Allen Bradley 1203-CN1 ControlNet Communication Module

Allen Bradley 1203-CN1 ControlNet Communication Module

Product Overview and Core Positioning

Product Function: As a bridge between the ControlNet network and SCAnport products, the module can convert ControlNet messages into signals recognizable by SCAnport products, supporting the transmission of scheduled I/O data (such as logical instructions, analog reference values) and non scheduled messages (such as parameter read/write, fault query). The ControlNet network speed reaches 5Mbps, ensuring real-time and deterministic performance.

Adaptation scenarios: Compatible with various Allen Bradley SCANPort products, including 1305 AC micro drives, 1336 series inverters (IMPACT/PLUS/FORCE), 1394 multi axis motion control systems, SMC Dialog Plus controllers, etc. Different products support 1-6 peripheral connections, with an I/O word length range of 0-10 words (depending on the product model).

Hardware composition: The core hardware interfaces and components of the module are shown in the table below:

|Component Name | Function Description|

|DIN rail mounting seat | Fixed module and electrically grounded, compatible with 35 × 7.5mm DIN rails (models 199-DR1, etc.)|

|ControlNet coaxial interface (A/B channels) | Connect ControlNet cable taps, supporting redundant/non redundant network configurations|

|Two color LED indicator lights | 4 status lights (ControlNet A/B channels SCANport、 The module itself is used for fault diagnosis|

|SCANPort interface | 8-pin circular mini DIN connector, connected to SCANPort products through a dedicated SCANPort cable|

|ControlNet Node Address Indicator | Press the key to set the node address (0-99), which needs to be powered off and restarted to take effect, ensuring that the address is unique within the network|

|24V DC power interface | Supports multi module Daisy chain power supply, reduces wiring complexity|

|Network Access Port (RJ-45) | To connect ControlNet network devices, a 1786-CP cable and a 1784-KTCX communication card are required|

|RS-232 serial port | Used for parameter configuration and firmware upgrade, requires 1203-SFC serial port cable and terminal simulation software/VT100 terminal|

Installation and electrostatic protection

1. Installation preparation

Tools and equipment: Grounding wristband (included with module), 1/8 inch flathead screwdriver, blunt tool (set node address), ohmmeter, SCANPort cable (such as 1202-C03/C10, up to 10m), ControlNet tap (such as 1786-TPS/TPR, redundant configuration requires 2).

Static protection: The module contains ESD sensitive components, and a grounding wristband must be worn during operation. Refer to Allen Bradley document 8000-4.5.2 "Guidelines for Preventing Static Damage".

2. Installation steps

Set node address: Use a blunt tool to press the "+/-" keys to set a unique address (0-99). It needs to be powered off and restarted to take effect. Avoid using pencils/pens to prevent damage to the switch.

Rail installation: Insert the top hook of the module into the DIN rail, rotate and fasten it, and use an ohmmeter to check the rail grounding (the resistance between the metal shell of the RS-232 port of the module and the rail grounding is ≤ 2 Ω).

Cable connection: Insert the SCANPort cable alignment interface (hear a snap sound); Screw the ControlNet tap into the corresponding A/B channel; 24V DC power supply connection (supports multi module cascade power supply).

Installation verification: After power on, the SCANPort and ControlNet LEDs remain constantly green, and the module LED flashes green (when network configuration is not completed). If the LED status is abnormal, the wiring needs to be checked.

3. Module removal

After power failure, disconnect all cables (SCANPort cables need to be pressed and pulled out), pry the release buckle with a screwdriver, remove the module, and maintain grounding protection throughout the process.

Basic configuration and operation

1. Serial port connection and parameter configuration

(1) Connection preparation

Hardware: 1203-SFC serial port cable (connecting module RS-232 port to PC/terminal).

Software: PC needs to install terminal simulation software (such as Windows HyperTerminal) or use VT100 compatible terminals.

(2) Serial port configuration steps

Software settings: default baud rate of 9600 (parameter 21 can be modified, supports 2400/4800/19.2K/38.4K), data bit 8, no checksum, stop bit 1, no flow control; Simulate to select VT100 mode.

Access main menu: Press Enter to enter the module main menu, supporting 7 functions:

1: Display/edit parameters; 2: Specify parameter number for query; 3: Display event queue; 4: Display current I/O data; 5: Display DF1 protocol statistics; 6: View serial number; 7: Firmware upgrade.

(3) Key parameter configuration

The default parameters of the module support 16 bit logic instructions/status and 16 bit reference/feedback values. When the SCANPort product triggers a fault in PLC programming mode or network failure, the following parameters can be used to adjust the function:

Parameter Number Name Function Description Default Value

4 CMD/Stat enable/disable logical instructions from ControlNet to SCAnport/simulate reference data transfer 1 (enable)

5-8 DataLnk A-D Config Enable/Disable corresponding data link (each channel occupies 2 inputs+2 output words) 0 (disabled)

9-10 Idle/Comm Flt Action PLC programming mode/action in case of network failure (0=fault, 1=zero data, 2=hold last value, 3=fault configuration value) 0 (fault)

11-20 Fault Cfg Logic/Ref/A1-D2 In: The preset values (logic instructions, reference values, data link values) outputted during a fault are 0

21 Serial Port Rate (0=2400, 1=4800, 2=9600, 3=19.2K, 4=38.4K) 2 (9600)

22 Reset Adapter Reset Module (1=Reset, 2=Reset after restoring default parameters) 0 (Ready)

2. Firmware Upgrade (Flash Upgrade)

Prepare the upgrade file (such as cn1-0_61.bin), connect via serial port to enter the main menu, and select "7>Update Flash Program".

