KEYENCE N-400 User Manual

User's Manual

Multi-Drop Controller for BL Series

96M0353

N-400

READER

POWER SD RD

TERMINATOR

ON
OFF

SD RD

POWER TIMING

RS-232C

TERMINATOR

ON
OFF

N-400

TEST

RS-232C

CS RS

SD

RS-455

RD

Software License Agreement

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i

Safety Precautions

This instruction manual describes the operation and function of the N-400. Read
this manual carefully to ensure safe use and maximum performance from your N-

400.
The N-400 can be connected to the BL-700, BL-180 and BL-500 series.

Symbols

The following symbols alert you to important messages. Be sure to read these
messages carefully.

General Precautions

WARNING

CAUTION

Note:

• At startup and during operation, be sure to monitor the functions and perfor­mance of the N-400.

•We recommend that you take substantial safety measures to avoid any damage
in the event a problem occurs.

• Do not open or modify the N-400 or use it in any way other than described in
the specifications.

•When the N-400 is used in combination with other instruments, functions and
performance may be degraded, depending on operating conditions and the
surrounding environment.

Failure to follow instruction may lead to injury. (electric
shock, burn, etc.)

Failure to follow instructions may lead to product damage.

Provides additional information on proper operation.

• Do not use the N-400 for the purpose of protecting the human body.

Warnings and Cautions Specific to the N-400

CAUTION

• To operate the N-400/N-48, use a 24 VDC power supply.
Using a different type of power supply may damage the unit.

• This unit is a precision instrument and may be damaged if dropped. Be
careful when carrying and mounting the unit.

• To install this unit, read “Chapter 2, 2.6 Mounting Procedure” in this manual
thoroughly for instructions on proper mounting conditions.

• For the RS-485 connections, use the recommended cable and follow the
instructions given in this manual. (

or “Chapter 2, 2.4.5 Connecting RS-485”.

following these instructions may cause a communication error.

➮

See “Chapter 2, 2.3.3 Connecting RS-485”

) Connecting the RS-485 cable without

ii

List of Package Contents

The N-400 includes the following equipment and accessories. Before using the
unit, ensure that all of these items are included with your N-400.

■ N-400 package contents

• N-400 (x 1)

• User’s Manual (x 1)

• N-400 setup software (x 1)

■ N-48 package contents

• N-48 (x 1)

• Instruction manual (x 1)

■ BL-U1 1. package contents

• BL-U1 (x 1)

■ BL-U2 package contents

• BL-U2 (x 1)

