Omron NA Series HMI Connection Guide

When mapping, drag the device variables onto the global variables of the HMI to use them directly on the screen. Please note that if the controller is set to secure communication, the project file must be runtime 1.16 or higher.

Connecting CS/CJ/CP series PLCs: Detailed explanation of three mainstream protocols

The traditional CS/CJ/CP series PLC (hereinafter referred to as CJ series) provides multiple communication methods, and the NA series HMI supports the following three types:

3.1 Ethernet FINS Communication

FINS (Factory Interface Network Service) is a proprietary network protocol of OMRON that enables cross segment data exchange over Ethernet.

PLC end settings:

Use CX Programmer software to configure Ethernet units (such as CJ1W-ETN21 or built-in ports) in the "Unit Settings". IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway need to be set.

In the "FINS/UDP" tab, the UDP port number remains at default 9600, the IP address translation method is selected as "Auto Generate (Dynamic)" or "Auto Generate (Static)", and "Dynamically Change Remote IP" is disabled.

For EtherNet/IP units such as CS1W-EIP21S/CJ1W-EIP21S, FINS is disabled by default at the factory and must be manually enabled (refer to the corresponding operating manual).

The node address is set through the rotary switch in front of the unit, with a range of 01~7E (1~126 decimal), and cannot be duplicated within the same network.

HMI terminal settings:

In the HMI settings of Sysmac Studio, configure the IP address of Ethernet port 1 and click the "FINS Settings" button, enter the network address (usually 0) and routing table (if necessary).

Add external device in 'Device Reference': supplier Omron, series CJ, communication driver 'FINS Ethernet'. Then fill in the network address, node address (consistent with the FINS node number of the PLC), frame length (CP series set to 1016 or below), timeout time, etc.

The node address will be automatically generated from the last bit of the IP address, but it can also be manually specified.

Variable import: You can copy global variables through CX Programmer or import CXT files/Excel files. The accessible address range includes CIO area, HR area, AR area, DM area, EM area (supported by CJ2), timer/counter PV and completion flag, etc.

3.2 EtherNet/IP Communication (Label Data Link)

Models in the CJ series with built-in EtherNet/IP ports or CJ1W-EIP21 units support label based CIP message communication. The NA series HMI can directly use network variables (labels) in the PLC without worrying about physical addresses.

PLC end settings:

Register global variables as network variables in CX Programmer. The "Network Variables" and "Open Only" checkboxes must be selected, and either the input or output direction must be chosen.

Configure the IP address, subnet mask, etc. of the EtherNet/IP port.

HMI terminal settings:

Add external device in device reference: Select "CIP Ethernet" for communication driver.

In communication configuration, you can enter an IP address or specify the destination through a routing path (such as 1, 192.168.1.10).

When importing variables, click the "Import" button to read all network variables from the PLC. The correspondence between data types is basically the same as that of the NJ series.

Note: The NA series does not support address based CIP communication and can only use tag names.

3.3 Serial Host Link Communication

For old PLCs without Ethernet interfaces, serial port connection is the most reliable choice. The NA series HMI provides an RS-232C port that can be directly connected to the RS-232C port of a PLC; If long-distance or multi-point connection is required, it can be converted to RS-422A through the CJ1W-CIF11 conversion unit.

PLC end settings (CX Programmer):

In the "Serial Port" tab of "PLC Settings", select the communication mode as "Host Link".

Communication speed: Consistent with HMI (such as 9600, 19200, etc.).

Parameters: Data bit 7, stop bit 2, even parity check (i.e. "7,2, E").

HMI terminal settings:

In the HMI settings of Sysmac Studio, click on "Serial Port Settings", select "Connect to External Devices" as the application, and fill in the same baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and checksum as the PLC.

Add external device in device reference: Select 'Host Link' for communication driver.

The variable import method is similar to Ethernet FINS, but please note that the serial communication speed is slow and avoid mapping large arrays or structures. If necessary, it is recommended to split the large array into multiple small variables or only map the addresses actually used.

Cable production: It is recommended to use finished wires such as XW2Z-200T or solder D-SUB 9-pin plugs for RS-232C cables. When connecting RS-422A, the DIP switches of CJ1W-CIF11 need to be set to Pin1=ON (terminal resistance), Pin2=OFF, Pin3=OFF, Pin6=ON (RTS control). The shielding layer should be grounded at one end, usually on the side of the conversion unit.

Connecting NX series safety controllers: balancing safety and monitoring