Using via the CP-Link 3 Virtual USB hub

In this case, the host PC sees the CPx8xx Bus Coupler connected locally to the computer. For that reason it can also be addressed and configured through the System Manager. Data can be exchanged with the Bus Coupler within a cycle time of between 50 ms and 80 ms. The procedure is to generate a task with the corresponding cycle time, either in the TwinCAT PLC or directly in the TwinCAT System Manager, and to link at least one variable of this task with a variable from the I/O channels of the Bus Coupler (see also Cycle time for data exchange).

Device number of the USB Bus Coupler

If a number of Bus Couplers are connected to the host PC, the user must ensure that different numbers are assigned to the Bus Couplers. On delivery the Bus Couplers integrated in Panel PCs have the number 0. If two Bus Coupler with the same number are connected, the TwinCAT System Manager can only detect one of the two Bus Couplers. In the TwinCAT System Manager, the “Dip switch” value to the right of the “Change to” button can be changed in the Box Parameters on the “BK95xx/CPx8xx” tab. The value is transmitted to the Bus Coupler by clicking the button. The new box number is recognized when the configuration is scanned again.

 

Alternatively, the Bus Coupler number can be written via the Client Explorer of CP-Link 3 (see chapter Client Explorer).

Device Handle of the USB Bus Coupler

By default Device Handle of a USB Bus Coupler is a name generated by the operating system. When using a USB Bus Coupler via CP Link 3 Virtual USB Hub under certain conditions (e.g. after disconnection and re-connection of the network connection) this name may be changed. In this case the System Manager configuration must be updated.
To avoid this effect from the start the Virtual Device Names option can be activated. In this way on the basis of the device number of the Bus Coupler a unique, virtual device name is created as Device Handle: