OMRON SSS Software C-series PLC Operating Instructions

Block annotation: Used to add explanatory text between two instruction blocks, with a length of up to 60 characters.

Program storage: In ladder diagram mode, instruction blocks written or modified must be written to the system workspace through "store" or "insert store" operations. This is a crucial step in preventing modifications from being lost.

2.3 Mnemonic Programming Mode

For users who are accustomed to text programming or need to handle more complex logic, mnemonic patterns are a powerful complement to ladder diagrams. In mnemonic mode, the program is constructed by inputting mnemonic instructions and operands, and the program is written in real-time into the system workspace without the need for manual "storage" operations. This makes the editing efficiency of mnemonic mode very high.

2.4 Data Management: DM and I/O Tables

In addition to program logic, PLC projects also involve a large amount of data configuration.

Data Area (DM): DM (Data Storage) is a critical area for storing set values and calculation results. The DM menu of SSS provides functions for editing, copying, filling, and printing DM content. Users can view and modify DM data in hexadecimal or ASCII format. For advanced models such as C200HS, a portion of UM (User Memory) can also be allocated as an extended DM area.

I/O table: The I/O table is a list for PLC to identify its hardware configuration (such as input/output units, special units, remote I/O slave stations). The offline I/O table function allows engineers to pre configure system architecture without actual hardware. Through the I/O table menu, users can write, check, save, and print I/O tables, which provides great convenience for early project planning.

Part 3: Online Operation - System Debugging and Monitoring

3.1 Connection and Online Switching

After establishing a physical connection (via peripheral bus, Host Link, or SYSMAC NET), press Ctrl+O in SSS to enter online mode. The prerequisite for online operation is that the PC model and interface in the system settings must match the actual connection.

3.2 Monitoring and Debugging Functions

The core value of online mode lies in the monitoring and intervention of PLC during operation.

Status monitoring: The most basic online operation is to monitor the operational status of the ladder diagram. When online, the contacts on the ladder diagram will be highlighted (or changed) according to their actual on-off status, allowing engineers to visually see the execution results of the program. You can browse the entire program through the PageUp/PageDown keys.

Data monitoring: SSS provides a dedicated data monitoring area that can simultaneously monitor the status of up to 20 bits or words. Data can be displayed in hexadecimal, signed/unsigned decimal, binary, or ASCII format, greatly simplifying the data analysis process.

Forced operation: In order to simulate specific operating conditions or test program logic, SSS supports forced setting or resetting of bits in memory. The manual emphasizes the risk of this function and requires confirmation that it will not pose a danger to the controlled system before operation.

Differential monitoring: For models such as CQM1 and C200HS, SSS supports differential monitoring, which can accurately capture the instantaneous changes of a specific location from OFF to ON (rising edge) or ON to OFF (falling edge), and highlight them on the screen with a beep prompt, making it very suitable for capturing transient faults.

AI Search: This is a very intelligent debugging tool. When an output does not perform as expected, the AI search function can automatically analyze the program and move the cursor to the execution condition that is most likely to prevent the output from conducting, significantly improving the efficiency of troubleshooting.

3.3 Online Editing

Online editing is a highly valuable feature of SSS, allowing for minor modifications to the program without stopping the PLC operation. This is crucial for a production line that is currently in operation. Online editing supports modifying individual instruction blocks in MONITOR mode, and the modified program will be written to both the PC and computer workspaces simultaneously. But the manual also warns that online editing may prolong the scanning cycle and requires evaluation before modification.

Part Four: Advanced Features and Network Communication

4.1 Program and Data Processing

Global address change: When hardware configuration changes, it may be necessary to modify a large number of addresses in the program. The "Change Address" function of SSS can efficiently complete this task, supporting batch replacement of bit addresses, word addresses, and timer/counter numbers, and the option to modify corresponding I/O comments simultaneously.

EPROM processing: For situations where program solidification is required, SSS supports reading, writing, and verifying EPROM through PROM Writer. This function can convert programs in the system workspace into machine language and write them into the EPROM chip.

Program conversion: SSS supports program conversion between different platforms, such as converting C500 series programs to formats available in C2000H series.