Configuring the SMC-Flex Controller with the MicroLogix 1100 via Modbus RTU

Technote: How to configure an SMC-Flex controller to communicate with a MicroLogix

1100 via Modbus RTU communications.

This technote outlines how to communicate via the following hardware/communication

path: SMC-Flex -> 20-COMM-H -> Modbus RTU -> 1763-NC01 -> MicroLogix 1100

Modbus RTU

Figure 1 – Hardware Architecture

Steps:
• Verify that you have the software tools and communication cables required
• Assemble hardware
• Configure 20-COMM-H adapter parameters
• Configure SMC-Flex controller parameters
• Configure MicroLogix 1100 MSG instructions

Software Tools:
• Drive Explorer Lite
• RSLogix 500 version 7.0 (or higher)
• RSLinx Classic version 2.51 (or higher)

Communication Cables for Configuration:

• Ethernet cable between PC and MicroLogix 1100
• 1203-USB cable between PC and SMC-Flex

Publications for Reference:

• 20-COMM-H User Manual:
http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/um/20comm-um009_-en-p.pdf
• SMC-Flex User Manual:
http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/um/150-um008_-en-p.pdf
• MicroLogix 1100 Instruction Set Reference Manual:
http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/idc/groups/literature/documents/rm/1763-rm001_-en-p.pdf
20-COMM-H Adapter Configuration

• The 20-COMM-H adapter may not be configured via the built in LCD display on
the SMC-Flex.
• Using a small screwdriver, set the PROTOCOL SELECT switch to RTU (for
Modbus RTU) and the NODE ADDRESS switches to the desired Modbus address
(1-99). If NODE ADDRESS is left at 0, then the node address must be
configured through parameter #3.
• Install the 20-COMM-H adapter into the SMC-Flex and connect the flat ribbon
cable.
• Connect the 1203-USB cable from your PC to the DPI port on the side of the
SMC-Flex.
• The following adapter parameters need to be configured:
o Modbus RTU node address
o Data rate
o Network parity
o Stop bits
• Using Drive Explorer, verify the following parameter values and adjust them as
necessary (each node must have a unique node address and the same data rate,
parity and stop bit selections):

Parameter Parameter Default

Number Name Values Description
3 Net Addr Cfg 1 Configured Modbus RTU node address
4 Net Addr Act Actual Modbus RTU node address used
5 Net Rate Cfg 9600 Configured Data rate
6 Net Rate Act Actual data rate used
7 Net Parity Cfg 0 Configured parity: 0=None,1=Odd,2=Even
8 Net Parity Act Actual parity used
9 Net Stop Bits Actual number of stop bits used
30 Stop Bits Cfg 1 Configured number of stop bits

• The 6-pin Phoenix connector on the 20-COMM-H must be cabled to the 6-pin
Phoenix connector on the MicroLogix 1100 1763-NC01 cable. Use Belden
#3106A or equivalent cable. Connect the “A”, “B” and “COM” conductors
straight through, as well as the cable shield to “SHLD” on both connectors. For a
point-to-point connection, jumper “A” to “Term” on both connectors and jumper
“SHLD” to “GND” on one connector only.
 SMC-Flex Controller Configuration

Configure the SMC-Flex controller according to your application.

MicroLogix 1100 MSG Configuration

• Using RSLogix 500, configure Channel 0 for Modbus RTU Master and set the
parameters to match those of the 20-COMM-H:

• Make sure that Control Line is configured for “No Handshaking (485 Network)”
so that the Modbus RTU Master driver works with the 1763-NC01 cable.
• Configure the following MSG for reading the first 120 SMC-Flex parameters.
Parameter #1 is Modbus Address 41001 (enter in 1001 for MB Data Address).
The maximum number of parameters that can be read with a single message
instruction is 120. The Message Timeout must be increased to at least 4 seconds
when reading a block of 120 parameters due to the delay in the SMC-Flex
controller’s response.
• Configure the following MSG to read the Logic Status Word out of the SMC-Flex
controller. Bit 0 of the LSW is Modbus Address 10001 (enter in 1 for MB Data
Address). The 16-bit LSW is read into B3:1/0 through B3:1/15.
• Configure the following MSG to write the Logic Command Word to the SMC-
Flex controller. Bit 0 of the LCW is Modbus Address 40001 (enter in 1 for MB
Data Address). B3:0/0 through B3:0/15 is written into the 16-bit LCW.
• An alternative way to write individual bits of the Logic Command Word to the
SMC-Flex controller follows. Bit 0 of the LCW is Modbus Address 00001 (enter
in 1 for MB Data Address). B3:0/0 is written into bit 0 of the LCW.