Industrial Automation Knowledge Base

Objective The objective of this article is to demonstrate how to setup a remote connection with 2 layers of LAN using the M262 controller Resolution Configuring the IP forwarding on the NAT router and well as enabling IP forwarding for the corresponding controllers. In addition, you need configure a static route in the router to tell it how to reach the LAN2. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Objective This article documents the steps involved in upgrading the Firmware of a CRD from version 23 to 24. It serves as a guide, and as an assurance to show that a direct upgrade from v23.0.23121 to v24.0.24178 is possible.   Snapshots from document: Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue When using the Topology Explorer in EcoStruxure Process Expert 2023, most changes are immediately saved to the database. However, sometimes they are not, leaving the topology out of synchronization with the controller configuration, which can lead to issues with the control project. Resolution This document explains the signs to look out for if the topology has not been synchronized correctly, and how to perform a synchronization. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue Most people are unaware of certain elements that would help them browse and program more easily within EcoStruxure Automation Expert. Resolution The aim of the document is to give some tips and tricks on how to use EcoStruxure Automation Expert more efficiently. Tips and Trics: Function Block Colors Collapse Offline Parameters List Quickly Switch from Application to Resource Browse in the Function Blocks Network Editor Tab Browsing Cross Reference Links Create Several Links Between FB’s Hide Unused Ports Update 1:  Improving the readability of constants in buildtime. (version > V24.0) Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue Before the introduction of the Hierarchy View (V23.1) all CAT function blocks were automatically created in AVEVA System Platform based on the Application name. Since V23.1 a new process has been introduced using the Hierarchy View, if not configured, objects will not be created in AVEVA System Platform when synchronized. Resolution Please see attached PDF Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue The Topology Manager Client-Server model, or Client-Server Architecture, is a distributed application framework dividing tasks between servers and clients, which either reside in the same computer system or communicate through an Ethernet network. It simplifies the automation life cycle by managing multi-controllers with a central repository for all project files and providing visibility of the entire system architecture. How do I set up a central repository to store all the system project files and manage multiple controllers? Toplogy Manager Client-Server Architecture Resolution Technically, there’s no limit to the number of clients. There’s only one installation file that installs both EcoStruxure Control Expert and the Topology Manager. Both server and client files are always installed together. The objective of this article is to offer guidelines for setting up a client-server architecture for Topology Manager.   Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.

Objective The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the steps for deploy project to SoftdPAC Runtime in Linux OS. Resolution The attached document provides a step-by-step guide to deploy project from EAE Buildtime to SoftdPAC Runtime on Linux OS.

Objective The purpose of this article is to introduce the necessary steps to use EcoStruxure Machine Expert Twin to emulate an existing SmartTemplate RobotCell application in EcoStruxure Machine Expert. Resolution The attached document provides a step-by-step guide to achieve s SmartVisu in Machine Expert Twin from SmartTemplate RobotCell.   

Issue Kinematic calculations help to transform joint into cartesian values and vice versa. But how to define the robot arm configuration (e.g. elbow up or elbow down) while sending the robot to a defined position in cartesian space? Resolution Using inverse kinematics the mendatory entry of a reference positions solves this issue. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue With the shift towards a data-centered world and highly networked industrial environments, modern Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) have become a potential target for cyber-attacks. The attack vectors have evolved due to the adoption of a connected operational model, providing hackers with new methods for manipulating, interrupting, or disrupting PLC operations in all industries and on all platforms. The purpose of this article is to guide you in setting up a protected connection between EcoStruxure Control Expert and the Modicon M340 controller. Understand the impact on Modicon M340's performance when the Protected Engineering Link is activated. Resolution A secure authentication method is implemented to secure and encrypt the connection for Modicon M340 reservations, ensuring a protected engineering/programming connection to the Modicon M340 CPU. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Want to create a report in EcoStruxure Machine SCADA Expert with a trend graphic included ? 

Issue A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial computer that is adapted for the control of manufacturing processes. Given the central role that it plays, it has been a preferred target of industrial control system attackers. ICS (or Industrial Control System) security is growing in importance as cyber-attacks increasingly focus on physical processes for either ransom or to cause harm to critical production systems. The main objective of cybersecurity is to protect information and physical assets from cyberattacks, data breaches, and identity theft, as well as to manage risks. This document aims to guide you on how to set up and configure a secure connection between EcoStruxure Control Expert and the Modicon M580 controller. Resolution The Modicon M580 controller uses HTTPS as its secure connection. HTTPS today uses Transport Layer Security or TLS. TLS is a network protocol that establishes an encrypted connection to an authenticated peer over an untrusted network. TLS is a direct replacement for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer), and both protocols serve the same purpose. With this technology, HTTPS or HTTPS via USB communication on the M580 CPU can be implemented to create a secure and encrypted connection via the engineering/programming link. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue I want to be able to create simulation signals for testing and demonstrations. Resolution This article shows how to generate a Sine wave that can be used for test and demonstration. It also gives suggestions on how to generate other signals.   Please Note: The ideas presented here should ONLY be used for test and demonstration purposes. These generate many events and will degrade the performance of a live system.  Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue The Cobot is running an application program where parallel to the movement it shall: - monitor the position - update or react on IO - initiate additional communication (e.g. socket comms) Resolution Lexium Cobot allows to run programs with up to 5 sub-threads to trigger prallel execution. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Objective The purpose of this article is to introduce the possible control loop parameter settings in a Lexium Multicarrier application. Resolution This article has highlighted how to set Control Loop parameters at a Lexium Multicarrier track. It shows which possibilities are existing and the steps how to use them.  

  Objective The purpose of this article is to introduce the basics and necessary steps, how to configure and set a tool at a robot in a Robotics application in EcoStruxure Machine Expert. The tool handling can be used for the Schneider Electric robots and Non-Schneider robots. For the Schneider Electric Cobot is this function not working, but for all other Schneider Electric robots. Resolution This article has highlighted how to configure and set a tool at a robot. It shows which possibilities are existing and the steps how to use them.  

Can EcoStruxure Machine SCADA Expert v2020 and v2023 be installed on the same PC at the same time?

Issue In a M580 Hot Standby architecture the BMENUA0100 Module does not swap IP addresses like the other communication modules, therefore the SCADA system has to independently detect which NUA module is Primary. Resolution The aim of this document is to provide a step-by-step guide for configuration of AVEVA Plant SCADA (Citect) communicating to the BMENUA0100 Module using OPC UA Client and M580 Hot Standby. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue In EcoStruxure Automation Expert V23.0, a new "Alias Name Toggle" button has been added. However, the documentation for this button is not available yet. Resolution The purpose of this document is to show how it is used to display Instance Name, Asset Tag name or HMI alias information. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.  

Issue SE.AppCommonProcess and other SE libraries offer the ability to show or hide the tag name on symbols used in graphics screens, but this function is not available when you create your own CATs. Resolution The aim of this document is to show you how to use the Tag Name Visibility in your own CATs. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Schneider Electric.