ProSoft Technology PLX51-DLplus-232 User Manual
PLX51-DLplus-232
Data Logger Plus
Data Storage Module
October 3, 2019
USER MANUAL
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CONTENTS
1 Preface .................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Introduction to the PLX51-DLplus-232 ............................................................................. 7
1.2 Features ............................................................................................................................ 8
1.3 Additional Information ................................................................................................... 10
2 Installation ............................................................................................................................ 11
2.1 Module Layout ............................................................................................................... 11
2.2 Module Mounting .......................................................................................................... 13
2.3 Power ............................................................................................................................. 14
2.4 RS232 Port ...................................................................................................................... 14
2.5 Ethernet Port .................................................................................................................. 14
3 Setup ..................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Install Configuration Software ....................................................................................... 15
3.2 Network Parameters ...................................................................................................... 15
DHCP Server Settings ............................................................................................................ 15
Network Settings ................................................................................................................... 18
3.3 Creating a New Project ................................................................................................... 20
3.4 Configuring the PLX51-DLplus-232 ................................................................................. 22
General Tab ........................................................................................................................... 22
Serial Tab ............................................................................................................................... 24
3.5 Data Source Configuration ............................................................................................. 25
Group and Tag Triggers ......................................................................................................... 26
Logix Source .......................................................................................................................... 26
DF1 Source ............................................................................................................................ 29
Modbus Source ..................................................................................................................... 30
3.6 Module Download .......................................................................................................... 31
4 RSLogix 5000 Configuration .................................................................................................. 33
4.1 Add Module to I/O Configuration .................................................................................. 33
4.2 Importing UDT’s and Mapping Routines ........................................................................ 35
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4.3 RSLogix 5000 assemblies ................................................................................................ 38
Input Assembly...................................................................................................................... 38
4.4 Inhibiting the Module ..................................................................................................... 39
5 Diagnostics ............................................................................................................................ 41
5.1 LEDs ................................................................................................................................ 41
5.2 Module Status Monitoring ............................................................................................. 42
General Tab ........................................................................................................................... 44
Statistics tab .......................................................................................................................... 45
Tag Status Tab ....................................................................................................................... 46
Recent Records Tab .............................................................................................................. 47
Record Management Tab ..................................................................................................... 48
CIP Statistics Tab ................................................................................................................... 49
Ethernet Clients Tab .............................................................................................................. 50
TCP / ARP Tab ........................................................................................................................ 51
6 Retrieving Logged Data from the PLX51-DLplus-232 ............................................................ 53
6.1 DF1 Packet Capture ........................................................................................................ 53
6.2 Modbus Packet Capture ................................................................................................. 56
6.3 Module Event Log........................................................................................................... 59
6.4 Web Server ..................................................................................................................... 61
6.5 Web Reporting ............................................................................................................... 62
Retrieve Trend Data .............................................................................................................. 64
Customize Graph Axis ........................................................................................................... 67
Upload Records to CSV File ................................................................................................... 71
7 JSON Client ............................................................................................................................ 73
7.1 General Status ................................................................................................................ 73
7.2 Cache Statistics ............................................................................................................... 74
7.3 Unload Log Index Update ............................................................................................... 74
7.4 Cache Records ................................................................................................................ 75
7.5 Reset Log Indexes ........................................................................................................... 76
7.6 Get Tag Names ............................................................................................................... 76
7.7 Trend Data ...................................................................................................................... 77
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7.8 Trend Data UTC .............................................................................................................. 78
7.9 Invalid Request Response .............................................................................................. 80
7.10 Operation ....................................................................................................................... 80
Get Tag Database .................................................................................................................. 80
Get Trend Data ...................................................................................................................... 80
Get Cache Records ................................................................................................................ 81
7.11 Examples ........................................................................................................................ 82
General Status Message ....................................................................................................... 82
Cache Records Message........................................................................................................ 83
8 Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................ 85
8.1 Dimensions ..................................................................................................................... 85
8.2 Electrical ......................................................................................................................... 86
8.3 Ethernet .......................................................................................................................... 86
8.4 Data Cache ..................................................................................................................... 87
8.5 Serial Port ....................................................................................................................... 87
8.6 DF1.................................................................................................................................. 87
8.7 Modbus .......................................................................................................................... 88
8.8 Agency Approvals & Certifications ................................................................................. 88
9 Support, Service & Warranty ................................................................................................ 89
9.1 Contacting Technical Support ........................................................................................ 89
9.2 Warranty Information .................................................................................................... 91
10 Index ...................................................................................................................................... 93
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1 PREFACE
1.1 Introduction to the PLX51-DLplus-232
This manual describes the installation, configuration, operation, and diagnostics of the PLX51DLplus-232. The PLX51-DLplus-232 can read and store data from Logix Controllers, DF1 Serial
Interfaces, or Modbus devices. The PLX51-DLplus-232 has the capacity to store over 16 million
records in its solid-state non-volatile memory. Each stored record includes a Date Time stamp
with a 50 ms resolution, Tag Name, Data Type, and Value.
