Nexto Xpress - Using XP201 Digital I/O Expansion Modules

This tutorial provides guidelines and procedures to enable the user to utilize the Nexto Xpress I/O expansion modules through the CANopen communication protocol, a feature widely used in automation applications.

Components

Software: Mastertool IEC XE 3.34

PLC: XP340

Expansion Modules: XP201

Tutorial Sections

1. ARCHITECTURE

2. DEVELOPMENT

   2.1. Electrical connection and manual configuration of dip switches

   2.2. Adding the expansion modules in MasterTool

   2.3. Configuring the CAN network and expansion module parameters

   2.4. Changing the digital inputs and outputs

1. ARCHITECTURE

In the architecture of this tutorial, the H terminals of both expansions were connected to the H terminal of the CAN port on the XP340 and the L terminals of the expansions to the L terminal of the Xpress. The controller's Ethernet port was also connected to the computer's Ethernet port.

2. DEVELOPMENT

This tutorial will show the steps to use the Nexto Xpress I/O expansions via the CANopen protocol. All the steps for inserting the protocol and using the expansions are illustrated, but it is important to have the Nexto Xpress Series Manual and the technical specification document for the expansions on hand, allowing reference during the application steps. This document will guide you on installation and physical connection of the modules, programming, and configurations in MasterTool.

2.1. Electrical connection and manual configuration of dip switches

The expansions are powered at 24Vdc, at the V+, V- terminals, and the connection of the Can network adapter with the PLC is made by connecting the H terminals to H and L to L.

Important: Both the electrical connection and the dip switch configuration table can be found in the technical specification document for the expansions. Located in the Support and Downloads section of the Altus website.

https://www.altus.com.br/suporte/download/baixararquivo/AwQKVA==/2  

2.1.1. Internal termination configuration

As for the internal termination switch, it should only be activated at the ends of the Can network, that is, on the CanOpen_Manager and the last communication adapter.

CanOpen_Manager

Adapter

The internal termination on the expansion modules is activated using dip switch SW2.5.

2.2. Adding expansion modules in MasterTool

The .eds files for the expansion modules are available in the downloads center on the Altus website, under the "software" category, with the series "Nexto Xpress" and function "I/O Modules".

After installing the .eds files on your computer, to add them in MasterTool, just go to Tools and then Device Repository.

Important: Starting from version 3.61 of MasterTool, the .eds files described below are already included in the software.

A new window will open. Click Install, select the corresponding expansion module files you are using, and click Open, then close this window.

Now, right-click on CAN, and then on Add Device.

First, add the Manager, which will be the PLC.

After this, right-click on Manager and add the expansions, one at a time.

2.3. Configuring the CAN network parameters

The CAN protocol parameters can be configured by double-clicking on “CAN”.

The same applies to the Manager and the expansions, where a tab will open allowing you to configure parameters.

The DIP switch on the expansion modules must be configured manually, according to the node ID set on each module and the CAN communication baud rate.

2.4. Changing the digital inputs and outputs

It is possible to change the status of the digital outputs and inputs of the expansion modules. To do this, go to the corresponding module tab and click in the Prepared Value column, in the row of the specific output/input. After TRUE appears, press Ctrl + F7, and then click Yes.