Programming instructions

USB Option Board – FX3U-USB-BD

With recent updates to personal computers, a computer with a

serial port is becoming rarer. This option board will add a

standard USB port to the front of the PLC, and will allow the PC

to connect to the PLC via a USB port. No USB to serial

adapter is required, and the required drivers for the PC and a

cable come with the board.

2.9 Network Modules and Option Boards

One of the assets of the FX-series PLC line is the networking capability that can

be added. This allows the PLC to control a far larger system, or to be controlled

as part of a far larger system, than could be controlled by the main and extension

racks alone. Networks and network modules that are available:

RS-485 Option Board & ADP Module

The FX3U-485-BD adapter board connects to a

special port that is on the left side of the PLC. This

card provides several networking options. The

most powerful of these is the N:N (also known as

peer-to-peer) network. This is a multi-drop station

network that allows the connection of up to 8

stations on one network. This module is also useful

for the built-in Parallel Link mode, where data is

automatically shared between 2 PLCs.

The FX3U-485ADP module allows the same functionality, but with a

stronger signal rated for longer distances.

For the FX1S, FX1N, FX2N, and FX2NC, the adapter module for an RS485

connection is FX2NC-485ADP, and it will require the use of an FX*N-CNV-BD

converter board to connect to the PLC (except for FX2NC, connector is built in).

AS-I Master Module – FX2N-32ASI-M

AS-I is a low-cost electromechanical connection system designed to operate

over a two-wire cable carrying data and power over a distance of up to 100m, or

more if repeaters are used. It is especially suitable for lower levels of plant

automation where simple - often binary - field devices such as switches need to

interoperate in a stand-alone local area automation network controlled by PLC or

PC. AS-Interface is best seen as a digital replacement for traditional cable tree

architectures.

This module allows the FX2N, FX2NC, or FX3U to use the AS-I (often

pronounced as “azzi”) network to control and monitor up to 31 field devices.

For more information on AS-I see www.as-interface.com