The PLX51-DLplus-232 can be used to log data at a remote site with limited communication
with its base. The PLX51-DLplus-232 is also used to store records on mobile equipment such as
trucks, drilling rigs, or snow plows. Once the equipment returns back to its base, the historical
data can be uploaded and transferred to a more permanent storage device. The PLX51-DLplus232 can also be configured to collect data which is only downloaded and examined if a fault
occurs, otherwise the data is overwritten.
Compared to the PLX51-DL-232, the PLX51-DLplus-232 has the following additional features:
Trend up to five variables dynamically via the integrated webserver
Upload logged data directly from the integrated webserver
REST API support retrieves data automatically via JSON-encoded messages.
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Non-Historian Option
Parameter
Link
Date Time
UTC Time includes: Year, Month, Day, Hour, Minute, Second, Milliseconds.
Time has a resolution of 50 milliseconds.
Tag Name
As defined in Controller or in the PLX50 Configuration Utility for other sources
Data Type
BOOL, SINT, INT, DINT, or REAL
Value
Logix Tag / DF1 File / Modbus Register value
1.2 Features
The PLX51-DLplus-232 provides temporary extensive on-board storage capability for storing
process tags. A total of 16,777,216 records can be stored in its non-volatile memory.
Each record consists of the following data:
Components of a Record
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The Log Index is managed by the PLX51-DLplus-232 and incremented each time a new record is
stored. The Unload Index is managed externally by the unload service. It is only incremented after
a record has been logged successfully to a text file. The records can be unloaded in Logix with the
Example Code. Both the Log Index and Unload Indices loop around, eventually reaching the end
of the cache. The cache becomes 100% full when the Log Index loops around and equals the
Unload Index. In this situation, either older records are overwritten (Log Mode = Overwrite) or
newer records are not logged (Log Mode = Hold).
Memory Schematic
The PLX51-DLplus-232 is configured using the ProSoft PLX50 Configuration Utility. This program
can be downloaded from www.prosoft-technology.com, free of charge. The PLX50 Configuration
Utility offers various configuration methods, including a controller tag browser. The PLX50
Configuration Utility can also be used to monitor the status and download historical data to a
local file.
The PLX51-DLplus-232 can operate in both a Logix “owned” and standalone mode. With a Logix
connection, the input and output assemblies provide additional diagnostics information. This
information is available in the Logix controller environment.
The PLX51-DLplus-232 uses isolated RS232 for DF1 communication. The RS232 port also uses a
terminal block for convenient installation.
A built-in webserver provides detailed diagnostics of system configuration and operation.
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1.3 Additional Information
Resource
Link
PLX50 Configuration
Utility Installation
www.prosoft-technology.com
User Manual
Datasheet
Example Code & UDTs
www.prosoft-technology.com
Ethernet wiring standard
www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/video/cds/cde/cde205_220_420/installation/
guide/cde205_220_420_hig/Connectors.html
CIP Routing
The CIP Networks Library, Volume 1, Appendix C:Data Management
For professional users in the European Union
If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), please contact your dealer
or supplier for further information.
Warning – Cancer and Reproductive Harm – www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
The following documents contain additional information that can assist you with installation and
operation.
Additional Information
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2 INSTALLATION
2.1 Module Layout
The PLX51-DLplus-232 has three ports at the bottom of the enclosure, as shown in the figure
below. The ports are used for Ethernet, RS232 serial, and power.
The DC power port uses a three-way connector (+ positive, - negative, and Earth).
The RS232 port uses a four-way connector (Tx Transmit, Rx Receive, Gnd Ground, and Shield
earth connection).
The Ethernet cable must be wired according to industry standards which can be found in the
additional information section of this document.
