Schneider Electric has introduced TCP Open, a function block code that enables a PLC to communicate easily with any third-party TCP device, including RF tag readers, printers, bar code readers and other PLCs. The code was developed for the Modicon Premium controller.
The new RFID standards established by Wal-Mart and the U.S. Department of Defense require suppliers shipping goods to track them by case and pallet. The requirements have created severe challenges for most PLC suppliers, who often require consumer goods manufacturers to purchase thousands of dollars worth of intermediate hardware and software in order to allow RF tag readers to communicate with the PLCs that record product shipping information.
The function blocks in Schneider Electric's Telemecanique TCP Open create an object in an object-oriented programming environment. The object automatically opens an Ethernet communication channel to an RF tag reader, records the data and then closes the channel. The code block can be installed in a PLC's programming software in minutes.
"The beauty of this function block solution is its simplicity and extremely low cost compared to other alternatives," said Robb Dussault, product manager for Schneider Electric's new Unity PLC hardware and software platform. "With other PLCs, you'd have to add gateways, RS232 ports and intermediate software to communicate with the RF tag readers. Our Modicon PLCs have a built-in Web server, Ethernet port and Modbus TCP/IP, which enables direct, high-speed connectivity."
