Flash X20EM1611 firware via USB

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1

Do any one know how to flash FW via USB on a X20EM1611 Controller?
Thanks
Drakku

2

Hello,

At B&R we have the so called “onboard AR” which is the basic operating system of the PLC
Then we have the CF AR which is the installed operating system you have chosen within the Automation Studio project.
On the CF (or onboard memory of EM PLCs) there is also the application and the firmware for any attached hardware (like IO modules)

Onboard AR cannot be upgraded via USB stick.
CF AR, application and firmware for hardware can be (in principle) be upgraded.
Nevertheless this is not done by simply copying a file to a USB stick and then plugging this stick to the PLC

You have to set the proper firmware in your Automation Studio application and then create a project installation package. This then results in a reinstallation of your PLC including firmware for modules

3

Thanks Oliver. So that means what i have is a CF AR., right? Is there an instruction manual how to do “set the proper firmware in your Automation Studio application and then create a project installation package. This then results in a reinstallation of your PLC including firmware for modules”

This above mentioned procedure is but manual right? not via USB. I tried flashing the FW by creating a project and so on. but was not successful. That is why i was aksing whether an option to flash the FW via USB is available.
Thanks

4

Basically you have everthing.
The PLC runs its onboard AR which then loads the CF AR and your application.

I am still unsure what you want to achieve but the steos are quite simple:

  • you create a project in Automation Studio (or you already have one)
  • “project → change runtime version” lets you select the used CF AR
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  • via “tools → upgrades” you can download additional AR versions or firmware versions of your PLC or hardware
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  • via Pulldown menu you can then select which firmware you want to use for your hardware
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After this you compile your project and select “Project → Project installation → generate Project installation package” and enter your USB stick as destination

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Then plug the stick on your PLC and perform a powerfail - please note that the option to install from USB stick must be enabled in your PLC
OR
the PLC must be in BOOT mode

Attention: this will clear your PLC and install everything from USB stick.
In other words it will wipe the previous application from the CF or internal memory

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5

Thanks Oliver. I will try this and get back to you.

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