Panasonic FP2 User Manual

Safety Precautions

Observe the following notices to ensure personal safety or to prevent accidents.
To ensure that you use this product correctly, read this User’s Manual thoroughly before use.
Make sure that you fully understand the product and information on safety.
This manual uses two safety flags to indicate different levels of danger.

WARNING

If critical situations that could lead to user’s death or serious injury is assumed by
mishandling of the product.

-Always take precautions to ensure the overall safety of your system, so that the whole

system remains safe in the event of failure of this product or other external factor.

-Do not use this product in areas with inflammable gas. It could lead to an explosion.

-Exposing this product to excessive heat or open flames could cause damage to the lithium
battery or other electronic parts.

CAUTION

If critical situations that could lead to user’s injury or only property damage is
assumed by mishandling of the product.

-To prevent excessive exothermic heat or smoke generation, use this product at the values
less than the maximum of the characteristics and performance that are assured in these
specifications.

-Do not dismantle or remodel the product. It could cause excessive exothermic heat or smoke
generation.

-Do not touch the terminal while turning on electricity. It could lead to an electric shock.

-Use the external devices to function the emergency stop and interlock circuit.

-Connect the wires or connectors securely.
The loose connection could cause excessive exothermic heat or smoke generat ion.

-Do not allow foreign matters such as liquid, flammable materials, metals to go into the inside
of the product. It could cause excessive exothermic heat or smoke generation.

-Do not undertake construction (such as connection and disconnection) while the power
supply is on. It could lead to an electric shock.

Copyright / Trademarks

-This manual and its contents are copyrighted.

-You may not copy this manual, in whole or part, without written consent of

Works SUNX Co., Ltd.

-Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in th e United States and other
countries.

-All other company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.

Panasonic Electric

PLC_ORG

Table of ContentsFP2−CCU

Table of Contents

Interchangeability with the FP3 and Precautions iii...............................

Chapter 1 Functions of Computer Communication Unit

1.1 Functions and Features 1 − 3............................................

1.1.1 Functions and Features 1 − 3....................................

1.1.2 Unit Part No. 1 − 3..............................................

1.2 Unit Operation 1 − 4....................................................

1.2.1 Operation Overview 1 − 4........................................

1.3 Restrictions on Units Combination 1 − 6...................................

1.3.1 Restrictions on Current Consumption 1 − 6........................

1.3.2 Restrictions on Installation Position 1 − 6..........................

1.3.3 Restrictions on Number of Units that can be Installed 1 − 7...........

1.4 Communication Conditions and Restrictions Relating to Functions 1 − 8.......

1.4.1 Precautions when Using the FP2 CPU Unit−11− 8.................

1.4.2 Precautions when Using the FP2 CPU Unit−21− 9.................

Chapter 2 Names and Functions of Part

2.1 Names and Functions of Parts 2 − 3......................................

2.1.1 Names and Functions of Parts 2 − 3..............................

2.1.2 Operating Status LEDs 2 − 4.....................................

2.1.3 COM.1 and COM.2 Ports (9 Pins) 2 − 5............................

2.1.4 Transmission Format Setting Switch 2 − 6.........................

Chapter 3 Confirming Unit Settings and Design Contents

3.1 Setting the Transmission Speed (Baud Rate) and Transmission Format 3 − 3..

3.1.1 Transmission Format Setting Using Switch 3 − 3....................

3.2 Confirming the I/O Allocation and Root No. 3 − 5...........................

3.2.1 I/O Allocation 3 − 5.............................................

3.2.2 Confirming Root No. 3 − 6.......................................

i

FP2−CCUTable of Contents

Chapter 4 RS232C Port Wiring

4.1 RS232C Port Signals 4 − 3..............................................

4.2 Wiring between RS232C Ports 4 − 5......................................

4.2.1 Connecting to a Personal Computer 4 − 5.........................

4.2.2 Connections with Operation Display Panel 4 − 6....................

4.2.3 Connections with RS232C Devices 4 − 7..........................

4.2.4 Modem Connections 4 − 8.......................................

Chapter 5 Troubleshooting

5.1 Operation if an Error Occurs 5 − 3........................................

5.1.1 If the ALARM LED on the Computer Communication Unit

Lights 5 − 3....................................................

5.1.2 If the ERROR LED on the Computer Communication Unit

Lights 5 − 4....................................................

5.2 What to Do if an Error Occurs 5 − 5.......................................

5.2.1 If the ALARM LED on the Computer Communication Unit

Lights 5 − 5....................................................

5.2.2 If the ERROR LED on the Computer Communication Unit

Lights 5 − 5....................................................