1. BL-U1 is not available in Europe. Use BL-U2 instead.

iii

Contents

Chapter 1 Overview of the N-400

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

1.1 Functions of the N-400 ..........................................................................2

1.2 System Configuration ............................................................................4

1.3 Part Names .............................................................................................5

2.1 Installing the N-400 ..............................................................................10

2.2 Connecting N-400 and Wiring .............................................................12

2.2.1 Terminals of I/O terminal block and wiring..............................................12

2.2.2 Connecting RS-232C..............................................................................13

2.3 Connecting N-48 and Wiring ...............................................................16

2.3.1 Connecting the BL series........................................................................16

2.3.2 Terminals of I/O terminal block and connection......................................16

2.3.3 Connecting RS-485.................................................................................19

2.4 Connecting BL-U1 and Wiring ............................................................21

2.4.1 Connecting power supply........................................................................21

2.4.2 Connecting BL series..............................................................................21

2.4.3 Setting BL-U1 DIP switches....................................................................22

2.4.4 Terminals of I/O terminal block and wiring..............................................23

2.4.5 Connecting RS-485.................................................................................25

2.5 Using Connection Test Mode .............................................................26

2.6 Mounting Procedure ............................................................................27

2.6.1 Precautions for mounting environment ...................................................27

2.6.2 Mounting N-400 ......................................................................................28

2.6.3 Mounting N-48 ........................................................................................28

2.6.4 Mounting BL-U1......................................................................................29

Chapter 3 N-400 Setup Procedure

3.1 Installing Setup Software ....................................................................32

3.2 Setup Software Operating Procedure ................................................34

3.2.1 Operating procedure...............................................................................34

3.2.2 Description on each setup screen...........................................................35

3.2.3 Outline of operation.................................................................................36

3.3 Details of Operating Procedure .........................................................38

3.3.1 Setting procedure....................................................................................38

3.3.2 Reading/Saving/Printing File...................................................................44

3.4 Sending/Receiving Settings ................................................................48

3.5 Using Terminal .....................................................................................52

3.6 List of Error Messages ........................................................................55

iv

Chapter 4 Multi-Drop Link Mode Control Procedure

4.1 Multi-Drop Link Mode ..........................................................................58

4.1.1 Controlling multi-drop link mode .............................................................58

4.1.2 Setup procedure .....................................................................................60

4.2 Data Communication in Multi-Drop Link Mode .................................61

4.2.1 Auto polling .............................................................................................61

4.2.2 Manual polling.........................................................................................62

4.2.3 Capacity of Transmission Buffer.............................................................63

4.2.4 Handshaking protocol .............................................................................65

4.3 Command Transmission To BL Series ..............................................66

4.4 N-400 Direct Control Commands ........................................................69

4.4.1 Communication procedure......................................................................69

4.4.2 Description of commands .......................................................................70

4.5 N-400 Setup Command ........................................................................75

4.6 Communication Time Consideration ..................................................83

Chapter 5 Multi-Head Mode Control Procedure

5.1 Multi-head Mode ...................................................................................88

5.1.1 Controlling multi-head mode...................................................................88

5.1.2 Setup procedure .....................................................................................89

5.2 Reading Operation in Multi-Head Mode .............................................91

5.2.1 Difference in operation depending on reading mode..............................91

5.2.2 Trigger input signal type..........................................................................93

5.2.3 Data transmission timing.........................................................................94

5.3 Data Communication in Multi-Head Mode .........................................95

5.3.1 Communication format............................................................................95

5.3.2 Handshaking protocol .............................................................................95

5.3.3 Read error code......................................................................................95

5.4 Command Communication in Multi-Head Mode ...............................96

5.4.1 Sending a command to BL series...........................................................96

5.4.2 N-400 direct control/setup commands ....................................................96

5.5 Interference Suppression Function ...................................................97

5.6 Communication Time ..........................................................................98

v

Chapter 6 PLC Link

6.1 PLC Link .............................................................................................102

6.1.1 List of PLCs used for PLC link ..............................................................102

6.1.2 Devices used for PLC link.....................................................................103

6.2 Setup Procedure ................................................................................104

6.2.1 Setting the BL Series ............................................................................104

6.2.2 Setting the N-400..................................................................................105

6.2.3 Setting the PLC.....................................................................................106

6.3 Device Assignment ............................................................................108

6.3.1 Device assignment in multi-drop link mode ..........................................108

6.3.2 Device assignment in multi-head scan mode .......................................113

6.4 PLC Link Error ....................................................................................116

Appendices

Appendix A Specifications .....................................................................120

Appendix B Dimensions .........................................................................122

Appendix C Sample Programs ...............................................................124

Appendix D Troubleshooting .................................................................131

Appendix E Indications on the N-400 ....................................................133

Appendix F ASCII Code Table ................................................................134

Appendix G Checksum Calculation Method .........................................135

Appendix H Setup Parameter List ..........................................................137

Appendix I Default Setting List .............................................................139

Appendix J Sample Printout of Setting List .........................................140

Sample programs for multi-drop link......................................124

Sample program for PLC link ................................................126

WARRANTIES

WARRANTIES AND DISCLAIMERS ............................................................141

vi

vii

Chapter 1

Overview of the N-400

1.1 Functions of the N-400 .........................................................2

1.2 System Configuration ..........................................................4

1.3 Part Names ............................................................................5

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

1.1 Functions of the N-400

The N-400 multi-drop controller allows the following functions to be added to the BL
series.

1

Multi-drop link function (mode)

Note: The BL-U1 and N-48 can be used as an RS-232C to RS-485 converter.

However, the BL-U1 is not available in Europe.

The N-400 can control up to thirty-one BL series units using a host computer,
enabling the multi-drop link configuration.
The communication path is an RS-485 cable, which provides high noise-resistance
and enables data transmission over a long distance (up to 1.2 km). Since a twisted
pair cable (two cables) is used for the connections, the multi-drop link configuration
can be realized with simple wiring.

The N-400 controls the complicated communication (RS-485 communication)
between each BL series and the N-400. Since the host computer works only for
communication with the N-400, it can be operated with a simple program. (The ID
number assigned to the head of the transmitted data allows you to identify the BL
series unit that sends the data.) Therefore, the host computer’s job is reduced with
this system configuration.

