Omron SYSMAC NX-CIF Series User manual

Machine Automation Controller
NX-series
Communications Interface Units
Communications Interface Units
User’s Manual
W540-E1-07
NX-CIF

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in
any form, or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior
written permission of OMRON.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Moreover, because
OMRON is constantly striving to improve its high-quality products, the information contained in this manual is
subject to change without notice. Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual. Neverthe-
less, OMRON assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained in this publication.
• Sysmac and SYSMAC are trademarks or registered trademarks of OMRON Corporation in Japan and other
countries for OMRON factory automation products.
• Microsoft, Windows, Windows Vista, Excel, and Visual Basic are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
• EtherCAT®is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH, Germany.
• Safety over EtherCAT®is registered trademark and patented technology, licensed by Beckhoff Automation GmbH,
Germany.
• ODVA, CIP, CompoNet, DeviceNet, and EtherNet/IP are trademarks of ODVA.
• The SD and SDHC logos are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
Other company names and product names in this document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Trademarks
Copyrights
NOTE
Microsoft product screen shots reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation.

1
Introduction
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing an NX-series Communications Interface Unit.
This manual contains information that is necessary to use the NX-series Communications Interface
Units. Please read this manual and make sure you understand the functionality and performance of the
NX-series Communications Interface Unit before you attempt to use it in a control system.
Keep this manual in a safe place where it will be available for reference during operation.
This manual is intended for the following personnel, who must also have knowledge of electrical sys-
tems (an electrical engineer or the equivalent).
• Personnel in charge of introducing FA systems.
• Personnel in charge of designing FA systems.
• Personnel in charge of installing and maintaining FA systems.
• Personnel in charge of managing FA systems and facilities.
For programming, this manual is intended for personnel who understand the programming language
specifications in international standard IEC 61131-3 or Japanese standard JIS B 3503.
This manual covers the following products.
• NX-series Communications Interface Units
NX-CIF
Part of the specifications and restrictions for the CPU Units are given in other manuals. Refer to Rele-
vant Manuals on page 6 and Related Manuals on page 27.
Intended Audience
Applicable Products

CONTENTS
2NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
CONTENTS
Introduction ..............................................................................................................1
Intended Audience....................................................................................................................................... 1
Applicable Products..................................................................................................................................... 1
Relevant Manuals .....................................................................................................6
Manual Structure ......................................................................................................7
Page Structure and Icons ............................................................................................................................ 7
Special Information...................................................................................................................................... 8
Precautions on Terminology........................................................................................................................ 8
Terms and Conditions Agreement........................................................................10
Warranty, Limitations of Liability................................................................................................................ 10
Application Considerations ........................................................................................................................ 11
Disclaimers ................................................................................................................................................ 11
Safety Precautions .................................................................................................12
Precautions for Safe Use.......................................................................................16
Precautions for Correct Use..................................................................................21
Regulations and Standards...................................................................................23
Conformance to EU Directives .................................................................................................................. 23
Conformance to UL and CSA Standards................................................................................................... 24
Conformance to Shipbuilding Standards ................................................................................................... 24
Conformance to KC Certification ............................................................................................................... 24
Software Licenses and Copyrights ............................................................................................................ 24
Unit Versions ..........................................................................................................25
Unit Versions ............................................................................................................................................. 25
Unit Versions and Support Software Versions........................................................................................... 26
Related Manuals .....................................................................................................27
Terminology............................................................................................................31
Revision History .....................................................................................................33
Sections in this Manual .........................................................................................35
Section 1 Features and System Configuration
1-1 Features of Communications Interface Units ..................................................................... 1-2
1-2 System Configuration ........................................................................................................... 1-3
1-2-1 System Configuration with CIF Unit Connected to CPU Unit...................................................... 1-3
1-2-2 System Configuration of Slave Terminals...................................................................................1-5
1-3 Unit Models, Functions, and Support Software.................................................................. 1-7
1-3-1 Unit Model Numbers ................................................................................................................... 1-7
1-3-2 Functions..................................................................................................................................... 1-7
1-3-3 Support Software ........................................................................................................................ 1-7
1-4 Serial Communications Instructions for the CIF Units ...................................................... 1-8
1-4-1 Serial Communications Instructions for CIF Units....................................................................... 1-8
1-4-2 Conditions for Using Serial Communications Instructions for CIF Units ..................................... 1-8