5.2.3 Communication is Inhibited 5 − 6.................................

5.2.4 If an Error Response is Returned to the Host Side 5 − 6.............

Chapter 6 Specifications

6.1 Specifications 6 − 3.....................................................

6.2 Table of MEWTOCOL Command 6 − 4....................................

6.2.1 MEWTOCOL−COM Commands 6 − 4.............................

6.3 Table of MEWTOCOL−COM Error Code 6 − 5..............................

Record of changes R − 1..............................................

ii

Interchangeability with the FP3 and PrecautionsFP2−CCU

Interchangeability with the FP3 and Precautions

Hardware interchangeability

The user should be aware that there are some differences between the FP2 and FP3
Computer Communication Units.

− The DIP switch settings are different.

With the FP2 Computer Communication Unit, only the transmission speed and the
character bit can be set with the DIP switches. The settings for the parity, the stop bit
length, and whetheror not the CS and CD control signals are effective are fixed as shown
in the table below.

− There is no reset switch.

The FP2 Computer Communication Unit has no reset switch.

− Connections with serial devices are made in the same way for both units.

The specifications for the RS232C interface of the FP2 Computer Communication Unit
are the same as those for the FP3.

− Two ports are provided, a “COM.1” port and a “COM.2” port.

However, the COM.1 port is restricted on the functions as below.

COM.1 COM.2

Computer link function Available Available

Modem connection Not available Available

Data transmission Not available Available

Hierarchy command Not available Available

Software interchangeability

The software is interchangeable between the FP2 and FP3 Computer Communication
Units.

− Program methods on the host side are largely the same.

There are some differences in the transmission formats, as described below.

iii

Comparison of specifications between the FP2 and FP3 Computer
Communication Units

Setting item Set value FP2 FP3

No. of ports — 2 ports 1 port

Transmission speed (Baud rate) 19,200 bits/s

9,600 bits/s

4,800 bits/s

2,400 bits/s —

1,200 bits/s —

600 bits/s —

300 bits/s —

Transmission speed (Baud rate)
when modem is connected

Character bit 7−bit

Parity None —

Stop bit 1−bit

Control signals CS and CD Invalid

Reset switch — None Provided

9,600 bits/s

2,400 bits/s —

8−bit

Odd

Even —

2−bit —

Valid —

φ φ
φ φ
φ φ

φ

φ φ
φ φ

φ φ

φ φ

φ φ

φ
φ
φ
φ

—

φ

φ

φ

φ

φ

FP2−CCUInterchangeability with the FP3 and Precautions

φ : Default setting, or can be set using DIP switches
—: Cannot be set

iv

Chapter 1

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

1.1 Functions and Features 1 − 3..........................

1.1.1 Functions and Features 1 − 3..................

1.1.2 Unit Part No. 1 − 3............................

1.2 Unit Operation 1 − 4..................................

1.2.1 Operation Overview 1 − 4......................

1.3 Restrictions on Units Combination 1 − 6.................

1.3.1 Restrictions on Current Consumption 1 − 6.......

1.3.2 Restrictions on Installation Position 1 − 6........

1.3.3 Restrictions on Number of Units that can be

Installed 1 − 7................................

1.4 Communication Conditions and Restrictions

Relating to Functions 1 − 8............................

1.4.1 Precautions when Using the

FP2 CPU Unit−11− 8........................

1.4.2 Precautions when Using the

FP2 CPU Unit−21− 9........................

FP2−CCUFunctions of Computer Communication Unit

1 − 2

Functions of Computer Communication UnitFP2−CCU

1.1 Functions and Features

1.1 Functions and Features

1.1.1 Functions and Features

The FP2 Computer Communication Unit is designed for use with the FP2/FP2SH
progra,mmable controller. It is used as a communication interface that allows data to be
read and written between an RS232C device such as a personal computer or display
panel, and a CPU unit.

Host computer

(Personal computer)

Operation
display panel

RS232C

Can be connected to a display panel and computer.

Enables a 1:1 connection to a display panel and computer. No software program is
needed for communication.

Economical peer−to−peer communication with a personal computer is possible.

This unit can be directly connected with a personal computer through RS232C to collect
and write data from it without building up a large−scale network.

One unit is equipped with two ports.

One unit is equipped with two RS232C interface ports.

No communication program is needed on the PLC. (Computer link function)

The PLC automatically returns responses using the FP series’ MEWTOCOL
communication protocol so that there is no need to prepare a communication program
at the side of the PLC.

