Welcome to Nexto Xpress’ first steps guide, your front gate to the Industry 4.0. In this guide, it will be demonstrated how to connect Nexto Xpress to the MasterTool IEC XE software, developing a simple application.

Tutorial Sections

1. ARCHITECTURE
2. DEVELOPMENT

   2.1. Electrical installation

   2.2. MasterTool IEC XE

         2.2.1. Creation of a Project

         2.2.2. Developing the application

         2.2.3. Configure analog inputs and outputs

         2.2.4. Renaming referenced variables

         2.2.5. Loading the application

3. RESULT

   3.1. Simulation Mode

         3.1.1. Manually write values to variables

         3.1.2. I/O Simulator

4. EXTRA CONTENT

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 1. ARCHITECTURE

In the architecture used on this tutorial, the Ethernet port of XP325 was connected to the computer`s Ethernet port using the NX9202 cable.

2. DEVELOPMENT

This guide will demonstrate the development of a simple application in the MasterTool IEC XE software, where a digital input will trigger a digital output and the value of an analog input will be transferred to an analog output. Since there isn`t any switch/sensor connected to the PLC`s inputs (digital and analog), we will use a very interesting resource of the software, the Simulation mode.

It’s important to have the Xpress’ user manual in hand, since it will guide you on the technical features, mechanical installation, initial programming, settings and future maintenance.

Note: The developed application is available to download in the end of this tutorial.

2.1.  Electrical installation

First, you need to power on your Xpress. To do this, simply connect the +V, 0V and Ground (if your power source has it) of the Xpress to a 24 Vdc power supply. When powering on the Xpress, all the LEDs will turn on, indicating that the equipment is initializing.

Note: If you have more questions about the Xpress` electrical installation, check the installation guide that comes with the product or access it by clicking here.

2.2.  MasterTool IEC XE

The MasterTool IEC XE software is the programming IDE of the Nexto series. To perform the development of projects in Xpress it is necessary to install this software by clicking here.

To facilitate the development of the projects, it is important to have MasterTool’s user manual in hand and the IEC 61131 programming manual, which contains information on programming languages, libraries and function blocks.

The video below shows the steps have seen in this tutorial to develop a project to the Xpress.