products

Common CPU Features Firmware Storage in Flash Memory The CPU uses non-volatile flash memory for storing the operating system firmware. This allows firmware to be updated without disassembling the module or replacing EPROMs. The operating system firmware is updated by connecting a PC compatible computer to the module’s serial port and running the software included with the firmware upgrade kit. Operation, Protection, and Module Status Operation of the CPU can be controlled by the three-position Run/Stop switch or remotely by an attached programmer and programming software. Program and configuration data can be locked through software passwords. The status of the CPU is indicated by the CPU LEDs on the front of the module. (On the RX7i CPUs, seven LEDs indicate the status of the Ethernet interface.) For details, see “Indicators” for each PACSystems family. Note: The RESET pushbutton is provided to support future features and has no effect on CPU operation in the current version. Ethernet Global Data Each PACSystems CPU supports up to 255 simultaneous Ethernet Global Data (EGD) pages across all Ethernet interfaces in the PLC. EGD pages must be configured in the programming software and stored into the CPU. The EGD configuration can also be loaded from the CPU into the programming software. Both produced and consumed pages can be configured. PACSystems CPUs support the use of only part of a consumed EGD page, and EGD page production and consumption to the broadcast IP address of the local subnet. The PACSystems CPU supports 2msec EGD page production and timeout resolution. EGD pages can be configured for a production period of 0, indicating the page is to be produced every output scan. The minimum period for these “as fast as possible” pages is 2msec. During EGD configuration, PACSystems Ethernet interfaces are identified by their Rack/Slot location.