B&R X20 to Proface HMI

[Donovanr 0]

Has anyone else got a third party like (Proface HMI) communicating to a B&R X20 PLC, via either Ethernet or Powerlink? I would like to know if this is possible? Thanks

[Rowan Finch 0]

It is indeed possible, but definately not the most straight forward or least time intensive. For the most straight forward and simplest HMI setup, use a B&R power panel as terminal to controller. All the program, tags and HMI config is in AS. So neat and integrated and quick to set up. However if the 3rd party HMI is your only solution, you need to decide which communication protocol to use. Once you have that sorted and then the subsequent hardware interface (either onboard of via pluggable IF module or CS module) you can then write code or use FBKs or use onboard OS comms. For example, 1. Setup the Ethernet port (not EPL) to be a modbus TCP master -> set the HMI to Modbus TCP slave 2. Use FBKs for Modbus RTU/ASCII Slave/Master with FBKs to onboard RS232 or pluggable CS or IF module -> respective Modbus RTU/ASCII Master/Slave at HMI 3. Use FBKs for other serial protocols (e.g. DF1) on CPU -> set HMI to a DF1 protocol 4. Use FBKs for E/IP on CPU -> E/IP on HMI 5. Profibus DP Master or slave IF module - > Profibus DP Slave of Master HMI 6. CAN Open via IF module -> Can Open with HMI As far as EPL is concerned, I am not aware that Proface offers an EPL interface and driver