overview
This section explains how to gateway data between multiple PLCs.
For example, in an environment where there are multiple PLCs, you may want to transfer data between PLCs in real time or when a trigger occurs. In such a situation, you can use a bridge action. This function is effective in situations where PLCs cannot directly communicate with each other, such as in an environment where different models of PLCs from different manufacturers are mixed. Bridge actions can also handle array tags. Using array tags allows you to transfer tags faster.
Action used: Bridge action
Download the sample
There are two examples provided in the example shown on this page.
■ Sample for transferring one tag
■ Sample using array tags
Operation check
Load the sample server configuration file from FA-Server and bring the application online (yellow arrow).
After going online, confirm that the value of U01.F01.T01 is transferred to U02.F01.T01 every second.
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In this sample, real-time transfer processing is performed using Periodic event, but if you want to perform a one-shot transfer processing only when a certain bit is turned ON, you can use Tag event as a trigger for executing the action. |
Setup Procedure
Tag configuration
1.Set tags.
In this example, we are assuming communication connections with two PLCs, so we will register the unit connected to one PLC as "U01" and the unit connected to the other PLC as "U02".
(U01 side)
(U02 side)
The above example uses virtual devices and creates the following tags for each unit:
Tag Name |
address |
the purpose |
U01.F01.T01 |
SD0000 |
Source tag. Note that the SD tag of a virtual device is a tag whose value changes automatically. |
U02.F01.T01 |
D0000 |
The tag to forward to. |
If you want to define the above tags as an array, check "Make it an array" in the "Advanced Settings" of the properties of the tag you want to register, and specify the number of arrays you want to send and receive at once. For more information about array tags, see "Tag Arrays".
(Example set as an array tag)
Action Settings
1.Added bridge action "A01".
2.Add fields to configure the transfer.
Right-click "A01" to display the menu, and select "Add".
Then, a field called "B01" was added to the "A01" action.
The added fields are listed in the multiview.
Display the properties of
B01 and set the source and destination tag paths.
Source tag name: U01.F01.T01
Destination tag name: U02.F01.T01
Event Settings
1.Create a Periodic event to perform the action.
In this example, we will transfer values every second.
Set the execution action to "A01".