Figure 2.1 –Side and bottom view
The PLX51-DLplus-232 provides three diagnostic LEDs (Ok, Act, and Eth). These LEDs provide
information on system operation, the Ethernet interface, and the auxiliary communication
interface (RS232).
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DIP Switch
Description
DIP 1
Used to force the PLX51-DLplus-232 into “Safe Mode”. When in “Safe Mode”, the
PLX51-DLplus-232 does not load the application firmware. It waits for new firmware
to be downloaded. This should only be used when a firmware update was interrupted
at a critical stage.
DIP 2
Used to force the PLX51-DLplus-232 into DHCP mode, useful when the user has
forgotten the IP address of the PLX51-DLplus-232.
Note: If multiple network cards are running on your PC, the DHCP will be unreliable.
Only one DHCP server should be used.
DIP 3
Reserved
DIP 4
Reserved
Figure 2.2 – Front and top view
The PLX51-DLplus-232 has four DIP switches at the top of the enclosure as shown above.
Table 2.1 - DIP Switch Settings
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2.2 Module Mounting
The PLX51-DLplus-232 provides a DIN rail clip to mount onto a 35mm DIN rail.
Figure 2.3 - DIN rail specification
The DIN rail clip is mounted on the bottom of the PLX51-DLplus-232. Use a flat screw driver to
pull the clip downward. Once the PLX51-DLplus-232 is mounted onto the DIN rail, the clip must
be pushed upward to lock the PLX51-DLplus-232 in place.
Figure 2.4 - DIN rail mouting
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2.3 Power
A three-way power connector is used to connect + positive, - negative, and Earth. The PLX51DLplus-232 requires an input voltage of 10 to 28 Vdc.
Figure 2.5 - Power connector
2.4 RS232 Port
The RS232 connector is used to connect the Transmit (Tx), Receive (Rx), and Ground conductors
for serial communication. The shield terminal can be used for shielded cable in high noise
environments.
NOTE: The shield of the RS232 port is internally connected to the power connector
earth. Thus, when using a shield it is important to connect the Earth terminal on
the power connector to a clean earth. Failing to do this can lower the signal quality
of the RS232 communication.
NOTE: When using a shielded cable, it is important that only one end of the shield
is connected to earth to avoid current loops. It is recommended to connect the
shield to the PLX51-DLplus-232, and not to the other Serial device.
Figure 2.6 - RS232 connector
2.5 Ethernet Port
The Ethernet connector should be wired according to industry standards. Refer to the additional
information section in this document for further details.
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3 SETUP
3.1 Install Configuration Software
The PLX51-DLplus-232 is configured using the PLX50 Configuration Utility environment. This
software can be downloaded from www.prosoft-technology.com.
Figure 3.1 - PLX50 Configuration Utility Environment
3.2 Network Parameters
DHCP SERVER SETTINGS
By default, the PLX51-DLplus-232 has DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) enabled.
Thus, a DHCP server must be used to provide the PLX51-DLplus-232 with the required network
parameters (IP address, subnet mask, etc.). There are a number of DHCP utilities available.
However, it is recommended to use the DHCP server in the PLX50 Configuration Utility.
Note: If multiple network cards are running on your PC, the DHCP will be unreliable. Only one
DHCP server should be used.
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1 Within the PLX50 Configuration Utility, click on TOOLS > DHCP SERVER.
Figure 3.2 - Selecting DHCP Server
2 Once opened, the DHCP server listens on all available network adapters for DHCP requests
and displays their corresponding MAC addresses.
Figure 3.3 - DHCP Server
NOTE: If the DHCP requests are not displayed in the DHCP Server, it may be due
to the local PC’s firewall. During installation, the necessary firewall rules are
automatically created for the Windows firewall. Another possibility is that another
DHCP Server is operational on the network and it has assigned the IP address.
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3 To assign an IP address, click on the corresponding ASSIGN button. The Assign IP Address
dialog box opens.
Figure 3.4 - Assigning IP Address
The required IP address can then be either entered, or a recently used IP address can be
selected by clicking on an item in the Recent list.
If the Enable Static checkbox is checked, the IP address will be set to static after the IP
assignment, thereby disabling future DHCP requests.
4 Click OK when complete.
5 Once the Assign IP Address dialog box has been accepted, the DHCP server automatically
assigns the IP address to the PLX51-DLplus-232 and reads the Identity Object Product
name from the device. The device indicates a green background upon successful
assignment of the IP address.
