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Overview

Introduction

This document describes the installation, usage, and functionality of the Allen-Bradley Remote I/O (RIO) Scanner software for SoftPLC. (Historically the A-B RIO network has sometimes been called the blue hose.) This software is a TOPDOC Loadable Module (TLM) that extends a SoftPLC runtime engine, enabling it to be a master/scanner on one or more RIO networks. This RIO TLM implements the master or scanner role within the Allen-Bradley Remote I/O protocol.

This functionality is only available on Smart SoftPLC's equipped with the Smart A-B RIO Adapter Interface hardware (Cat. No. SM-ABRIOA). The SM-ABRIOA is a factory installed option.

Concepts

The SoftPLC runtime engine software supports TLM's, which are shared library extensions to SoftPLC. A TLM may be loaded either as a DRIVER or as a MODULE. The difference between a DRIVER and a MODULE is that a DRIVER is called once per SoftPLC scan, and optionally an additional number of times per scan. A MODULE is only called when the control program decides to call it and not as an inherent part of the scan. TLM's are made known to SoftPLC in the MODULES.LST file which may be edited by TOPDOC NexGen by traversing to: PLC | Modules.

This RIO TLM is a DRIVER and has a number of TOPDOC Loadable Instructions contained within it. These are Ladder Logic instructions that can be used to control or query the operation of the TLM.

Features

  • Supports racks numbered from 0 to 076 (octal).
  • Can scan up to 5 RIO networks concurrently.
  • Supoprts a 120 ohm termination resistor, software selectable.
  • Supports baud rates of 57600 (56.7Kbaud), 115200 (115.2Kbaud), and 230400 (230.4Kbaud).
  • Block transfer is fully supported.

Required Hardware/Software

Hardware

  • Smart SoftPLC or Smart Gateway (SMS11 series).
  • SM-ABRIOA Smart A-B RIO Adapter Interface hardware (one per network).
  • SM-COM6CBL Smart COM6 Port Cable to Din-Rail Terminal Block Assembly (one per network).
    Includes RJ11 interconnect cable and din-rail terminal block (one per network).
  • Belden #9463 Blue Hose connection cable(s) [customer supplied] (one per network).
Note
Only the version 2.0 (or later) Smart boards can support more than one A-B RIO interface.

Software

  • Gatecraft Linux 2011A or above
  • SoftPLC version 4.6 runtime or above
  • TOPDOC NexGen 1.6 or above