Connect to a PLC (Tutorial)

Select Your PLC Protocol

Navigate to Devices → Protocols and choose protocol:

Configure Channel

Create Device Channel for ControlLogix:

• Name: CLX_Channel
• Protocol: AB ControlLogix
• Connection: Ethernet/IP
• Timeout: 5000ms
• Max Connections: 16

Add Device Node

1. Go to Devices → Nodes
2. Create node:
   • Name: MainPLC
   • Channel: CLX_Channel
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.100
   • Slot: 0 (CPU slot)
   • Connection Path: Leave blank for local

Create Device Points

For manual configuration:

Controller Tag:

• Name: Line_Speed
• Node: MainPLC
• Address: Line_Speed (tag name in PLC)
• Data Type: REAL/Float
• Scan Rate: 1000ms

Array Element:

• Name: Alarm_Active_01
• Address: Alarms[0]
• Data Type: BOOL

UDT Member:

• Name: Motor1_Running
• Address: Motor1.Running
• Data Type: BOOL

Import Tags from PLC

Method 1 - Online Import:

1. Right-click node → Import Tags Online
2. Connect to PLC
3. Select tags to import
4. Map to FrameworX namespace

Method 2 - Offline Import (L5X file):

1. Export from RSLogix/Studio 5000
2. In FrameworX: Tools → Import → ControlLogix L5X
3. Browse to file
4. Select tags and data types

Optimize Communication

1. Create Scan Groups:
   • Fast: 100ms (critical values)
   • Normal: 1000ms (standard)
   • Slow: 10000ms (slower process variables)
2. Assign Points to Groups:
   • Alarms → Fast
   • Process values → Normal
   • Configurations → Slow

Test Connection

1. Start Runtime
2. Check Devices → Monitor
3. Verify:
   • Connection status green
   • Values updating
   • Scan time acceptable

Troubleshooting

PLC Specific Notes

Siemens S7:

• Requires DB number and offset
• Example: DB100.DBD10 (Double at offset 10)

Modbus:

• Use register addresses
• 40001 = Holding registers
• 30001 = Input registers

OPC UA:

• Browse available nodes
• Use NodeId for address

Next Steps

• CONNECT (Reference) - Explore list of connectors
• [Define Alarms] - Add alarms to PLC values
• [Operator UI Design] - Display PLC status

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