3
CONTENTS
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Section 2 Specifications and Application Procedures
2-1 Specifications ........................................................................................................................ 2-2
2-1-1 General Specifications................................................................................................................ 2-2
2-1-2 Specifications of Individual Units ................................................................................................ 2-3
2-2 Application Procedures ........................................................................................................ 2-5
Section 3 Part Names and Functions
3-1 Part Names............................................................................................................................. 3-2
3-1-1 NX-CIF101 and NX-CIF105........................................................................................................ 3-2
3-1-2 NX-CIF210.................................................................................................................................. 3-4
3-2 Indicators ............................................................................................................................... 3-5
3-2-1 TS Indicator ................................................................................................................................ 3-6
3-2-2 Send/Receive Indicators............................................................................................................. 3-7
3-2-3 Appearance Change of the Indicators ........................................................................................3-
7
Section 4 Installation and Wiring
4-1 Installing NX Units................................................................................................................. 4-2
4-2 Connecting the Power Supply and Ground Wires ............................................................. 4-3
4-3 Wiring the Terminals ............................................................................................................. 4-4
4-3-1 Wiring the Screwless Clamping Terminal Blocks ....................................................................... 4-4
4-3-2 Wiring the D-Sub Connector..................................................................................................... 4-19
4-4 Wiring Communications ..................................................................................................... 4-20
4-4-1 Terminal Arrangement.............................................................................................................. 4-20
4-4-2 Connecting to Serial Communications Devices........................................................................ 4-23
4-4-3 Examples of Recommended RS-232C and RS-422A/485 Wiring ............................................ 4-27
Section 5 I/O Data Specifications
5-1 I/O Data Specifications for NX-CIF101 and NX-CIF105 ...................................................... 5-2
5-2 I/O Data Specifications for NX-CIF210................................................................................. 5-3
Section 6 Unit Settings
6-1 Unit Operation Settings ........................................................................................................ 6-2
6-1-1 Communications Specifications.................................................................................................. 6-2
6-1-2 Transmission Buffering............................................................................................................... 6-2
6-1-3 Event Levels ............................................................................................................................... 6-4
6-2 Unit Operation Setting Procedure........................................................................................ 6-5
6-3 Setting the Divided Data Size ............................................................................................... 6-6
Section 7 Serial Communications
7-1 No-protocol Communications .............................................................................................. 7-3
7-2 How Data Is Sent and Received ........................................................................................... 7-4
7-2-1 How Data Is Sent........................................................................................................................ 7-4
7-2-2 How Data Is Received ................................................................................................................ 7-5
7-3 Data Used by the Serial Communications Protocol........................................................... 7-6

