Simple PLC code allows communication with any TCP device
PALATINE, Ill. – August 11, 2004 – In a technical breakthrough that could save consumer products manufacturers millions of dollars in complying with new requirements for tracking goods through RFID technology, Schneider Electric has introduced TCP Open™, a derived function block code that enables a PLC to communicate easily with any third-party TCP device, including RF tag readers, printers, bar code readers and even other PLCs. The code was developed for the Modicon® Premium™ controller. The new RFID standards established by Wal-Mart and the U.S.
Department of Defense require suppliers shipping goods to track them by case and pallet. The requirements have created severe challenges for most PLC suppliers, who often require consumer goods manufacturers to purchase thousands of dollars worth of intermediate hardware and software in order to allow RF tag readers to communicate with the PLCs that record product shipping information.The function blocks in Schneider Electric’s Telemecanique® TCP Open create an object in an object-oriented programming environment. The object automatically opens an Ethernet communication channel to an RF tag reader, records the data and then closes the channel.
The code block can be installed in a PLC’s programming software in minutes.”The beauty of this function block solution is its simplicity and extremely low cost compared to other alternatives,” said Robb Dussault, product manager for Schneider Electric’s new Unity™ PLC hardware and software platform. “With other PLCs, you’d have to add gateways, RS232 ports and intermediate software to communicate with the RF tag readers. Our Modicon PLCs have a built-in web server, Ethernet port and Modbus® TCP/IP, which enables direct, high-speed connectivity.”Any technically competent person can install the PLC Open function blocks in minutes.
It enables the programmer to construct a protocol within the application layer, allowing the PLC to communicate directly with any third-party device that is equipped with Ethernet TCP/IP. Ethernet is the network of choice for today’s RF tag readers because of its ability to inexpensively connect multiple readers on a single high speed network.
For more information on the new PLC Open RF solution, visit www.squared.com/us/products/automation.nsf/unid/7DA5DF0FD14B8A2C85256EE8004EB259/$file/TCP_OpenFrameset.htm .
For information on other Telemecanique® automation and control products from Schneider Electric, visit www.us.telemecanique.com or call 1-800-392-8781.Headquartered in Palatine, Ill., the North American Operating Division of Schneider Electric had sales of $2.5 billion in 2003.
The North American Operating Division is one of four geographic divisions of Schneider Electric, headquartered in Paris, France, and markets the Square D, Telemecanique and Merlin Gerin brand products to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the United States, Schneider Electric is best known by its flagship Square D brand, with Telemecanique becoming increasingly known in the industrial control and automation markets and supported by many Square D distributors. For 100 years, Square D has been a market-leading brand of electrical distribution and industrial control products, systems and services. Schneider Electric is a global electrical industry leader with 2003 sales of approximately $9.9 billion.
Visit Schneider Electric at www.us.SquareD.com , www.us.telemecanique.com or www.us.schneider-electric.com .