BL series

N-400

RS-232C

Multi-head scan function (mode)

If the position of bar codes is unknown in a product, or bar codes are printed in
several positions, the bar codes cannot be read with a single bar code reader. In
such cases, several bar code readers need to be mounted in various positions or at
various angles.
When the N-400 controller is used in multi-head scan mode, a host computer can
control several BL series units as if they were a single unit.

N-48
or
BL-U1

N-48
or
BL-U1

*

BL series

Sensor for
trigger input

RS-485

N-400

RS-485

*

RS-232C

Host

Host

2

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

■ Mutual-interference suppression function (in multi-head scan mode)

When several bar code readers are mounted close to each other, for example when
reading multi-stage labels as shown below, the units’ light sources (laser beams)
interfere with each other, affecting the reading stability.

The mutual-interference suppression function allows the BL series’ laser beams to
turn ON sequentially, thus suppressing the mutual interference to ensure stable
readings.

Since the laser beams turn ON sequentially, the duration of laser OFF time (when
each unit is not reading a bar code) becomes longer as the number of connected
units is increased. Therefore, the bar code readers may fail to read bar codes if the
line speed is set too fast.

BL series

N-400

N-48
or
BL-U1

Sensor for
trigger input

RS-232C

Host

1

RS-485

■ PLC link function

In the multi-drop link mode or multi-head scan mode, the PLC link function enables
the BL series’ data to be sent to a PLC without a communication program. Using
this function, you can reduce the number of steps for a PLC program.

No communication program is necessary,
because the N-400 stores the data read by
the BL series directly into the PLCs memory.

N-400

To BL

DM103
DM104
DM105
DM106

•

•

•

4
&30
&31
&32

•

•

•

3

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

N-400

RS-232C

RS-485

Host

Sensor for
trigger input

BL series

*

*

N-48
or
BL-U1

N-400 setup
software
for Windows

1.2 System Configuration

The system configurations using the N-400 controller are as follows:
This section describes multi-drop link mode and multi-head scan mode individually.

1

Multi-drop link mode

• Maximum number of connectable units: 31

• Maximum extension distance: 1.2 km

* The N-400 can be connected to the BL-700/BL-500/BL-180 series bar code
* Additional 24 VDC power supply is required for the N-400 and N-48.

readers.

Multi-head scan mode (with the interference suppression function)

• Maximum number of connectable units: 31

• Maximum extension distance: 1.2 km

Sensor for
trigger input

N-48
or
BL-U1

* Connect the sensor for trigger input to the N-400.
* The N-400 can be connected to the BL-700/BL-500/BL-180 series bar code

readers.

* Additional 24 VDC power supply is required for the N-400 and N-48.

N-400

RS-485

RS-232C

*

N-400 setup
software
for Windows

Host

4

1.3 Part Names

N-400

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

SD RD

POWER TIMING

TERMINATOR

ON
OFF

N-400

TEST

RS-232C

CS RS

SD

RS-455

6 Power supply terminal

RD

7 RS-485 terminal

8 Trigger input terminal

1 Display LEDs
2 RS-232C port

3 Communication

status indicator LEDs

4 Test switch

5 Terminator switch

ON
OFF

No. Name Function

1 Display LEDs • Normally displays “00” (ID number of the N400).

• Displays the ID number of the device being tested.

(➮ See p. 26.)

• Displays “S1 (51)” to indicate setup mode.

(➮ See p. 75.)

• Displays “S0 (50)” to indicate initial communication status
after a setting change.

• Displays the N-400’s error condition.

(➮ See p. 48.)

(➮ See 131.)

• Displays the ID number of the device currently connected
when sending a hotline command.

(➮ See p. 73.)

2 RS-232C port • Connect a host computer or PLC to this connector.
3 • POWER: Lit when power is ON.

Communication
status indicator LEDs

• TIMING: Lit when the trigger input connected to the N-400
is ON.

(For the RS-232C connections)
Lit when the SD, RD, RS and CS signals are ON.
(For the RS-485 connections)
SD: Lit when the N-400 is sending data.
RD: Lit when the N-400 is receiving data.

* Both the SD and RD indicators are lit when the N-400 is

receiving data.

4 Test switch Starts the connection test mode.
5 Terminator switch Switches the terminator’s ON/OFF status.
6 Power supply terminal Connect a 24 VDC power supply.
7 RS-485 terminal Used for the multi-drop link connection.
8 Trigger input terminal Used for trigger input in multi-head scan mode.

1

5

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

N-48

1

Note: BL-U1 is not available in the Europe area.