CONTENTS
4NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
7-3-1 Input Notification Data and Output Notification Data................................................................... 7-6
7-3-2 SIDs and SID Responses ........................................................................................................... 7-7
7-3-3 Input Data Type and Output Data Type ....................................................................................7-10
7-3-4 Send Completed Toggle Bit ...................................................................................................... 7-10
7-4 Examples of Communications between CPU Unit or Communications Master and 
CIF Unit................................................................................................................................. 7-13
7-4-1 Example of Sending Data ......................................................................................................... 7-13
7-4-2 Example of Receiving Data....................................................................................................... 7-16
7-4-3 Simultaneously Sending and Receiving Data ...........................................................................7-19
7-4-4 Example for a Parity Error during Data Reception.................................................................... 7-21
7-4-5 Example of Control Command Execution ................................................................................. 7-23
7-5 User Programming to Send Data ....................................................................................... 7-27
7-5-1 Creating and Outputting Output Notification Data..................................................................... 7-27
7-5-2 Checking Input Notification Data............................................................................................... 7-27
7-5-3 Processing Send Data .............................................................................................................. 7-27
7-6 User Programming to Receive Data .................................................................................. 7-28
7-6-1 Checking Input Notification Data............................................................................................... 7-28
7-6-2 Creating and Outputting Output Notification Data..................................................................... 7-28
7-6-3 Determining Conditions to Start Reception and Conditions for the Completion 
of the Reception........................................................................................................................ 7-28
7-6-4 Precautions for Writing User Programming to Receive Data .................................................... 7-28
7-7 User Programming to Restart a Port ................................................................................. 7-30
7-8 Communications Performance .......................................................................................... 7-31
7-8-1 Calculating the Communications Performance ......................................................................... 7-31
7-8-2 Adjusting Divided Data Sizes to Improve Communications Performance................................. 7-35
7-8-3 Processing When the Send Buffer or Receive Buffer Becomes Full ........................................ 7-37
Section 8 Serial Line Monitor
8-1 How the Serial Line Monitor Works ..................................................................................... 8-2
8-1-1 Monitor Data Contents ................................................................................................................ 8-2
8-1-2 CIF Serial Line Monitor Tab Page............................................................................................... 8-3
8-1-3 Processing When a Buffer Becomes Full.................................................................................... 8-4
8-1-4 Importing and Exporting Monitor Data ........................................................................................ 8-4
8-1-5 Searching for Text Strings in Monitor Data .................................................................................8-5
8-1-6 Creating CSV Files of Monitor Data............................................................................................ 8-6
8-1-7 Processing for Multiple Units and Ports ...................................................................................... 8-6
8-2 Support Software Operations............................................................................................... 8-7
8-2-1 Displaying the CIF Serial Line Monitor Tab Page ....................................................................... 8-7
8-2-2 Starting and Stopping Monitoring and Displaying Monitor Data.................................................. 8-9
Section 9 Troubleshooting
9-1 How to Check for Errors ....................................................................................................... 9-2
9-2 Checking for Errors with the Indicators .............................................................................. 9-3
9-3 Checking for Errors and Troubleshooting on the Support Software ............................... 9-4
9-3-1 Checking for Errors from the Sysmac Studio.............................................................................. 9-4
9-3-2 Checking for Errors from Support Software Other Than the Sysmac Studio .............................. 9-5
9-3-3 Event Codes for Errors and Troubleshooting Procedures .......................................................... 9-6
9-4 Resetting Errors .................................................................................................................. 9-20
9-5 Troubleshooting Flowchart ................................................................................................ 9-21
Section 10 Maintenance and Inspections

5
CONTENTS
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
10-1 Cleaning and Inspections ................................................................................................... 10-2
10-1-1 Cleaning.................................................................................................................................... 10-2
10-1-2 Periodic Inspection ................................................................................................................... 10-2
10-2 Maintenance Procedures .................................................................................................... 10-5
Appendices
A-1 Dimensions ............................................................................................................................A-2
A-1-1 NX-CIF101 and NX-CIF105........................................................................................................ A-2
A-1-2 NX-CIF210.................................................................................................................................. A-2
A-2 Changing NX Objects from a User Program .......................................................................A-4
A-2-1 NX Objects That You Can Change.............................................................................................A-4
A-2-2 Procedure to Change NX Objects .............................................................................................. A-4
A-3 List of NX Objects..................................................................................................................A-5
A-3-1 Format of NX Object Descriptions .............................................................................................. A-5
A-3-2 NX Objects for the NX-CIF101 and NX-CIF105 .........................................................................A-6
A-3-3 NX Objects for the NX-CIF210 ................................................................................................. A-17
A-4 Programming Samples .......................................................................................................A-29
A-4-1 Items Common to all Programming Samples ........................................................................... A-29
A-4-2 Programming Sample 1: Restarting CIF Unit Ports .................................................................. A-32
A-4-3 Programming Sample 2: Sending Data .................................................................................... A-35
A-4-4 Programming Sample 3: Receiving Data.................................................................................. A-38
A-5 Version Information with CPU Units..................................................................................A-42
A-5-1 Relationship between Unit Versions of Units............................................................................ A-42
A-6 Version Information with Communications Coupler Units..............................................A-43
A-6-1 Connection to an EtherCAT Coupler Unit................................................................................. A-43
A-6-2 Connection to an EtherNet/IP Coupler Unit..............................................................................A-44
Index

Relevant Manuals
6NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Relevant Manuals
The table below provides the relevant manuals for the NX-series Communications Interface Units.
Read all of the manuals that are relevant to your system configuration and application to make the most
of the NX-series Communications Interface Units.
Other manuals, such as related product manuals, are necessary for specific system configurations and
applications. Refer to Related Manuals on page 27 for the related manuals.
Manual name Application
NX-series Communications Inter-
face Units User's Manual
Learning how to use NX-series Communications Interface Units
NX-series Data Reference Manual Referencing lists of the data that is required to configure systems with NX-series
Units

