SCHNEIDER Modicon Premium Automation Platform and Unity Software

SCHNEIDER Modicon Premium Automation Platform and Unity Software

Platform architecture and processor selection

The core of the Modicon Premium platform is its high-performance processor series, all of which are programmed and configured using Unity Pro software. The platform supports multiple processor models ranging from TSX 570p to TSX 575p, divided according to processing capacity, I/O capacity, communication interface, and storage space, forming a complete product line covering application requirements of different scales and complexities.

Overview of Processor Series:

TSX 570p series: entry-level processor suitable for small control tasks. Like TSX P57 0244M, it integrates CANopen bus master station function and is usually supplied as a pre assembled set with a 2-channel 40kHz counting module TSX CTY 2A and a non expandable 6-slot rack TSX RKY 6.

TSX 57 1p series: single slot processors such as TSX P57 104M, TSX P57 154M (integrated Fipio bus), and TSX P57 1634M (integrated Ethernet TCP/IP port). This type of processor can manage up to 4 expansion frameworks, support 192 to 512 discrete I/O points, and have a storage capacity of 96Kb to 224Kb programs.

TSX 57 2p/3p series: Dual slot high-performance processors such as TSX P57 204/254/304/354M and TSX P57 2634/3634M with integrated Ethernet. They have stronger control capabilities, can manage 16 expansion frameworks, handle 1024 discrete I/O points and 80-128 analog I/O channels. The storage capacity has significantly increased, with program capacity ranging from 768Kb to 1792Kb. The TSX P57 3p/3634M model supports up to 128 event tasks, making it an ideal choice for handling complex logic and high-speed events.

TSX P57 4p/5p series: flagship processor that provides ultimate processing performance and scalability. Can manage 16 extension frameworks, supporting 2048 discrete I/O points and 256-512 analog I/O channels. The storage capacity is huge, with a program capacity of up to 2048Kb to 7168Kb. The TSX P57 4v4/5p4M processor supports auxiliary tasks (AUX) for processing slow operations such as process control and HMI. Integrated Fipio (TSX P57 454/554M) or Ethernet (TSX P57 4634/5634M) interfaces, equipped with USB programming ports, achieve high-speed and convenient connection and debugging.

Atrium coprocessor:

In addition to standard rack mounted processors, the platform also offers the Atrium TSX PCI 57 2p/3p coprocessor, which is a PCI bus card. It integrates the control logic of Premium PLC into a PC running Windows 2000/XP, achieving a close integration of control with PC computing, communication, and monitoring functions. The Atrium coprocessor can manage the same I/O modules, dedicated modules, and fieldbus as the Premium processor, with processing performance comparable to the TSX P57 2p/3p processor, and supports power supply through the PC's PCI bus or an independent 24V power supply (TSX PSI 2010).

Storage Structure and PCMCIA Expansion

The flexible storage architecture is a prominent feature of the Modicon Premium platform. Each processor is equipped with two PCMCIA card slots for expanding program and data storage space, greatly enhancing the system's adaptability and maintainability.

Storage organization method:

Internal RAM storage: Applications (programs, symbols, constants) and data are stored in the processor's internal RAM. The capacity varies from 96Kb (TSX 57 0p/1p) to 640Kb (TSX 57 5p) depending on the processor model. In this mode, program modifications need to be made online.

PCMCIA card storage: Applications and symbols are stored on PCMCIA cards located in the upper slot (No. 0) of the processor, while internal RAM is primarily used for data storage. This mode supports the use of Flash EPROM cards, which facilitates the solidification, backup, and updating of applications. For online program modifications, SRAM cards are required.

PCMCIA card types and functions:

Application memory card: used to store programs, symbols, and constants. Divided into SRAM cards (such as TSX MRP series) and Flash EPROM cards (such as TSX MFP series). SRAM cards support online modification and require battery backup; Flash EPROM cards are used for long-term storage of solidified programs.

Data storage card: A large capacity (such as 4Mb or 8Mb) SRAM card dedicated to storing application data files such as production formulas and historical data. This type of card can be inserted into the upper or lower slot of the processor to free up program storage space.

Communication card: inserted into the lower slot (No. 1) of the processor, used to expand network communication functions, such as Modbus Plus（TSX MBP 100）、Fipio（TSX FPP 10/20）、Uni-Telway（TSX SCP 11p）、CANopen（TSX CPP 110） Wait.

Online program modification function:

The online program modification function in the Unity Pro environment allows for direct addition or modification of program code while the PLC is running. This requires the processor to have sufficient spare storage space. For processors using PCMCIA expansion cards, it is necessary to select an appropriate capacity SRAM card based on the processor model (for example, TSX P57 2p recommends TSX MRP P384K or C768K); For processors without expansion cards, it is necessary to choose processors with larger internal RAM based on the application size and expected modification amount.