quantum CPUs. The address switch is used for setting Modbus Plus node and Modbus port addresses. SW1 (the top switch) sets the upper digit (tens) of the address, SW2 (the bottom switch) sets the lower digit (ones) of the address. The illustration below shows the correct setting for an example address of 11.

Option Module Interface Support

The 140CPU43412A firmware supports up to six network modules (i.e., Modbus Plus, Ethernet, and Multi-Axis Motion option modules) using the option module interface technique. However, only two Modbus Plus modules can have full functionality, including Quantum DIO support.

For ordering info or for the 140CPU43412A price you can call 1-800-691-8511 or email sales@mroelectric.com.

140CPU43412A
140CPU43412A

140CPU53414B: Manual Overview and Price of Replacement

Joe Kaminski Leave a comment

The Modicon Quantum 140CPU53414B is a Schneider Electric CPU module which is supported by Concept and ProWORX software. The CPU can also be used with Unity by upgrading the exec file. This CPU is currently at the forefront of the Quantum series and one of the more popular CPUs for many PLC systems.

On the front of the 140CPU53414B there are two switches, a three-position slide switch and a three-position key switch. The slide switch is used to select the comm parameter settings for the Modbus RS-232 ports. Setting the slide switch to the top position assigns ASCII functionality to the port.

We will be continuing a series with more info on the 140CPU53414B along with troubleshooting info the the CPU, as anyone who has had their CPU go down knows the price of their line being out of commission. For more technical data you can check out the PDFs on our site that include the manual for the Quantum series.

We have the product page for this CPU here. To get pricing and order info you can email sales@mroelectric.com or call 1-800-691-8511.

140CPU53414B
140CPU53414B