7
Manual Structure
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Manual Structure
The following page structure and icons are used in this manual.
Note This illustration is provided only as a sample. It may not literally appear in this manual.
Page Structure and Icons
4-9
4 Installation and Wiring
NJ-series CPU Unit Hardware User’s Manual (W500)
stinUgnitnuoM3-4
4
stnenopmoCrellortnoCgnitcennoC1-3-4
4-3 Mounting Units
The Units that make up an NJ-series Controller can be connected simply by pressing the Units together
and locking the sliders by moving them toward the back of the Units. The End Cover is connected in the
same way to the Unit on the far right side of the Controller.
1Join the Units so that the connectors fit exactly.
2The yellow sliders at the top and bottom of each Unit lock the Units together. Move the sliders
toward the back of the Units as shown below until they click into place.
Precautions for Correct UsePrecautions for Correct Use
4-3-1 Connecting Controller Components
Connector
Hook Hook holes
Slider
Lock
Release
Move the sliders toward the back
until they lock into place.
Level 1 heading
Level 2 heading
Level 3 heading
Level 2 heading
A step in a procedure
Manual name
Special information
Level 3 heading
Page tab
Gives the current
headings.
Indicates a procedure.
Icons indicate
precautions, additional
information, or reference
information.
Gives the number
of the main section.
The sliders on the tops and bottoms of the Power Supply Unit, CPU Unit, I/O Units, Special I/O
Units, and CPU Bus Units must be completely locked (until they click into place) after connecting
the adjacent Unit connectors.

Manual Structure
8NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Special information in this manual is classified as follows:
Precautions for Safe Use
Precautions on what to do and what not to do to ensure safe usage of the product.
Precautions for Correct Use
Precautions on what to do and what not to do to ensure proper operation and performance.
Additional Information
Additional information to read as required.
This information is provided to increase understanding or make operation easier.
Version Information
Information on differences in specifications and functionality for CPU Units, Industrial PCs, and
Communications Coupler Units with different unit versions and for different versions of the Sup-
port Software is given.
Note References are provided to more detailed or related information.
• In this manual, “download” refers to transferring data from the Support Software to a physical device
and “upload” refers to transferring data from a physical device to the Support Software.
• In this manual, the directions in relation to the Units are given in the following figure, which shows
upright installation.
• This user's manual refers to the NY-series IPC Machine Controller Industrial Panel PCs and Indus-
trial Box PCs as simply Industrial PCs or as NY-series Industrial PCs.
Special Information
Precautions on Terminology
RightLeft
Up
Down

9
Manual Structure
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
• This user's manual refers to the built-in EtherCAT port on an NJ/NX-series Controller or NY-series
Industrial PC as simply a built-in EtherCAT port.
• This user's manual may omit manual names and manual numbers in places that refer to the user's
manuals for CPU Units and Industrial PCs. The following table gives some examples. When neces-
sary, refer to Related Manuals on page 27 to determine the appropriate manual based on the com-
mon text for the omitted contents.

Examples:
• This user's manual may omit manual names and manual numbers in places that refer to the user's
manuals for Communications Coupler Units. If you will use a Communications Coupler Unit, refer to
Related Manuals on page 27 to identify the manual for your Unit.
Manual name Omitted contents Common text
NJ/NX-series CPU Unit Software 
User's Manual
Software user's manual 
for the connected CPU 
Unit or Industrial PC
Software User's Manual
NY-series 
IPC Machine Controller Industrial 
Panel PC / Industrial Box PC 
Software User’s Manual
NJ/NX-series CPU Unit Built-in EtherCAT
Port User's Manual
User's manual for built-in 
EtherCAT port on the 
connected CPU Unit or 
Industrial PC
Built-in EtherCAT port
NY-series 
IPC Machine Controller Industrial 
Panel PC / Industrial Box PC 
Built-in EtherCATPort
User’s Manual