1 READER port

READER

2 POWER LED

POWER SD RD

3 I/O terminals

4 RS-485 terminals
5 Power supply terminals

6 Communication

status indicator
LEDs

7 Terminator switch

ON
OFF

No. Name Function

1 READER port Connect the BL series to this port.
2 POWER LED Lit when power is ON.
3 I/O terminals Includes the trigger input terminal and OK/NG output

terminals.

4 RS-485 terminals Used for multi-drop link mode.

Power supply terminals

5 Connect a 24 VDC power supply to these terminals.
6 Allows you to monitor the communication status of the

Communication status
indicator LEDs

7 Terminator switch Turns the terminator ON/OFF.

READER port.
SD: Lit when the BL series is sending data.
RD: Lit when the BL series is receiving a command.

6

BL-U1

Note: The BL-U1 is not available in Europe

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

1 OK/NG LED
2 TIMING LED
3 Communication status indicator

LEDs

4 POWER LED

5 I/O terminal block

6 Power switch
7 Power supply cable (2 m)

8 RS-232C port
9 READER port
0 DIP switches

1

No. Name Function

1 OK/NG LED • When OK output is ON: The green LED lights.

• When NG output is ON: The red LED lights.

2 TIMING LED Lit when trigger input is ON.
3 • Allows you to monitor the communication status of the RS-

Communication status
indicator LEDs

4 POWER LED Lit when power is ON.
5 I/O terminal block Includes the trigger input terminal, OK/NG output terminals,

6 Power switch Turns the power ON/OFF.

Power supply cable

7 Use a 100 to 240 VAC (50/60 Hz) power supply.

(2 m)

8 RS-232C port Connect a personal computer to this port. This port is

9 READER port Connect the BL series to this port.
0 DIP switche Switches the communication port, and turns the terminator

232C port.

• The SD, RD, RS and CS indicators are provided in this
order from the top.

RS-422A terminal and RS-485 terminal.

unused in multi-drop link mode.

ON/OFF.

7

Chapter 1 Overview of The N-400

1

8

Chapter 2

Installation Procedure

2.1 Installing the N-400 .............................................................10

2.2 Connecting N-400 and Wiring ............................................12

2.2.1 Terminals of I/O terminal block and wiring.............................12

2.2.2 Connecting RS-232C.............................................................13

2.3 Connecting N-48 and Wiring ..............................................16

2.3.1 Connecting the BL series.......................................................16

2.3.2 Terminals of I/O terminal block and connection.....................16

2.3.3 Connecting RS-485 ...............................................................19

2.4 Connecting BL-U1 and Wiring ...........................................21

2.4.1 Connecting power supply ......................................................21

2.4.2 Connecting BL series.............................................................21

2.4.3 Setting BL-U1 DIP switches...................................................22

2.4.4 Terminals of I/O terminal block and wiring.............................23

2.4.5 Connecting RS-485 ...............................................................25

2.5 Using Connection Test Mode ............................................26

2.6 Mounting Procedure ...........................................................27

2.6.1 Precautions for mounting environment ..................................27

2.6.2 Mounting N-400 .....................................................................28

2.6.3 Mounting N-48 .......................................................................28

2.6.4 Mounting BL-U1.....................................................................29

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2.1 Installing the N-400

2

■ Equipment used

• N-400 multi-drop controller

• BL series bar code readers

The N-400 can be connected to the BL-700, BL-500 and BL-180 series bar
code readers.

• N-48 (or BL-U1) power supply unit for BL series (RS-485 mode)

Each bar code reader requires one N-48 (or BL-U1) power supply.

• BL-U2 (or BL-U1) power supply unit for BL series (RS-232C mode)

To change the BL series’ settings, one BL-U2 or BL-U1 power supply unit is
required.
To use the N-48 for multi-drop link, an additional BL-U2 24 VDC power supply
unit is required. (The N-48 does not provide an RS-232C port.)
(The BL-U1 can be used as an RS-232C or RS-485 power supply.)

• RS-232C cable for the N-400

This cable is used to connect the N-400 and the host computer.
Use a cable appropriate for the personal computer and the PLC’s pin assign­ment. OP-98769 cable and OP-25057 connector are available.

• RS-232C cable for BL series setup

This cable is used to connect the BL-U2 (or BL-U1) and the host computer to
change the BL series’ settings. Since the wiring of this cable is different from
that of the RS-232C cable for the N-400, both cables must be prepared.
For wiring the BL-U2 and BL-U1, see the “BL-U2 Instruction Manual” and “BL
series User’s Manual”, respectively.
OP-27937 cable is available for BL-U2. (OP-22149 cable and OP-25057 are
available for BL-U1.)

• Twisted pair cable for the RS-485

Prepare the recommended cable.

• Host computer

Use a personal computer with an RS-232C port.
When large quantities of data are sent from several BL series, they may exceed
the host computer’s data processing capacity.
If this occurs, reduce the number of the connected BL series units, or enhance
the data processing capacity (including the programming language) of the host
computer.

■ Setup and connection

1) Setting the BL series bar code readers

Prepare the BL series unit, the BL-U2 (or BL-U1) RS-232C power supply unit,
the RS-232C cable used for setup, and a personal computer. Set up the BL
series using the BL series setup software.
For connection and setup procedures, see the “BL series User’s Manual”.
For the pin assignment of the connection cable between the BL-U2 and the host
computer, see the “BL-U2 Instruction Manual”.

(➮ See pp. 19, 20 and 25.)

10

The setting contents vary slightly depending on the mode being used. Refer to
the following pages for more information.

• Multi-drop link mode: p. 60

• Multi-head scan mode: p. 87

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2) Setting the N-400

Prepare the N-400, the RS-232C cable for the N-400, and a personal computer.
Set up the N-400 using the N-400 setup software.
For the setup software operating procedure, see pp. 32 and following.

The setting contents vary slightly depending on the mode being used.

•Multi-drop link mode: p. 60

•Multi-head scan mode: p. 88

• PLC link: p. 102

3) Setting a host computer/PLC

For the RS-232C communication, set the baud rate, data length, parity and stop
bit length according to the settings of the N-400.

To use a PLC link, set up the PLC according to pp. 104 and 105.

4) Connection between the BL series and N-400 (See pp. 19, 20 and 25.)

Connect the N-48 (or BL-U1) power supply unit to the BL series. Then connect
the specified cable (twisted pair cable) between the power supply and the N-

400. Turn ON the equipment terminator at both ends of the connection.
When using the BL-U1, set the DIP switch to “RS-485”. (See p. 22.)

5) Connection between the N-400 and host computer/PLC (See pp. 13 to 15.)

To connect the N-400 to the host computer or PLC, use the RS-232C cable
whose pin assignment conforms to that of the host computer and PLC.

6) Checking the RS-485 connection between the N-400 and the BL series

The N-400 provides a connection test mode that checks whether the RS-485
connection is correct or not. Using this function, check whether the RS-485
communication can be correctly performed.
For the procedure for using this function, see p. 26.

7) Connecting a sensor for trigger input

Connect a sensor for trigger input to each N-48 or BL-U1 unit. (This sensor is
not required when controlling the BL series’ reading operation using the read
start/end commands.)

2

To use the BL series in multi-head scan mode, connect a sensor for trigger input
to the N-400. (This sensor is not required when controlling the BL series’ read­ing operation using the read start/end commands.)
If the sensor for trigger input is directly connected to each BL series, the BL
series cannot operate normally.

8) Checking operation

Using the terminal software included in the N-400 setup software, check
whether the RS-232C communication between the N-400 and host computer
can be performed correctly. (See p. 52.)

To use a PLC link, check whether data is stored in the PLC’s memory.

11

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2.2 Connecting N-400 and Wiring

This section describes the procedure for connecting the N-400 to external equip­ment.

TIM

COM

2

2.2.1 Terminals of I/O terminal block and wiring

Symbol Description Signal direction

TIM Trigger input Input
COM Common terminal for trigger input Input
RS-485 SG RS-485 signal ground –––
RS-485 + RS-485 + terminal Input/Output
RS-485 - RS-485 - terminal Input/Output
24 VDC OUT 24 VDC power output + terminal Output

24 VDC power output - terminal Output

24 VDC IN 24 VDC power input + terminal Input

24 VDC power input - terminal Input

* Viewed from the left of the terminal block.

• The following I-type clips can be used for the connections.

SG

RS-485

+-

24V DC IN
+–

24V DC IN

+–

Connecting power supply

2.0 mm
max.

6 mm min

5 mm max.

The N-400 operates with a 24 VDC power supply.

24V DC IN
+–

–

24V DC IN

+–

24 VDC

+

When a 24 VDC power supply is connected to the power supply “IN” terminal, the
“OUT” terminal can be used as the 24 VDC power supply output terminal. (Note:
The power supply connected to the “IN” terminal must have a capacity high enough
to supply power to the equipment connected to the “OUT” terminal.)
Using this function, the “OUT” terminal can be used as a 24 VDC power supply for
each BL series connected in the multi-drop link configuration. (For a connection
example, see p. 19.)