Confirm that the SCANPort product is in a safe state (the product will malfunction and shut down during the upgrade), and press Y to start the upgrade.

Select "Send File" from the "Transfer" menu in the terminal software, choose Xmodem for the protocol, and select "Upgrade File Send". The entire process cannot be interrupted, and the module will automatically restart after completion.

ControlNet Network Configuration

1. Configuration tools and prerequisites

Software: RSNetWorx for ControlNet (32-bit Windows application), RSLinx (communication interface).

Hardware: The PC needs to be connected to the ControlNet network through a 1784-KTCX/1784-PCC card or 1770-KFC adapter.

2. Network configuration steps

Enter online mode: Start RSNetWorx, click "Online", automatically scan the network through RSLinx, and select the target ControlNet network.

Module Mapping:

Click on 'Edits Enabled', right-click on the controller (such as PLC-5) and select 'ControlNet Configuration'.

Select the node (module node address) corresponding to the SCANPort product, insert "Device Connection", and configure the unique N-file address for diagnostic/status/data input/output files.

Set input/output size (control I/O enable+2 words, each data link+2 words, range 2-10 words), RPI (request packet interval) ≥ network update time (NUT).

Save and Verify: Save the configuration file and download it to the controller. Set NUT ≥ 5ms, Max Scheduled Address ≥ highest I/O node address, and Max Unscheduled Address ≥ highest network node address in the network properties.

Configuration confirmation: The SCANPort product icon in RSNetWorx displays a gray flag, and the ControlNet LED of the controller and module is constantly green, indicating normal communication.

PLC programming and message communication

1. Ladder diagram programming (RSLogix5)

Implement I/O interaction between the controller and SCANPort product through N-file mapping. Example functions include start stop control, fault clearing, and frequency reference value transmission. Please note:

Logical instruction bit definition: For example, in the 1336 PLUS driver, bit 0=stop, bit 1=start, bit 2=jog, and bit 3=fault clearing. Please refer to the SCANPort product manual for details.

Data scaling: For example, the frequency reference value 0-32767 of the 1305 driver corresponds to 0-maximum frequency, which needs to be transmitted through MOV instructions in the program (such as N7:0 → N13:1).

2. Message communication (PCCC and analog block transmission)

(1) PCCC message

Support PLC-5 Typed Read/Write and encapsulate protocol messages, examples include:

Read 10 SCANPort product parameters (starting parameter 1): target address N10:1, PLC data storage N20:0, Size=10.

Read the complete information of a single parameter (such as parameter 1): target address N30:1, size=20 (including parameter name, unit, maximum value, etc.).

(2) Simulated Block Transfer

Supports 11 types of commands such as parameter read/write, fault queue query, NVS storage operation, etc., which need to be implemented through 2 MSG instructions (write request first, then read response). Examples include:

Parameter value reading: Request instruction length of 3 words (message length 3, decimal 769, parameter number), respond with parameter value or error code.

Fault queue reading: Request to specify queue number, respond with fault text (displayed in reverse ASCII), fault code, and timestamp (supported by 1336 FORCE).

Troubleshooting and LED diagnosis

1. Interpretation of LED status

The colors and flashing patterns of the four LEDs in the module correspond to different states. The core troubleshooting is as follows:

Solution for LED type status reasons

Check the cable/tap for faults in the red link interface of both ControlNet A/B. Power off and restart, if ineffective, contact after-sales service

SCANPort flashing red SCANPort communication error/data link does not support reconnecting cables, verify module compatibility with product configuration

Module flashing red (3 times) Non volatile storage CRC error check parameters, modify and save at least 1 parameter, then restart

Module flashing green configured I/O but no ControlNet connection confirmed controller network configuration, remap module

2. Event queue and DF1 statistics

Event queue: Select "3>Display event queue" from the main menu to view fault/warning information (graded by severity: I=information, W=warning, S=serious, F=fatal), which can be cleared through "Clr Event Queue".

DF1 statistics: View the number of sent/received packets, undelivered messages, NAK errors, etc., and reset the statistics through "Clear DF1 Counts".

Core specifications

Project parameters

Power supply 24V DC (-20%~+30%), maximum current 250mA

Working environment temperature 0~60 ° C, humidity 5%~95%, no condensation, vibration 2.5g (5Hz~2KHz), impact 30g (working)/50g (non working)

Protection level UL 508/CUL, 6KV contact discharge/8KV air discharge, metal shell required to achieve EMC Class A compliance