Machine 1 - Injection Molding Machine
PLC scenario - Beckhoff PLC, as an extension Mistubishi PLC (iQ-R)module also available.

Machine 2 - Andon system control panel, output devices would be TV screens, alarm lights and sirens

Communication protocol - through CC link cable between RJ61BT11 card of machine 1 to RJ61BT11N card in machine 2.

Target case - In case of any error/alarm/breakdown in machine 1, it is required for the alarm no. and alarm description to ne shown on TV connected to machine 2 via RJ71EN71.

Issues - The alarm list with alarm no., alarm descriptions and PLC tag numbers for all possible errors/alarms/breakdown have been provided by machine 1 manufacturer. But machine 2 manufacturer is insisting on PLC bit addresses from machine 1 manufacturer to start communicating.

Please suggest how to proceed with communicating the above said case

 

It sounds like your two vendors are treating the alarm data differently. #1 is expecting an alarm to be signalled/sent from within its program structure by using the tag number or alarm number. #2 is using a data array/block which is expecting the alarm initiating bit address.

Proceed by getting the alarm lists from both 1 & 2 into a spreadsheet and arrange it to show the missing data interconnects. Then get them both ina room and get them to explain how this communication will work with the gaps shown.

 

Is this CCLink protocol? I probably don't understand that application but in general I am always hesitant to use CCLink for anything. It is HUGE in Japan but hard to find here. I would worry here about maintainability. Finding someone that can diagnose problems with that system would be difficult. Is there any other option?

John Rinaldi
Real Time Automation
Author of the Everyman's Gude to Modbus
https://www.amazon.com/Modbus-Everymans-Guide-John-Rinaldi/dp/1517764688