Figure 3.5 - Successful IP address assignment
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It is possible to force the PLX51-DLplus-232 into DHCP mode by powering up the device with DIP
switch 2 in the On position. A new IP address can be assigned by repeating the previous steps.
NOTE: It is important to return DIP switch 2 back to Off position, to avoid the
PLX51-DLplus-232 returning to a DHCP mode after the power is cycled again.
In addition to the setting the IP address, other network parameters can be set during the DHCP
process. These settings can be viewed and edited by clicking on TOOLS > APPLICATION SETTINGS.
NETWORK SETTINGS
Once the DHCP process has been completed, the network settings can be set using the Ethernet
Port Configuration via the Target Browser.
1 Click on TOOLS > TARGET BROWSER
Figure 3.6 - Selecting the Target Browser
2 The Target Browser automatically scans the Ethernet network for EtherNet/IP devices.
Figure 3.7 - Target Browser
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3 Right-clicking on a device reveals the context menu, including the Port Configuration
option.
Figure 3.8 - Selecting Port Configuration
4 All relevant Ethernet port configuration parameters can be modified using the Port
Configuration dialog box.
Figure 3.9 - Port Configuration
Alternatively, these parameters can be modified using the Rockwell Automation RSLinx software.
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3.3 Creating a New Project
Before you configure the PLX51-DLplus-232, a new PLX50 Configuration Utility project must be
created.
1 Click on FILE > NEW.
Figure 3.10 - Creating a new project
2 A new project is created and displayed in the Project Explorer tree view.
3 Add a new device by clicking on DEVICE > ADD.
Figure 3.11 - Adding a new device
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4 In the Add New Device dialog box, select the PLX51-DLplus-232 and click the Ok button.
Figure 3.12 – Selecting the PLX51-DLplus-232
5 The device appears in the Project Explorer tree, and its configuration window is opened.
The device configuration window can also be opened by double-clicking the PLX51DLplus-232 icon in the Project Explorer tree, or right-clicking the PLX51-DLplus-232 icon
and selecting Configuration.
Figure 3.13 – PLX51-DLplus-232 configuration
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3.4 Configuring the PLX51-DLplus-232
The PLX51-DLplus-232 is configured by the PLX50 Configuration Utility. The configuration consists
of a general configuration, serial configuration for DF1 or Modbus RTU, data source
configuration, and tag selections. The PLX51-DLplus-232 configuration is saved in non-volatile
memory that persists when the PLX51-DLplus-232 is powered down.
NOTE: When a firmware upgrade is performed, the PLX51-DLplus-232 will clear all
configuration and cached records.
GENERAL TAB
The general configuration is shown in the figure below. The general configuration window is
opened by either double-clicking on the PLX51-DLplus-232 icon in the tree, or right-clicking the
PLX51-DLplus-232 icon and selecting Configuration.
Figure 3.14 - General Configuration
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The general configuration consists of the following parameters:
Parameter
Description
Instance Name
This parameter is a user defined name to identify between various PLX51-DLplus232’s.
Description
This parameter is used to provide a more detailed description of the PLX51-DLplus-
232.
Major Revision
The major revision of the PLX51-DLplus-232.
IP Address
The PLX51-DLplus-232’s IP address used by the PLX50 Configuration Utility to
communicate with the PLX51-DLplus-232.
Data Source
This parameter selects the source of the data.
Logix – Rockwell Automation ControlLogix or Compact Logix controller
DF1 – Serial DF1
ModbusRTU – Serial Modbus
ModbusTCP – Modbus over Ethernet
Logging Mode
This parameter determines if records are overwritten once the memory is filled.
Overwrite = Old records are overwritten, giving priority to newer data.
Hold = Old records are preserved while new records are not stored.
Table 3.1 - General configuration parameters
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SERIAL TAB
Parameter
Description
Baud Rate
This configures the speed of the data that is sent across the RS232 serial network.
The PLX51-DLplus-232 provides the following speeds:
1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, and 115200
Parity
This configures the parity of the RS232 serial port. The PLX51-DLplus-232 allows
for Even, Odd, or None.
Protocol
This configures the PLX51-DLplus-232 to operate in full duplex or half duplex mode
on the DF1 network.
Error Detection
The PLX51-DLplus-232 can be configured to perform either BCC or CRC checksum
validation on incoming and outgoing packets. CRC checksums is a much stronger
validation method, but is more processor-intensive to perform.
