
FX2N-232IF RS232C INTERFACE BLOCK
HARDWARE MANUAL
JY992D73501B
This manual contains text, diagrams and explanations which will guide the reader in the correct installation
and operation of the FX2N-232IF RS232C Interface Block. It should be read and understood before
attempting to install or use the unit. Further information can be found in the FX PROGRAMMING MAN-
UAL, FX series hardware manuals.
If in doubt at any stage during the installation of the FX2N-232IF RS232C Interface Block always consult a
professional electrical engineer who is qualified and trained to the local and national standards.
1. INTRODUCTION
The RS232C interface block FX2N-232IF (hereinafter referred to as "232IF") is connected to the FX2N/
FX2NC/FX3U/FX3UC series PLC to realize full duplex serial data communication with another RS232C
interface such as a personal computer, bar code reader, printer, etc.
1) Two or more devices with RS232C interfaces can be connected to an FX2N/FX2NC/FX3U/FX3UC series
PLC by using the RS232C special function block. Up to 8 special function block can be connected to
the FX2N/FX3U/FX3UC*1 series PLC. Up to 4 special function block can be connected to the FX2NC
PLC. (Refer to section 2.1)
2) Communication requires no protocol
Full-duplex asynchronous communication between RS232C devices is specified through buffer mem-
ory (BFM). The FROM/TO instruction is used for the buffer memory.
3) The send/receive buffer can accommodate 512 bytes/256 words.
When the RS232C interlink connection mode is used, data exceeding 512 bytes/256 words can also
can be received.
4) ASCII/HEX conversion function
The function to convert and send and a hexadecimal numeric (0 to F) saved in the send data buffer as
well as the function to convert a received ASCII code into a hexadecimal numeric (0 to F) and save it
to the receive buffer are provided.
*1 Up to 7 special function block can be connected to the FX3UC-32MT-LT PLC
2. Specifications
2.1 External Dimensions and Part Names
Dimensions:mm(inches) Weight: Approx. 0.3 kg Accessory:Special block No. label
POWER
RD
SD
24+ 24-
➀
80(3.15")
mounting hole itch
55(2.17")
4(0.16")
85(3.35")
POWER
RD
SD
FX -232IF
2N
90(3.54")
➁
➂➃➄
➉
➅
➈
➆
➇
cExtension cable
dMounting hole (2-φ4.5(0.18"))
ePOWER LED :Lit when both the 5V DC power supplied from the main unit and the 24V DC power
supplied from the external terminal are supplied.
fSD LED:Lit while data is sent to the RS232C equipment connected to the 232IF.
gRD LED:Lit while data is received from the RS232C equipment connected to the 232IF.
hTerminal screws (M3 (0.12"))
iNext step extension connector
jRS232C connector (9-pin D-SUB connector: #4-40unc inch screw thread)
kDIN rail clip
lDIN rail groove (35(1.38"))
2.2 Connector Pin Layout
1
2
3
4
59
8
7
6
*<>At selection of interlink connection mode
Pin No. Signal name Meaning Function
1CD(DCD) Carrier detection This signal indicates only status.
2RD(RXD) Receive data Receive data (RS232C device to 232IF)
3SD(TXD) Send data Send data (232IF to RS232C device)
4ER(DTR) Data terminal ready ON when Send/Receive enable is ON
5SG Signal ground Signal ground
6DR(DSR) Data set ready This signal indicates only status.
7RS(RTS) Request to send
<Clear to receive>*
ON when Send command is ON
<ON when 232IF is Receive enabled>*
8CS(CTS) Clear to send ON when RS232C device is ready to receive
9CI(RI) Calling indication This signal indicates only status.
2.3 System Configuration
RS-232C device
Personal computer
Bar code reader
Printer
FX
2N
-232IF
RS-232C:max 15m
PLC
FX
2N
/FX
3U
PLC
FX
2NC
/FX
3UC
PLC
To connect this block to the FX
2NC
Series
PLC, the FX
2NC
-CNV-IF is required
or
FX
2NC
-CNV-IF
To connect this block to the FX
3UC
Series
PLC, either the FX
2NC
-CNV-IF or FX
3UC
-
-1PS-5V is required.
FX
3UC
-1PS-5V
or
3. WIRING AND CONNECTION
3.1 Connection with the programmable controller
The 232IF can be connected to the FX2N/FX2NC/FX3U/FX3UC programmable controller or connected on
the right side of another extension block/unit. A number is assigned to each special unit/block counting
from the one nearest the main unit in the way of No.0, No.1. . . No.7". Up to 8 FX2N-232IF units can be
connected to the FX2N/FX3U/FX3UC*1 Series PLC. Up to 4 FX2N-232IF units can be connected to the
FX2NC Series PLC. However, the capacity of the 5V DC power supplied from the programmable controller
is limited. The current consumption of the 5V DC power in the 232IF is 40 mA. Make sure that the total
current consumption of the 5V DC power supply including other special blocks is equivalent to or less than
that available.
