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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: cbrake on July 02, 2020, 05:54:41 PM

Title: UPDATE PLC from SCADA system in the field
Post by: cbrake on July 02, 2020, 05:54:41 PM

Hi,

We have a Linux based SCADA product that we would like to pair with a PLC, and would like to be able to update the PLC program remotely through our SCADA system connected to the PLC via Ethernet or Modbus RTU.

Do you of your products support anything like this?

Thanks,
Cliff

Title: Re: UPDATE PLC from SCADA system in the field
Post by: Bolt on July 02, 2020, 07:54:04 PM

When you say "update the PLC program remotely", do you mean reading and writing to variables in the program?

If so, then yes, you can do it easily via Modbus, both TCP and RTU.  MQTT is an option, along with writing your own HTTP GET, PUT, etc, protocols is not out of the question either.

Title: Re: UPDATE PLC from SCADA system in the field
Post by: cbrake on July 03, 2020, 07:52:03 AM

Hi,

I certainly want to read and write variables in the program via modbus -- that will be used during normal operation.

But, I would also like to be able to update the application in the PLC (ladder logic, etc) without connecting a windows computer to the PLC. The flow might be:

* generate PLC application in windows program and generate a binary image file
* transfer the file to the SCADA gateway over cellular modem
* the SCADA gateway then uploads the new image to the PLC

Some PLCs like ezautomation and the Productivity 2000 and Productivity 3000 series from automation direct allow updating using a flash module or a memory card. This is easier than attaching a windows PC in the field, but still requires a field visit which I would like to avoid.

Thanks,
Cliff

Title: Re: UPDATE PLC from SCADA system in the field
Post by: BobO on July 03, 2020, 09:18:41 AM

BRX PLCs can be updated 3 ways:
1. Do-more Designer (DmD) - with a network connected PLC this can be remote.
2. DMLoader - an application designed for OEM or users to update the PLC without using DmD. This can also be remote.
3. SDCard

At this point it is not possible to simply load a file with one of these tools. There are simply too many technical and security concerns.