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Connect

FrameworX

to

PLCs and field devices to acquire real-time data. This tutorial uses

a

simulated Modbus device, but the concepts apply to all protocols.

Overview

Connect FrameworX to PLCs and field devices to acquire real-time data. This tutorial uses a simulated Modbus device, but the concepts apply to all protocols.

What You'll Learn

Modbus Device and addresses to tags.

TutorialsDevices| Tutorial | How-to Guide | Reference


This Tutorial Teaches you to:

  • Configure communication channels
  • Add device nodes
  • Map device addresses to tags
  • Monitor communication status

Prerequisites

Completed "

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1. Create Device

" tutorial
  • Understanding of basic communication concepts
  • Step 1: Create

    Channel

    1. Navigate to Devices → ChannelsProtocols
    2. Select Modbus
    3. Click on New Add new channel:
      • Channel Name: ModbusChannel
      • Protocol: Modbus Master Settings:Protocol
      • Interface: TCP/IP
      • Port: 502
      • Timeout: 3000ms
    Step 2:

    2. Add Device Node

    1. Go to Devices → Nodes
    2. Create node:
      • Name: PLC1
      • Channel: ModbusChannel
      • Station: IP Address (use 127.0.0.1 for simulator)
      • Port 502
      • Device ID: 1
    Step

    3

    :

    . Create Device Points

    1. Navigate to Devices → Points
    2. Add points:

    Digital Input:

    • Tag Name: PLC1_DI_001 TankFarm/Tank1/Level
    • Node: PLC1
    • Address: 10001 (Modbus coil) 40001 
    • Data Type: Native
    • AccessType: DigitalReadWrite

    Analog Input:

    • Name: PLC1_AI_001 TankFarm/Tank2/Level
    • Node: PLC1
    • Address: 30001 (Modbus input register) 40002 
    • Data Type: IntegerNativeScaling
    • AccessType:
    • Enable if needed
    • ReadWrite

    Step 4: Map to Tags

    Method 1 - Direct Mapping:

    1. Go to Unified Namespace → Tags
    2. Select existing tag
    3. In Device column, select: PLC1_AI_001

    Method 2 - Auto-create Tags:

    1. In Devices → Points
    2. Select points
    3. Right-click → Create Tags
    4. Tags created with same names

    4. Starting Modbus Device Simulator

    1. Devices → Channels
    2. Select ModbusChannel
    3. Run Modbus Simulator

    5.

    Step 5:

    Test Communication

    1. Start Runtime (F5)
    2. Open Devices → Monitor
    3. Check status :
      • Green = Connected
      • Red = Error
      • Yellow = Timeout

    Step 6: Troubleshooting

    IssueCheck
    No connectionFirewall, IP address, port
    Wrong valuesAddress offset, data type
    IntermittentTimeout settings, network
    No updatesPolling rate, scan groups

    Using Device Simulator

    For testing without real hardware:

    1. Devices → Tools → Simulator
    2. Select protocol matching your channel
    3. Start simulator
    4. Values update automatically

    Best Practices

    • Test with simulator first
    • Use meaningful point names
    • Group related points
    • Set appropriate scan rates
    • Document address mapping

    Next Steps

  • [Connect to a PLC] - Specific PLC brands
  • [Define Alarms] - Alarm on device values
  • [Historian] - Log device data
    1. (if the ActivityCounter is increasing and LastErrorCode stays fixed, it means everything is running properly)

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