Terms and Conditions Agreement
10 NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Terms and Conditions Agreement
Exclusive Warranty
Omron’s exclusive warranty is that the Products will be free from defects in materials and workman-
ship for a period of twelve months from the date of sale by Omron (or such other period expressed in
writing by Omron). Omron disclaims all other warranties, express or implied.
Limitations
OMRON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, ABOUT
NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF
THE PRODUCTS. BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT ALONE HAS DETERMINED THAT THE
PRODUCTS WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THEIR INTENDED USE.
Omron further disclaims all warranties and responsibility of any type for claims or expenses based
on infringement by the Products or otherwise of any intellectual property right.
Buyer Remedy
Omron’s sole obligation hereunder shall be, at Omron’s election, to (i) replace (in the form originally
shipped with Buyer responsible for labor charges for removal or replacement thereof) the non-com-
plying Product, (ii) repair the non-complying Product, or (iii) repay or credit Buyer an amount equal
to the purchase price of the non-complying Product; provided that in no event shall Omron be
responsible for warranty, repair, indemnity or any other claims or expenses regarding the Products
unless Omron’s analysis confirms that the Products were properly handled, stored, installed and
maintained and not subject to contamination, abuse, misuse or inappropriate modification. Return of
any Products by Buyer must be approved in writing by Omron before shipment. Omron Companies
shall not be liable for the suitability or unsuitability or the results from the use of Products in combi-
nation with any electrical or electronic components, circuits, system assemblies or any other materi-
als or substances or environments. Any advice, recommendations or information given orally or in
writing, are not to be construed as an amendment or addition to the above warranty.
See http://www.omron.com/global/ or contact your Omron representative for published information.
OMRON COMPANIES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CON-
SEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY
WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCTS, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT,
WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE OR STRICT LIABILITY.
Further, in no event shall liabilityof Omron Companies exceed the individual price of the Product on
which liability is asserted.
Warranty, Limitations of Liability
Warranties
Limitation on Liability; Etc

11
Terms and Conditions Agreement
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Omron Companies shall not be responsible for conformity with any standards, codes or regulations
which apply to the combination of the Product in the Buyer’s application or use of the Product. At
Buyer’s request, Omron will provide applicable third party certification documents identifying ratings
and limitations of use which apply to the Product. This information by itself is not sufficient for a com-
plete determination of the suitability of the Product in combination with the end product, machine, sys-
tem, or other application or use. Buyer shall be solely responsible for determining appropriateness of
the particular Product with respect to Buyer’s application, product or system. Buyer shall take applica-
tion responsibility in all cases.
NEVER USE THE PRODUCT FOR AN APPLICATION INVOLVING SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE OR
PROPERTY OR IN LARGE QUANTITIES WITHOUT ENSURING THAT THE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE
HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE RISKS, AND THAT THE OMRON PRODUCT(S) IS
PROPERLY RATED AND INSTALLED FOR THE INTENDED USE WITHIN THE OVERALL EQUIP-
MENT OR SYSTEM.
Omron Companies shall not be responsible for the user’s programming of a programmable Product, or
any consequence thereof.
Data presented in Omron Company websites, catalogs and other materials is provided as a guide for
the user in determining suitability and does not constitute a warranty. It may represent the result of
Omron’s test conditions, and the user must correlate it to actual application requirements. Actual perfor-
mance is subject to the Omron’s Warranty and Limitations of Liability.
Product specifications and accessories may be changed at any time based on improvements and other
reasons. It is our practice to change part numbers when published ratings or features are changed, or
when significant construction changes are made. However, some specifications of the Product may be
changed without any notice. When in doubt, special part numbers may be assigned to fix or establish
key specifications for your application. Please consult with your Omron’s representative at any time to
confirm actual specifications of purchased Product.
Information presented by Omron Companies has been checked and is believed to be accurate; how-
ever, no responsibility is assumed for clerical, typographical or proofreading errors or omissions.
Application Considerations
Suitability of Use
Programmable Products
Disclaimers
Performance Data
Change in Specifications
Errors and Omissions

