Sample program 1

Connection of a serial bar code scanner

In this example a bar code reader is connected to the EL6001. Characters will be read by the reader until the ASCII character 0x0D (13_dec, CR) is received.

Data:

• Quick task for executing the serial communication: 1 ms cycle time
• Standard PLC task: 10 ms cycle time
• Barcode scanner on channel 1
• TwinCAT 2.11 required
• “TwinCAT PLC Serial Communication” supplement is required

A detailed description for the use of the serial communication library is stored in the Beckhoff Information System.

Beckhoff Information System -> TwinCAT -> TwinCAT PLC -> TwinCAT libraries for PC-based systems -> TwinCAT PLC Library : Serial communication

Starting the example program

The application examples have been tested with a test configuration and are described accordingly.

Certain deviations when setting up actual applications are possible.

The following hardware and software were used for the test configuration:

• TwinCAT master PC with Windows XP Professional SP 3, TwinCAT version 2.11 (Build 1528) and INTEL PRO/100 VE Ethernet adapter
• Beckhoff EK1100 EtherCAT coupler, EL6001 terminals
• Serial barcode scanner with 9-pole sub-D connector

Procedure for starting the program

• After clicking the Download button, save the zip file locally on your hard disk, and unzip the *.TSM (configuration) and the *.PRO (PLC program) files into a temporary working folder
• Run the *.TSM file and the *.PRO file; the TwinCAT System Manager and TwinCAT PLC will open
• Connect the hardware in accordance with fig. 1 and connect the Ethernet adapter of your PC to the EtherCAT coupler (further information on this can be found in the corresponding coupler manuals)
• Select the local Ethernet adapter (with real-time driver, if one) under System configuration, I/O configuration, I/O devices, Device (EtherCAT); on the “Adapter” tab choose “Search...”, select the appropriate adapter and confirm (see Figures)

Fig.152: Searching the Ethernet adapter

Fig.153: Selection and confirmation of the Ethernet adapter

Activation of the configuration and confirmation:

Fig.154: Activation of the configuration

Fig.155: Confirming the activation of the configuration

• Confirming new variable mapping, restart in RUN mode:

Fig.156: Generating variable mapping

Fig.157: Restarting TwinCAT in RUN mode

• In TwinCAT PLC, under the “Project” menu, select “Rebuild all” to compile the project:

Fig.158: Compile project

• In TwinCAT PLC: log in with the “F11” button, confirm loading the program, run the program with the “F5” button:

Fig.159: Confirming program start

• After the character 0x13 has been received, the barcode is stored in “LastBarcode”

Fig.160: Received barcode