Connection with modem (Only COM. 2)

It is possible to receive data over telephone lines from another PLC, by connecting
modem with your PLC. (Receiving only)

1.1.2 Unit Part No.

Name Part No.

Computer Communication Unit FP2−CCU

Two D−sub connectors (9−pin) are provided as accessories with the unit.

1 − 3

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

FP2−CCU

1.2 Unit Operation

1.2 Unit Operation

1.2.1 Operation Overview

The Computer Communication Unit reads and writes data and contacts of the CPU unit
by the host computer, through an RS232C interface.

When a command is sent from a host side, a response is returned from the PLC side.
The formats of commands and responses are determined by the MEWTOCOL, which
is the communication protocol for the FP series of PLCs.

Programs for host side devices such as computers and display panels are created in
accordance with the protocol “MEWTOCOL”.

More than 20 types of commands are available, including commands for reading and
writing the data area and contacts, etc.

No program is necessary on the PLC side in order to carry out communication.

Example:

When the contents of the data registers are read to a host
computer:

10

5

3

Command

%01#RDD0000000001**

RS232C

%01$RD05000A0062

Response

C

R

Computer

C

R

メ

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ン

メ

ニ

ュ

ー

を

選

択

照

明

制

御

空

調

制

御

〜

〜

Display panel

DT0
DT1
DT2

Tip

The display panel for the FP series was designed ahead of time in confor­mance with the MEWTOCOL communication protocol, so there is no need
to take the contents of commands into consideration.

AM

5

1

5

3

時

館

内

掲

¦

板

〜

〜

〜

〜

〜〜

〜〜

L

〜〜

1 − 4

FP2−CCU

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

Note

This unit does not support extension header (<). Use the Multi
Communication Unit.

Tip

MEWTOCOL communication protocol for FP series are generally configured
as shown below.

Command format (Example showing command for reading data)

% 0 0000000001

1

#RD CRD

Start code

Destination

Indicates command

Type of command

Data specification

*D 00000 00001 indicates data registers DT0 to DT1.

1.2 Unit Operation

*

*

End code

BCC (Block Check Code)

*RD stands for “Read Data”.

Response format (Example of response to data reading command)

%0 0 5 0 0 6 21

Source

Indicates response

Type of command

$RD CR

(lower) (higher)

0A00

(lower) (higher)

Content of data that was read

Content of data that was read

End codeStart code

BCC (Block Check Code)

2

1

1 − 5

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

1.3 Restrictions on Units Combination

FP2−CCU

1.3 Restrictions on Units Combination

1.3.1 Restrictions on Current Consumption

The power supply (5 V DC) used to drive the internal circuits of the Computer
Communication Unit and other units is provided from the power supply unit, through the
backplane.
The overall current consumption, including the current used by other units, should not
exceed the rated capacity of the power supply unit.

Unit name Part No. Current consumption (at 5 V DC)

FP2 Computer Communication Unit FP2−CCU 60 mA or less

For information on the internal current consumptions of other units, please refer to the
“FP2/FP2SH Hardware Manual” and the manuals of the pertinent units.

1.3.2 Restrictions on Installation Position

The Computer Communication Unit can only be installed on the CPU backplane side.
It should not be installed on the expansion backplane. Also, it should be installed to the
right of the power supply unit and the CPU unit.

CPU backplane

Computer
Communication Unit

Can be installed
only on the CPU
backplane

Expansion
cable

Expansion backplane

1 − 6

FP2−CCU

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

1.3 Restrictions on Units Combination

1.3.3 Restrictions on Number of Units that can be Installed

The number of Computer Communication Units that can be installed is as shown in the
table below.

Unit type When FP2 CPU unit is used When FP2SH CPU unit is used

Computer Communication Unit Only one.

Multi−wire Link Unit
(MEWNET−W mode)

Up to three units can be used if they
are used within the range of restric­tions described under “section 1.4
Communication Conditions and Re­strictions Relating to Functions”.

Up to three units, in combination with
Computer Communication Units.

Tip

The above restrictions do not apply to Multi−wire Link Units set to the
MEWNET−F mode and MEWNET−W2 mode.

Up to five units, using Computer Com­munication Units and Multi−wire Link
Unit (MEWNET−W mode) in combina­tion.

Note

If the FP2 CPU unit is being used, make sure the restrictions
relating to the following communication conditions have been
carefully confirmed when deciding the number of units to be
installed.