*1 Up to 7 units can be connected to an FX3UC-32MT-LT PLC
FX -48MR-ES/UL
Block
No.1
FX -232IF
FX -16EX-ES/UL
Block No.0
X000-X027
Y000-Y027 X030-X047
2N
FX -232IF
2N
2N
2N
FX -48MR2NMELSEC 762720 22 23 24 25 2621
16 17
14 171510 12 13
724561302720 22 23 24 25 2621
1611
IN
L X5 X7 X13 X15 X17 X21 X23 X25
X4 X6 X10 X14 X16 X20 X22 X24
24+N
COM X0
X1
X2
COM4
Y24
Y25
COM5
Y27COM2
Y4
Y5
Y6
Y7 COM3
Y10
Y13COM1
Y0 Y2
Y3
Y14
Y15
Y20
Y21
Y22
Y23
Y26
POWER
T.V
CPU.E
PROG.E
POWER
RD
SD
POWER
RD
SD
1
IN 0
7
2
3
4
5
6
POWER
1
IN 0
7
2
3
4
5
6
1
IN 0
7
2
3
4
5
6
POWER
1
IN 0
7
2
3
4
5
6
3.2 Power Supply Wiring
Handling of the crimp-style terminal
Use the crimp-style terminals of the dimensions shown on the fig-
ure on the left. Make sure that the tightening torque of the terminal
is 0.5 to 0.8 Nym.
Tighten each terminal securely to avoid malfunction.
FX2N
programmable
controller
Extension
cable
FX2N-232IF
DC service supply of
programmable controller
may be used.
DC service supply
Class D
grounding
100 Ωor less
24V DC±10%
80mA
24+
24-
0V 24V
6.2mm
(0.24")
6.2mm
(0.24")
3.3 Connection Example
The signal wiring of the RS232C equipment varies depending on the RS232C specifications connected.
Check the specifications of the RS232C equipment used, then connect the signals correctly. Representa-
tive wiring examples are shown below.
1) Connection with counterpart equipment of terminal specifications (when control line is not used)
BFM #0 communication format: b9 = 0, b8 = 0, without control line
Communication is performed in accordance
with the condition determined by the soft-
ware in the 232IF and the counterpart equip-
ment.
232IF side
Signal
name
Pin
No.
SD(TXD) 3
RD(RXD) 2
SG(GND) 5
RS232C device side
Signal
name
9-pin
D-SUB
25-pin
D-SUB
SD(TXD) 3 2
RD(RXD) 2 3
SG(GND) 5 7
2) Connection with counterpart equipment of terminal specifications (when control line is used)
Cross cable used, BFM #0 communication format: b9 = 0, b8 = 1, standard RS232C mode
Because the carrier to send (CS) signal pin
of the 232IF itself receives the request to
send (RS) signal, signal transfer is per-
formed as if the counterpart equipment is
functioning.
*1 When the CD signal is not monitored, the
CD signal pin is not required to be con-
nected. The 232IF only monitors the sig-
nal status (ON/OFF).
*2 The 232IF only monitors the signal status
(ON/OFF).
232IF side
Signal
name
Pin
No.
SD(TXD) 3
RD(RXD) 2
RS(RTS) 7
CS(CTS) 8
CD(DCD) 1
ER(DTR) 4
DR(DSR) 6
SG(GND) 5
RS232C device side
Signal
name
9-pin
D-SUB
25-pin
D-SUB
SD(TXD) 3 2
RD(RXD) 2 3
RS(RTS) 7 4
CS(CTS) 8 5
CD(DCD) 1 8
ER(DTR) 4 20
DR(DSR) 6 6
SG(GND) 5 7
*1
*2
3) Interlink serial cross cable used,
BFM #0 communication format: b9 = 1, b8 = 1, RS232C interlink connection mode
In the interlink connection mode, data
exceeding 512 bytes (upper limit of the
receive buffer in the 232IF) can be received.
*1 In this mode, the Request to Send signal
(RS) functions as the receive enable sig-
nal in the 232IF. When receiving data that
exceeds 512 bytes (the upper limit of the
232IF receive buffer), the 232IF sets the
Request to Send signal (RS) to “OFF”
and requests the counterpart equipment
to suspend the data transmission. Once
the data saved in the receive buffer is
read by the sequence program, the
remaining data can be received.
*2 The 232IF only monitors the signal status
(ON/OFF).
232IF side
Signal
name
Pin
No.
SD(TXD) 3
RD(RXD) 2
RS(RTS) 7
CS(CTS) 8
ER(DTR) 4
DR(DSR) 6
SG(GND) 5
RS232C device side
Signal
name
9-pin
D-SUB
25-pin
D-SUB
SD(TXD) 3 2
RD(RXD) 2 3
RS(RTS) 7 4
CS(CTS) 8 5
ER(DTR) 4 20
DR(DSR) 6 6
SG(GND) 5 7
*1
*2
4) Connection with counterpart equipment of modem specifications (Control line is essential.)
Straight cable used, BFM #0 communication format: b9 = 0, b8 = 1, standard RS232C mode
232IF side
Signal
name
Pin
No.
SD(TXD) 3
RD(RXD) 2
RS(RTS) 7
CS(CTS) 8
CD(DCD) 1
ER(DTR) 4
DR(DSR) 6
SG(GND) 5
CI(RI) 9
RS232C device side
Signal
name
9-pin
D-SUB
25-pin
D-SUB
SD(TXD) 3 2
RD(RXD) 2 3
RS(RTS) 7 4
CS(CTS) 8 5
CD(DCD) 1 8
ER(DTR) 4 20
DR(DSR) 6 6
SG(GND) 5 7
CI(RI) 9 22
*1 When the CD signal is not being moni-
tored, the CD signal pin is not required
to be connected. The 232IF only moni-
tors the signal status (ON/OFF).
*2 The 232IF only monitors the signal sta-
tus (ON/OFF).
*3 When the CI signal is not required, the
CI signal pin is not required to be con-
nected. The 232IF only monitors the
signal status (ON/OFF).
*1
*2
*3