Serial device

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Serial device

The following table shows all device parameters which can be defined for serial communication in the device object's connection description.

Par.

Values

Settings

Description

/IF

com1 ...

comX

None

By default: COM1 to COM4. With some serial interface cards or adapters, it is possible to have more than COM4.

Example: "/IF=com1"

/BD

9600,

19200,

38400,

57600,

115200

57600

Baud rate in bits per second

Example: "/BD=38400"

/RS

-1, 0,

232,

422,

485

232

Sets the RS232, RS422, or RS485 protocol

Example: "/RS=485"

This parameter sets the flow control of the CTS (clear to send) and RTS (request to send) lines of the serial interface.

Possible parameter values:

= -1: PVI doesn't modify the current setting (see the interface device properties) of the CTS/RTS flow control.

= 0: Always shut off the RTS line (disables RTS flow control).

= 232: Use RTS handshake.

= 422: Always turn on the RTS line.

= 485: Turn on the RTS line at the beginning of a transfer or during the transfer.

CTS flow control is disabled whenever the parameter value >= 0.

Many USB/serial adapters (USB to serial interface) do not handle CTS/RTS flow control correctly. The parameter "/RS=0" must be specified to establish an RS232 connection using these adapters.

/PA

0 - 4

1

Parity setting

0=NOPARITY

1=ODDPARITY

2=EVENPARITY

3=MARKPARITY

4=SPACEPARITY

Default setting for NET2000 communication is "/PA=1".

/IT

0 - 60000

20

Interval timeout (msec)

Defined as the maximum time that can pass between receiving two consecutive characters. The NET2000 protocol uses this time to recognize the end of a received frame.

Example: "/IT=40"

 

For additional parameters, see NET2000 protocol parameters.

Connection description example:

CD="/IF=com2 /BD=115200 /RS=485"

RS232 Vs. RS485:

When using several PLCs, the RS232 single connection (n device objects, each with one station object) offers a higher overall transfer speed when compared with an RS485 network connection (one device object with n station objects). The reason for this is that only one PLC can be accessed at a time (request/response operation) over an RS485 network connection. Communication with RS232 single connections is carried out simultaneously. However, the disadvantage of RS232 single connections is the more complex hardware and wiring systems required.