7.2.2 About Connecting to Multiple Device/PLCs

Multiple PLC Connection Methods

Direct Access Method

Multiple PLCs can be connected.

For example, Company A's driver (serial communication) is set to COM1 and Company B's driver is set to COM2 (serial communication).

For example, Company A's driver (serial communication) is set to COM1, and Company B, C, and D's drivers are set to the Ethernet port (Ethernet communication).

Direct Access Method + Memory Link Method

Devices/PLCs and hosts (PCs, Microcomputer boards, etc.) can be connected at the same time.

For example, Company A's PLC is connected to COM1 by the direct access method, and the micro-computer board is connected to COM2 by the memory link method.

System Data Area/LS Area for Use with Multiple Devices/PLCs

Refer to the A.1.4.5 Device/PLC System Data Area Allocation Procedure or "GP-Pro EX Device/PLC manual" for details on the system data area.

Direct Access Method

When multiple PLCs are connected to the display unit, the system data area can only have one PLC connected to it.
For example, In the following image, when four PLCs are connected to the display unit, only one of PLC1 to PLC4 can be set to the system data area.

Direct Access Method + Memory Link Method

When communicating by direct access and memory link, each method uses a separate LS area. However, the system data area, the special relay area, and the LS9000 area are shared.
For example, in the following image, a PLC and microcomputer board are both connected to the display unit, the display unit has a direct access method LS area and a memory link method LS area.