12

CAUTION

To operate the N-400, be sure to use a 24 VDC power supply. Using a power
supply exceeding 24 VDC or using an AC power supply may damage the unit.

If your system must comply with UL regulations, be sure to use the power
supply with NEC class 2 output.

Connecting trigger input

To use multi-head scan mode, connect the trigger input to the N-400 only, instead
of to each BL series unit.

2.2.2 Connecting RS-232C

TIMSGCOM

+

+

15 to 26 VDC

Contact
or solid state

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

TIM

+

Internal circuit

+

COM

2

Pin assignment

CAUTION

RS-232C cable connections

Tips

13 1

D-sub 25-pin (male)
DCE specification (defined as terminal)

25 14

M2.6 screw

Pin No. Symbol Function Signal direction

1FG Frame ground —
2 SD (TXD) Sends data. Input
3 RD (RXD) Receives data. Output
4 RS (RTS) Ready to send data. Input
5 CS (CTS) Request to send data. Output
6 DR (DSR) Connected to pin No. 20 inside. Output

7SG Signal ground —
20 ER (DTR) Connected to pin No. 6 inside. Input
25 +5 V 5 V power supply output (100 mA) Output

Pin No. 25 is used for a 5 V power supply output. Do not connect this termi­nal to the ground terminal or any other terminal when it is unused. Doing this
may damage the N-400 or the external device connected to this terminal.

■ Connecting personal computer

• Connecting the computer with 25-pin • Connecting IBM PC

Computer

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5
6

DR
SG

7

ER

20

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

* The OP-98769 cable (1.5 m: manufactured

by KEYENCE) can be used.

N-400

FGFG

11
2

SD

3

RD

4

SG
RS

5
6

CS
DR

7

ER

20

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

Connector case

RD
SD

ER
SG
DR
RS
CS
CD

D-sub 9-pin (female)
#4-40 screw

* The OP-98769 cable (1.5 m: manu

PC

2
3
4
5
6
7
8

N-400

1

FG
SD

2

RD

3
4

RS

5

CS

6

DR

7

SG

8

201

ER

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

factured by KEYENCE) and the
OP25057 conversion connector can
be used.

A commercially-available straight cable (D-sub 25 pin - 25 pin, or D-sub 25 pin - 9
pin) can be used.

13

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2

■ Connecting KV series/Handheld programmer port

Use the optional cable manufactured by KEYENCE.

KV-10, 16, 24
KV-40, 80

or
OP-24025 (5 m)

OP-96369OP-24045 (1 m)

POWER TIMING

TERMINATOR

N-400

TEST

RS-232C

CS RS

SD RD

RD

SD

RS-455

ON
OFF

1.

KV-300

■ Connecting KV-L2

1.

1. KV-300 and KV-L2 are not available in Europe.

Port 1 Terminal block

KV-L2

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5
6

DR
SG

7

ER

20

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

* The OP-98769 cable (1.5 m: manufactured

by KEYENCE) or a commercially-available
straight cable can be used.

N-400

FGFG

11
2

SD

3

RD

4

SG
RS

5
6

CS
DR

7

ER

20

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

KV-L2

5

RD

SG

Terminal block

1. KV-300 and KV-L2 are not available in Europe.

■ Connecting MELSEC-A series

N-400

FGSD

13
2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5
6

DS
ER

20

SG

71

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

14

Connection with AJ71C24, AL71C24-S*,
A0J2-C214S1, AJ71UC24

N-400Link unit

FGFG

11

2SD
3

RD

4

RS
CS

5
6

DR
SG

7

CD

8

ER

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

DR

6

SG

7
8

ER

2020

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

Connection with A1SJ71C24-R2/PRF,
A2CCPUC24, A2CCPUC24-PRF,
A1SJ71UC24-R2/PRF

Connector case

RD

SD

ER
SG
DR

RS

CS
CD

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

Link unit

2
3
4

5
6
7
8

N-400

1

FG
SD

2

RD

3
4

RS

5

CS

6

DR

7

SG

8

201

ER

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

■ SYSMAC-C series

Connection with C-200H-LK201(-V1),
C-500-LK203, C-500-LK201-V1, C120­LK201-V1

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

Connection with C-20H, C-28H,
C-40H, C-60H, C-80H

Link unit

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

SG

7

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

N-400

FGFG

11
2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

SG

7

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

* The OP-98769 cable (1.5 m: manufactured by

KEYENCE) or a commercially-available
straight cable can be used.