Safety Precautions
12 NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Safety Precautions
The following notation is used in this manual to provide precautions required to ensure safe usage of an
NX-series Communications Interface Unit.
The safety precautions that are provided are extremely important to safety. Always read and heed the
information provided in all safety precautions.
The following notation is used.
Definition of Precautionary Information
Symbols
The circle and slash symbol indicates operations that you must not do.
The specific operation is shown in the circle and explained in text.
This example indicates prohibiting disassembly.
The triangle symbol indicates precautions (including warnings).
The specific operation is shown in the triangle and explained in text.
This example indicates a precaution for electric shock.
The triangle symbol indicates precautions (including warnings).
The specific operation is shown in the triangle and explained in text.
This example indicates a general precaution.
The filled circle symbol indicates operations that you must do.
The specific operation is shown in the circle and explained in text.
This example shows a general precaution for something that you must
do.
WARNING
Caution
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury. Additionally, there may be severe prop-
erty damage.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury, or property damage.

13
Safety Precautions
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Warning
During Power Supply
Do not touch the terminal section while power is ON.
Electric shock may occur.
Do not attempt to take any Unit apart.
In particular, high-voltage parts are present in Units that supply power while power is sup-
plied or immediately after power is turned OFF. Touching any of these parts may result in
electric shock. There are sharp parts inside the Unit that may cause injury.
Do not place heavy objects on top of the cables.
Doing so may break the cables.
Fail-safe Measures
Provide safety measures in external circuits to ensure safety in the system if an abnormality
occurs due to malfunction of the CPU Unit, Industrial PCs, other Units, or slaves or due to
other external factors affecting operation.
Not doing so may result in serious accidents due to incorrect operation.
Emergency stop circuits, interlock circuits, limit circuits, and similar safety measures must
be provided in external control circuits.
The CPU Unit or Industrial PCs will turn OFF all outputs from Output Units in the following
cases. The remote I/O slaves will operate according to the settings in the slaves.
• If a power supply error occurs.
• If the power supply connection becomes faulty.
• If a CPU watchdog timer error or CPU reset occurs.
• If a Controller error in themajor fault level occurs.
• While the CPU Unit is on standby until RUN mode is entered after the power is turned ON
External safety measures must be provided to ensure safe operation of the system in such
cases.
The outputs may remain ON or OFF due to deposition or burning of the output relays or
destruction of the output transistors. As a countermeasure for such problems, external
safety measures must be provided to ensure safe operation of the system.
If external power supplies for slaves or other devices are overloaded or short-circuited, the
voltage will drop, outputs will turn OFF, and the system may be unable to read inputs. Pro-
vide external safety measures in controls with monitoring of external power supply voltage
as required so that the system operates safely in such a case.
You must take fail-safe measures to ensure safety in the event of incorrect, missing, or
abnormal signals caused by broken signal lines, momentary power interruptions, or other
causes.
Not doing so may result in serious accidents due to incorrect operation.
WARNING

Safety Precautions
14 NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Voltage and Current Inputs
Make sure that the voltages and currents that are input to the Units and slaves are within
the specified ranges.
Inputting voltages or currents that are outside of the specified ranges may cause accidents
or fire.
Transferring
Always confirm safety at the destination node before you transfer Unit configuration infor-
mation, parameters, settings, or other data from tools such as the Sysmac Studio. 
The devices or machines may operate unexpectedly, regardless of the operating mode of
the Controller.
Cautions
Wiring
When you connect a computer or other peripheral device to a Communications Coupler
Unit or Communications Interface Unit that has a non-isolated DC power supply, either
ground the 0-V side of the external power supply (i.e. Unit power supply) or do not ground it
at all.
If the peripheral devices are grounded incorrectly, the external power supply (i.e. Unit
power supply) may be short-circuited.
Never ground the 24-V side of the power supply, as shown in the following figure.
Tighten cable screws to the specified torque. Loose screws may result in fire or malfunc-
tion. Ask the cable manufacturer for the specified torque for the screws.
Caution
Peripheral device
(e.g., computer)
Non-isolated DC
power supply
(internal power
supply circuit)
0 V
Peripheral
device cable
Communications Coupler Unit NX Unit
power supply
Unit power
supply
Ground terminal
24 V

15
Safety Precautions
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Online Editing
Execute online editing only after confirming that no adverse effects will be caused by devia-
tions in the timing of I/O. If you perform online editing, the task execution time may exceed
the task period, I/O may not be refreshed with external devices, input signals may not be
read, and output timing may change.