1 − 7

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

FP2−CCU

1.4 Communication Conditions and Restrictions Relating to Functions

1.4 Communication Conditions and Restrictions
Relating to Functions

1.4.1 Precautions when Using the FP2 CPU Unit −1

If the processing of commands and responses sent from a host computer or display
panel extends over multiple frames, a busy error (error code 53) will be returned to other
ports if communication is currently being carried out on one port, and communication will
be inhibited on those other ports. Combinations to which this restriction applies are
shown in the diagram below.

メ

イ

ン

メ

ニ

ュ

5

ー

1

5

3

時

AM

を

選

択

照

明

制

御

空

調

制

御

館

内

掲

¦

板

〜〜

〜

L

〜〜

〜

〜

〜

〜

〜

〜〜

Power
supply

CCU CCU CCU

CPU

For example, during the time that a
program is being read at the tool port
of the CPU unit, a communication er-

AAA

B

A

BBB

ror will occur at the display panel
connected to the COM.1 port of the
Computer Communication Unit.

Group A Group comprising the tool port of the CPU unit and the COM.1 port.....

of the Computer Communication Unit

Group B Group comprising the COM. port of the CPU unit and the COM.2.....

port of the Computer Communication Unit

A similar restriction also applies if access is being made from another station connected
with the link unit.

Unit No. 1 (source station) Unit No. 2 (other station)

Power
supply

CPU

B

A

CCU CCU

AA

BB

MW

Power
supply

CPU

B

A

MW

When remote programming is being carried out from
another station connected with a Multi−wire Link Unit
(MW), a communication error will occur at the Group A
ports on the source station side.

1 − 8

FP2−CCU

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

1.4 Communication Conditions and Restrictions Relating to Functions

Tip

− “Multiple frames” means that, if a command or response exceeds 118
bytes, the command or response is divided into multiple segments and
transmitted or received.
For example, this applies in cases such as when a program is read from
a tool port, when commands, which continuously read multiple data, are
transmitted from a host side.

− If using the FP2SH CPU unit, the above restriction does not apply.

1.4.2 Precautions when Using the FP2 CPU Unit−2

Of the commands sent from a host computer or display panel, if the monitor commands
(the MC, MD, and MG codes) are used, they cannot be read accurately if two or more
devices within the same group are connected.

Power
supply

CCU CCU CCU

CPU

CC

B

DD

A

Group A CPU unit tool port.....

Group B CPU unit COM. port.....

Group C COM.1 port group of Computer Communication Unit.....

Group D COM.2 port group of Computer Communication Unit.....

メ

イ

ン

メ

ニ

5

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ー

1

5

3時

A

M

を

選

択

照

明

制

御

空

調

制

御

館

内

掲

¦

板

〜〜

〜

L

〜〜

〜

〜

〜

〜

〜
〜〜

メ

イ

ン

メ

ニ

5

ュ

ー

1

5

3時

A

M

を

選

択

照

明

制

御

空

調

制

御

館

内

掲

¦

板

〜〜

〜

L

〜〜

〜

〜

〜

〜

〜
〜〜

For example, if two or more display panels in the
same group are connected and the command
sent from the display panel side is a monitor com-

C

mand, it cannot be read accurately.

D

1 − 9

Functions of Computer Communication Unit

FP2−CCU

1.4 Communication Conditions and Restrictions Relating to Functions

A similar restriction also applies if access is being made from another station connected
with the link unit.

メ

イ

ン

メ

ニ

ュ

5

ー

1

5

3時

A

M

を

選

択

照

明

制

御

空

調

制

御

館

内

掲

¦

板

〜〜

〜

L

〜〜

〜

〜

〜

〜

〜

Unit No. 1 (source station) Unit No. 2 (other station)

Power

CPU

supply

CCU CCU

MW

〜〜

Power

CPU MW

supply

CC

B

A

DD

If remote programming is used to change the monitor­ing destination from another station connected with the
Multi−wire Link Unit (MW), the monitoring destination
of the Computer Communication Unit COM.1 port of
the source station side will end up being changed.

Note

If a monitor command is used for a port in the same group,
registered data will be rewritten in sequential order starting from
the most recent data, and different data will end up being
monitored.

D

C

Tip

− Monitoring commands are commands used to implement monitoring
after the contact or data to be monitored has been registered on the
PLC side.

− The above restriction does not apply if the FP2SH CPU unit is being
used.

1 − 10

Chapter 2

Names and Functions of Parts

2.1 Names and Functions of Parts 2 − 3....................

2.1.1 Names and Functions of Parts 2 − 3............

2.1.2 Operating Status LEDs 2 − 4...................

2.1.3 COM.1 and COM.2 Ports (9 Pins) 2 − 5..........

2.1.4 Transmission Format Setting Switch 2 − 6.......