Embedded Response
This configures the PLX51-DLplus-232 to add the acknowledge responses in the
data payload. It can be configured to be Auto Detect or On.
This function is only available in Full Duplex mode.
The Serial tab is shown in the figure below. The Serial configuration is opened by either doubleclicking on the PLX51-DLplus-232 icon in the tree, or right-clicking the PLX51-DLplus-232 icon and
selecting Configuration. Select the Serial tab.
Figure 3.15 - Serial configuration
The Serial configuration (Serial tab) consists of general Serial and DF1-specific parameters. For
Modbus RTU, only the Baud Rate and Parity need be configured.
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Node Address
The node address is the local node address of the PLX51-DLplus-232.
Retry Limit
This determines how many times the PLX51-DLplus-232 must retry and message
exchange before failing it.
Timeout
This determines the interval between retries for a failed message exchange.
Reply Msg Wait
This is the minimum delay before the DF1 reply is transmitted to the DF1 device.
Duplicate Detection
This configures the PLX51-DLplus-232 to check for duplicate packets and flagging
them.
Table 3.2 - Serial Modbus RTU and DF1 configuration parameters
3.5 Data Source Configuration
The Data Source tabs determine the PLX51-DLplus-232 communication mode used to acquire
data. The Data Source options include:
Logix Source – ControlLogix and Compact Logix controllers
DF1 Source – For collecting data over DF1 Serial communications
Modbus Source – for Modbus RTU (Serial) and ModbusTCP (Ethernet) communications
Once the data source is selected, each tab allows the configuration of up to three source devices
and a total of 200 tags.
Tags can be logged as a result of their individual log criteria or via a group trigger. There are eight
trigger groups (A thru H), and a tag can be a member of any trigger group. Groups are in turn
triggered by one or more tags. The triggering of a group ensures all its member’s values are
logged at the same instance.
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GROUP AND TAG TRIGGERS
Three parameters determine when a tag is triggered:
Delta Y (Δy) – A change in the value of the tag by this amount or more, AND
Min ΔT – The minimum time in seconds between each consecutive trigger, OR
Max ΔT – The maximum time between each consecutive trigger. Setting the Max ΔT to ‘0’
disables the “heartbeat” and allows you to log on trigger.
The first two parameters work together to ensure tags are not logged too frequently, and the
Max ΔT is set at a minimum logging frequency.
Figure 3.17 – Group and Tag Triggers
LOGIX SOURCE
The Logix Source tab is used to configure tags from Rockwell Automation Logix controllers over
EtherNet/IP. The PLX51-DLplus-232 can read tags from up to three separate controllers. A Target
Name must be provided. This acts as a reference to the Logix CIP path. The Target Name does
not have to match the actual controller name set in RSLogix. The Controller’s CIP Path can either
be typed in or selected from a list in the Target Browser.
Figure 3.20 – Logix Source Configuration Tab
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1 Click the BROWSE button in the browse column to launch the Target Browser. The Target
Browser opens and automatically scans for all available EtherNet/IP devices.
Figure 3.21 – Target Browser Window
2 If the Ethernet/IP module is a bridge module, it can be expanded by right-clicking on the
PLX51-DLplus-232 icon and selecting the Scan option.
Figure 3.22 - Scanning node in the Target Browser
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3 The Logix controller can be selected by clicking the Ok button, or by double-clicking on
the controller module.
4 Once the controller references have been configured, the individual Logix tags can be
added. Tags can either be entered manually or selected by using the Tag Browser
associated with each controller.
Figure 3.23 - Logix Tag configuration
NOTE: Tag names need to match in order for the PLX51-DLplus-232 to correctly
identify the tag. Full tag names are needed for tags to be located in program scopes.
5 To launch the Tag Browser, click the BROWSE TAGS button associated with the controller.
Tags that are were already selected and identified are highlighted in green. See Fig 3.24.
Figure 3.24 – Tag Browser Selection
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6 Tags can be removed by selecting the rows in the left margin, and right-clicking to display
the DELETE option.
Figure 3.25 – Deleting Tags
DF1 SOURCE
A maximum of three DF1 Sources can be configured. The configuration of each source requires a
Device Name (used as a reference for tag data sources), the Device Type (either PLC5 or SLC), and
a Node Address.
Each DF1 Tag requires a unique Tagname and Data Address.
Figure 3.26 – DF1 Source configuration
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