PLC FIRMWARE
The PLC requires two software programs; a PLC Executive program and a PLC User program.
When the CNC is shipped from the factory, these programs are properly stored in the Flash
Memory Chips on the Canbus/Programmable Logic Controller board. Information about each
program is listed below.
• PLC Executive Program - All CanbuslPLC boards are shipped with this program installed.
This program handles low-level hardware tasks for the Canbus/Pl.C board - its operation will
be invisible from the point of view of the Application Engineer. In rare circumstances,
Autocon updates of this program may need to be loaded into the Canbus/Pl.C board via the
control's serial port or floppy disk drive.
• PLC User Program - This program is custom designed for each application. It is
responsible for handling the I/O between the PLC, machine, and CNC to run tool changers,
spindle drives, and other electromechanical devices on the machine tool. As the Application
Engineer, you are responsible for developing and testing the PLC User program. This
program may be loaded into the Canbus/Pl.C board via the control's serial port or floppy
disk drive.
Both programs reside on a pair of Flash memory chips. The odd bytes in each program are
stored on the the first chip while the even bytes in each program are stored on the second chip.
If you ever need to replace the CanbuslPLC board, we recommend that you transmit your PLC
User program to a personal computer or the CNC's floppy disk, exchange Canbus/Pl.C boards,
then transmit the User program to the new CanbuslPLC board. Do not transmit the PLC
Executive program to the new CanbuslPLC board - it is shipped with the latest Autocon version
already loaded.
Although it is not recommended, if you ever wish to physically move these programs from one
CanbusIPLC board to another, you must move both Flash chips..