Connection with C-200HS(CPU21/23/31/

33), CQM1(CPU21/41/42/43/44), C­200HE(CPU42), C200HG(CPU43/63),
C200HX(CPU44/64), C200HWCOM02/
COM04/COM05/COM06

SD
RD
RS
CS
SG

PLC

2
3
4

5
9

N-400

11
2

3
4

5
7

FGFG
SD

RD
RS
CS
SG

PLC

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

SG

7

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

N-400

FGFG

11
2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

SG

7

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

2

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

■ SYSMAC-CV series

Connection with CV500-LK201(Port 1) Connection with CV500-

LK201(Port 2), CV500, CV1000,
CVM1

Link unit

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS

CS

5

SG

7

D-sub 25-pin (male)

M2.6 screw

N-400

FGFG

11
2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

SG

7

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

* The OP-98769 cable (1.5 m: manufactured by

KEYENCE) or a commercially-available straight
cable can be used.

PLC

2

SD

3

RD

4

RS
CS

5

SG

9

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

D-sub 25-pin (male)
M2.6 screw

N-400

11
2

3
4

5
7

FGFG
SD

RD
RS
CS
SG

15

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2.3 Connecting N-48 and Wiring

2.3.1 Connecting the BL series

Connect the BL series to the READER port of the N-48.

2

Pin assignment

N-48

READER

POWER SD RD

12345

D-sub 9-pin (male)
DCE specification (defined as terminal)
#4-40 screw

6789

Pin No. Symbol Function Signal direction

1 TIM Trigger input Output
2 RD (RXD) Receives data. Output
3 SD (TXD) Sends data. Input
4OKOK Input
5 GND (SG) Ground (Common ground for respective signal) —
6NGNG Input
7 RS (RTS) Ready to send data. Input
8 CS (CTS) Request to send data. Output
9 +5 V 5 V power supply output (600mA) Output

BL series

2.3.2 Terminals of I/O terminal block and connections

TIM

COM

OK NG

COM

* Viewed from the left of the unit

Symbol Description Signal direction

TIM Trigger input Input
COM Common terminal for trigger input Input
OK OK output Output
NG NG output Output
COM Common terminal for output Output

16

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

Connecting power supply

RS-485 RS-485

SG SG

Symbol Description Signal direction

RS-485 SG RS-485 signal ground –––
RS-485 + RS-485 + terminal Input/Output
RS-485 - RS-485 - terminal Input/Output
24 VDC IN (OUT) 24 VDC power supply input (output) + terminal Input(Output)

24V DC OUT

++--

24 VDC power supply input (output) - terminal Input(Output)

24V DC IN

+–

* Viewed from the bottom of the unit

• The following I-type clips can be used for connections.

2.0 mm
max.

6 mm min

5 mm max.

2

CAUTION

Connect a 24 VDC power supply to the “IN” terminal.
When a 24 VDC power supply is connected to the “IN” terminal, the “OUT” terminal
can be used as a 24 VDC power supply output terminal. In this case, the “OUT”
terminal can be used as a power supply for other N-48 unit connected in the multi­drop link configuration. (➮

For a connection example, see p. 19.

24V DC OUT

--

24V DC IN

+–

24 VDC

+

)

• Do not connect a power supply other than 24 VDC or the unit may be
damaged.

• Connecting a power supply to the RS-485 terminal may damage the N-48.

• Do not connect different types of power supplies to the IN and OUT termi­nals or the unit may not start normally due to the potential difference
between the power supplies.

17

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

Connecting trigger input

2

Connecting OK/NG output

The trigger input allows the BL series to start reading bar codes (turn on the laser
beam).

To connect the BL series in multi-head mode, send the trigger input to the N-400
instead of the N-48.

TIM

COM

OK

TIM

+

Internal circuit

+

+

15 to 26 VDC

+

COM

The OK/NG output indicates the result of the comparison with preset data, or
indicates whether reading is successful or not.

OK NG

*Rated load: 30 V max. (100mA)

COM

Load

Load

Load

+

Internal circuit

+

18

2.3.3 Connecting RS-485

For the RS-485 connections, use the “RS-485 +” and “RS-485 -” terminals provided
on the terminal block.