Precautions for Safe Use
16 NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
Precautions for Safe Use
• When transporting any Unit, use the special packing box for it.
Also, do not subject the Unit to excessive vibration or shock during transportation.
• Do not drop any Unit or subject it to abnormal vibration or shock.
Doing so may result in Unit malfunction or burning.
• Mount terminal blocks and connectors only after checking the mounting location carefully.
• Be sure that the terminal blocks, expansion cables, and other items with locking devices are properly
locked into place.
• Always turn OFF the power supply before installing the Unit. If the power supply is not OFF, the Unit
may malfunction or may be damaged.
• Always turn OFF the Unit power supply and I/O power supply before you remove the NX Unit.
• Do not apply labels or tape to the Unit. When the Units are installed or removed, adhesive or scraps
may adhere to the pins in the NX bus connector, which may result in malfunctions.
• Do not touch the pins in the NX bus connector on the Unit. Dirt may adhere to the pins in the NX bus
connector, which may result in malfunctions.
Transporting
Mounting
Installation
Example: NX Unit (12 mm width)
NG
NG

17
Precautions for Safe Use
NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
• Do not write on an NX Unit with ink within the restricted region that is shown in the following figure.
Also do not get this area dirty. When the Unit is installed or removed, ink or dirt may adhere to the
pins in the NX bus connector, which may result in malfunctions in the CPU Rack or the Slave Termi-
nal. 
Refer to the user’s manual for the connected CPU Unit or Communications Coupler Unit for the
restricted region of CPU Unit and Communications Coupler Unit.
• For the installation orientations in the following figure, support the cables, e.g., with a duct, so that the
End Plate on the bottom is not subjected to the weight of the cables. The weight of the cables may
cause the bottom End Plate to slide downward so that the Slave Terminal is no longer secured to the
DIN Track, which may result in malfunctions.
• Double-check all switches and other settings and double-check all wiring to make sure that they are
correct before turning ON the power supply.
Use the correct wiring parts and tools when you wire the system.
• Observe the following precautions when you wire communications cables. The communications
cables may be broken or the Units may malfunction.
a) Do not fold communications cables.
b) Do not pull on communications cables with excessive force. Secure communications cables so
that they are not pulled on excessively.
c) Do not place heavy objects on top of communications cables.
For a terminal block, cable ties can be used to secure the communications cable.
• When wiring or installing the Units, do not allow metal fragments to enter the Units.
Wiring
Restricted
region (shaded
portion)
Up
Down

Precautions for Safe Use
18 NX-series Communications Interface Units User’s Manual (W540)
• Do not press the flat-blade screwdriver straight into the release holes on a screwless clamping termi-
nal block. Doing so may break the terminal block.
• When you insert a flat-blade screwdriver into a release hole on a screwless clamping terminal block,
press it down with a force of 30N or less. Applying excessive force may damage the terminal block.
• Do not incline or twist the flat-blade screwdriver while it is in a release hole on a screwless clamping
terminal block. Doing so may damage the terminal block.
• If you use reed switches for the input contacts for AC Input Units, use switches with an allowable cur-
rent of 1 A or greater. If the capacity of the reed switches is too low, inrush current may fuse the con-
tacts.
• Use all Units within the I/O power supply ranges that are given in the specifications.
• The I/O power supply current for the CPU Rack with an NX-series CPU Unit should be within the
range specified for the CPU Unit model. For example, use the NX1P2 CPU Unit with a current of 4 A
or less. Using the currents that are outside of the specifications may cause failure or damage. Refer
to the user’s manual for the connected CPU Unit for the I/O power supply current for the CPU Unit
model.
• Supply sufficient power according to the contents of this manual.
• Use the power supply voltage that is specified in this manual.
• Do not apply voltages that exceed the rated value to any Input Unit.
• Do not apply voltages or connect loads to the Output Units or slaves in excess of the maximum rat-
ings.
• Inrush current occurs when the power supply is turned ON. When selecting fuses or breakers for
external circuits, consider their fusing and detection characteristics as well as the above precautions
and allow sufficient margin in shut-off performance.
• Install external breakers and take other safety measures against short-circuiting and overcurrents in
external wiring.
• When you set the Operating Mode at Startup, confirm that no adverse effect will occur in the system.
Power Supply Design
Turning ON the Power Supply
NG OK
NG
NG