Connecting a new PLC module (BB80)

Hi,

We have a new hardware addition to our PLC which is an “island” module X20BB80 with a main module X20BC0083. I am not able to find these modules in the Hardware Catalog. Does anyone know how to add these modules in the Physical View of the PLC Hardware Configuration in Automation Studio?

Thanks and Regards,
Kenneth

Hi @kenneth.tham
you can insert the X20BC0083 via the Hardware Catalog from Automation Studio, if the hardware upgrade is installed. Check the upgrades dialogs (“Tools → Upgrades”) or the homepage for the latest upgrade version.
Make sure to put the cursor on the Powerlink “PLK” interface first and then search in the toolbox. Setting the cursor sets the context of the toolbox and helps you find the devices faster.

You will just insert a X20BC0083 and the X20BB80 will be inserted automatically.

You could potentially replace the X20BB80 with a another module but in the case of the X20BC0083 only X20BB80 and X20cBB80 (= coated version for harsh environments) are possible.

BR Fabian

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Thanks, I managed to insert X20BB80. It now shows in Physical View as Unconnected Hardware Modules. It is supposed to be physically connected to the main PLC via ethernet. Is it ok? Do I need to connect X20BB80 to X20BB52 in physical view?

Also I have a module X20DI9372 under X20BB80, should I put it directly under X20BB80 or under the X2X connection?

The X20BBXY modules “translate” to Bus Basis modules.
Meaning that these modules only carry other modules like the X20BC0083 and create an IO rack.

You can not directly connect a bus (like Powerlink) to a X20BBXY module. You need modules like X20BC083.

For the X20DI module you have to put it “under” the X2X connection.

Assuming you start like this:


It is not possible to connect the X20BB80 to anything because the X20BC0083 is missing.

Inserting a X20BC0083 will also insert a X20BB80 for it.

Please delete the “empty” X20BB80 from the Physical View.

Now you can connect the X20BC0083 to the Powerlink interface of you CPU not of X20BB52 module. Again, the X20BB52 is “carrying” your CPU.

Last but not least you can connect the X20DI module to the X2X interface on the X20BC0083 station.

Final picture would the be something like this:

Please make sure that you have a CPU with a Powerlink interface if you want to use a X20BC0083 and a Powerlink Network.
If you are using other fieldbuses, you need to have another X20BC module for this.
Check Networks and fieldbus modules | B&R Industrial Automation

BR Fabian

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Thanks for the help. I managed to connect it in the configuration shown. Just a question, are the position numbers arbitrary or do they correspond to a location? If the design is for eg. ST23, would it be possible to use ST30 instead?

Hey Kenneth,

the node numbers must be set as configured in the project, since normally (if not using DNA) the wiring order is indifferent, so each slave identifies via it’s node number. Most POWERLINK devices have node number switches where you can set the correct node number as configured in the project. In case of the X2X bus, the node number increases by 1 with every module, except you are using a backplane module with node switches (X20BM15). These can be used to e.g. realize optional X2X blocks for different machine builts.

Best regards,

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The ST notation is representing the location of the modules with the fieldbus network (Powerlink) or the X2X Link.

For Powerlink stations you can set the node number on the device. The node number on the device must correspond to the ST number set in the Physical View.
The ST numbers for Powerlink can be set freely in-between the range of 1 - 239.
The number can be used with offsets ( 10, 20, 30, …)
Automation Studio will always sort the ST numbers ascending, so don’t be surprised when changing something.

For X2X Link the station must be ascending and you can not use offsets (expect by placing node number busmodules (X20BM15) or a dummy module like X20ZF0000 )
Again, the configuration in the Physical View must match the wiring in the reality.

For further information on the topics, please also see the Online Courses or the B&R tutorial portal.

Hope this helps a bit.

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Regarding setting the node number on the device, how is this done?

Either by clicking the number in the column “Position” or selecting the column with cursor und pressing “Spacebar” or right clicking the module and using the context menu.

For the X20BC0083 it is a bit tricky, because the ST number is assigned at the X20BB80 (orange rectangle) module, but for changing you need to select the X20BC0083. (green rectangle)
image

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Thanks, appreciate your help.

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You can switch on “Show Accessory Modules” in the Toolbar above the Physical View to see the additional Backplanes like the X20BM01 in the Hardware Configuration.
image

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Thanks for the information.