Omron PLCs via Ethernet

The OMFINS protocol supports UDP/IP communication with the Omron PLCs via the Omron CV500-ETN01/21 Ethernet modules.

Communication is via UDP/IP over Ethernet. The commands within the UDP packets use OMRON Factory Interface Network Service (FINS). The CV-series Ethernet interface uses binary code in its packets - these will be automatically translated to/from ASCII if passed through a gateway to another SYSMAC network which requires ASCII.

This protocol requires only Winsock TCP/IP software to be installed in your computer. No Omron hardware or software is required on your Plant SCADA workstation. The maximum request length for the OMFINS protocol is 996 words for Ethernet. 512 bytes if also going via other OMRON networks.

The CV500-ETN01/21 has a DIX connector that requires an AUI cable to attach via a transceiver to the thin or thick Ethernet backbone network cable. By installing other network units such as SYSMAC NET Link (SNT) or SYSMAC LINK (SLK) in the Programmable Controller CPU Bus which also contains an ETN unit, Plant SCADA can communicate with any unit on these other networks using FINS commands with the appropriate node/unit addresses.

The same Ethernet card that is being used for Plant SCADA communication can be used for PLC communication.