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

RS-485 SG

RS-485 +

RS-485 –
24V DC IN +
24V DC IN –

24V DC OUT –
24V DC OUT +

RS-485 +

RS-485 –

RS-485 SG

RS-485 SG

RS-485 +

RS-485 –
24V DC IN +
24V DC IN –

N-48

Shield cable

Twisted pair cable

*

+

24 VDC

TIM
COM

RS-485 SG
RS-485 +

RS-485 –
24V DC OUT +

24V DC OUT –
24V DC IN +
24V DC IN –

N-400

2

24V DC OUT –
24V DC OUT +

RS-485 +

RS-485 –

RS-485 SG

RS-485 SG

RS-485 +

RS-485 –
24V DC IN +
24V DC IN –

24V DC OUT –
24V DC OUT +

RS-485 +

RS-485 –

RS-485 SG

N-48

*

N-48

19

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

• The diagram on the previous page shows the connections to supply 24 VDC
power to the N-48 from the power supply connected to the N-400. In this case,
the 24 VDC power supply connected to the N-400 must have a capacity of at
least “140 mA (N-400 current consumption) + 260 mA (N-48 current consump­tion) x n (Number of N48 units connected)”.

Example

When five N-48 units are connected:
140 mA + 260 mA x 5 = 1.44 A
Use a power supply with at least 1.44 A capacity.

2

Note: The RS-485 cable can be extended up to 1.2 km. With the power supply
cable, however, the 1.2 km extension is not guaranteed.

To extend the power supply cable as shown in the connection diagram on the
previous page, ensure that the power voltage supplied to all the N-48 units is within
the range of 24 VDC -20% to +10%.

• To connect a 24 VDC power supply to each N-48 unit, remove the 24 VDC
wiring shown in the previous page. To connect the power supply, use the follow­ing cable.

Recommended RS-485 cable

• 0.75 mm2 x 2 cores, sheilded

• Up to thirty-one N-48 (BL series) units can be connected in multi-drop link mode.

• The total extension length of the RS-485 cable must be within 1.2 km.

• Turn ON the equipment terminator (termination resistance: 100 Ω) at both ends
of the RS-485 connection (marked with * in the figure above).

• Turn ON/OFF the N-48 terminator using the terminator switch. (

• Turn ON/OFF the N-400 terminator using the terminator switch. (

➮

See p. 7.

➮

See p. 6.

)

)

Note: Be sure not to connect the RS-485 cable using the terminal block.

Incorrect

Note 1: Do not place the RS-485 cable in the same conduit as a power cable.

Note 2: Do not branch the RS-485 connection as shown below.

Incorrect

(Connection with branch)

N-48 N-48

N-48

N-400 N-48 N-48

C orrect

(Connection without branch)

*

Correct

N-48

N-400

*

Terminator ON

*

20

2.4 Connecting BL-U1 and Wiring

To use the BL-U1 AC power supply, connect it as described below.

2.4.1 Connecting power supply

Plug the BL-U1 power cable into an outlet.

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2

FG line

CAUTION

Use a power supply of 100 to 240 VAC ±10% (50/60 Hz).

2.4.2 Connecting BL series

Connect the BL series to the READER port of the BL-U1.

BL-U1 READER port pin assignment

Pin No. Symbol Function Signal direction

1 TIM Trigger input Output
2 RD (RXD) Receives RS-232C data. Output
3 SD (TXD) Sends RS-232C data. Input
4OKOK Input
5 GND (SG) Ground (Common ground for respective —

6NGNG Input
7 RS (RTS) Ready to send RS-232C data. Input
8 CS (CTS) Request to send RS-232Cdata. Output

9 +5 V +5 V power supply (1.5 A) Output

1234

6789

5

D-sub 9-pin (male)
DCE specification (defined as terminal)
#4-40 screw (female)

signal)

(Control method can be selected with the DIP
switches. See p. 22.)

21

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure

2.4.3 Setting BL-U1 DIP switches

Switch the interface setting to “RS-485 multi-drop” using the BL-U1 DIP switches.
Switch the RS-485 terminator according to p. 25.

OFF

2

ON

123456

Interface selection RS-232C ON OFF OFF

RS-422A terminator OFF OFF
(Termination resistance: 100 Ω)ON ON
RS-485 terminator OFF OFF
(Termination resistance: 100 Ω)ON ON
Selection of READER port ON or OFF according

CS control method to the RS-232C port OFF

* The figure on the left shows the default settings.

DIP Switch No. 1 2 3 4 5 6

RS-422A OFF ON OFF
RS-485 multidrop OFF OFF ON

CS signal status.
Normally ON ON

22