Overview
SECTION 1 Communications Methods
1-2
1.1 Overview of Communications Methods
■ Introduction The program for the communications functions are created on the host
(personal computer, PLC, or other type of communications master), and
the E5CN/AN/EN/GN’s parameters are monitored or set from the host.
Therefore, the description provided here is from the viewpoint of the
host.
CompoWay/F is OMRON’s standard communications format for general
serial communications. This format uses a standard frame format as
well as the well-established FINS* commands used for OMRON’s
PLCs. Therefore, it can simplify communications between components
and the host.
*FINS (Factory Interface Network service)
The FINS protocol provides message communications between
controllers in OMRON FA networks.
Modbus is a standard communications control method that conforms to
the Modicon Company’s RTU-mode Modbus Protocol (PI-MBUS-300
Revision J).
Modbus is a registered trademark of Schneider Electric.
It supports functions equivalent to the CompoWay/F Read Variable
Area, Write Variable Area, Operation Command, and Echoback Test
functions.
The E5CN/AN/EN/GN supports the following communications
functions.
• Reading/writing of parameters
• Operation instructions
• Selection of setup levels
Communications are subject to the following condition:
• Parameters can be written only when the Communications Writing
parameter is set to ON (enabled).