PASABAN MC-2006 03 CAN Bus PLC Communication Card

The PASABAN MC-2006 03 is an industrial communication card designed for PLC systems that require high‑speed, deterministic data exchange over a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. This module, also identified by the stock number 3971-A, enables the host PLC to act as a CAN master or slave, communicating with distributed I/O modules, servo drives, sensors, and other CAN‑enabled devices. The card is typically used in machinery control, automated production lines, and vehicle control systems where robust multi‑drop networking is essential.

Technical Specifications

Functional Description

The MC-2006 03 interfaces the PLC backplane bus to a CAN physical layer. It handles the complete CAN protocol including bit stuffing, error detection (CRC), and automatic retransmission. The card supports both standard (11‑bit) and extended (29‑bit) identifiers. It can be configured for master/slave operation, peer‑to‑peer communication, or CANopen protocol (depending on firmware). The card includes a built‑in CAN controller and transceiver, with software selectable baud rates. A programmable 128‑message FIFO ensures that no messages are lost under peak traffic conditions.

Configuration and Addressing

The card’s base address and interrupt level are set using DIP switches on the board. Configuration registers are accessed through the PLC’s I/O mapping, allowing the user to set the CAN bit timing, acceptance filters, and message handling modes. For CANopen compatibility, an additional EDS (Electronic Data Sheet) file is loaded into the PLC programming software. The card supports both cyclical (PDO) and acyclic (SDO) data exchange, as well as network management (NMT) functions.

Diagnostic Features

LED indicators on the card’s mounting bracket show power (green), CAN bus activity (yellow), and error status (red). The card also provides bus error counters (transmit and receive) that can be read by the PLC’s program. In the event of a bus‑off condition, the card can be programmed to either reset automatically or require a manual restart. Diagnostic registers store the last five error frames for troubleshooting.

Applications

The MC-2006 03 is used in distributed I/O systems where a central PLC communicates with remote nodes via CAN. Typical examples include automated guided vehicles (AGV), injection molding machines, printing presses, and conveyor controls. It also interfaces with CAN‑based drives (e.g., Lenze, Parker) and intelligent sensors (e.g., ifm, SICK).

Installation and Wiring

Insert the card into a free slot of the PLC backplane. Connect the CAN bus cable (shielded twisted pair, 120 Ω characteristic impedance) to the 9‑pin D‑SUB connector: pin 2 = CAN_L, pin 7 = CAN_H, pin 3 = GND, pin 6 = optional 24V power (if required). Terminate both ends of the bus with 120 Ω resistors. The card can provide switchable termination via an onboard jumper. For baud rates above 125 kbps, keep the stub length below 0.3 meters.

Compatibility

The MC-2006 03 is compatible with PLCs that support a standard 8‑ or 16‑bit parallel I/O bus (e.g., Siemens S7‑300, Modicon Quantum, or custom industrial PLCs). A software driver package is available for various platforms. The card is designed for industrial environments with vibration resistance up to 2g (10–150 Hz).

Conclusion

The PASABAN MC-2006 03 CAN bus card provides a robust, efficient way to integrate CAN networks into PLC‑based control systems, enabling high‑speed deterministic communication for distributed automation.