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Remote PLC access with Serial to Ethernet Connector software

Olga Weis Olga Weis Dec 11, 2019

Contents

  1. What is a PLC?
  2. PLC remote access issue
  3. Serial to Ethernet Connector for work with PLC

What is a PLC?


A programmable logic controller (PLC), also known as a programmable controller, is a resilient and durable digital computer that is used in the control of industrial manufacturing processes. Common uses are on assemble lines, monitoring and controlling robotic devices, and any industrial activity requiring a high degree of reliability. PLCs are usually relatively easy to program and can assist in the diagnosis of process errors.

PLC

Industrial automation processes employ PLCs as one of their basic components. One use of a PLC is to control an industrial machine as a stand-alone computer. Often PLCs are network connected and controlled remotely by a server architecture that is part of a SCADA system. In this case they are under the control of the SCADA and HMI software packages being run on the servers.

A Human-Machine Interface (HMI) is a program that enables human operators to interact with PLCs. The HMI is used to monitor, control, and configure the PLCs. Another important function of the HMI is alarm reporting based on input from the PLCs. A simple HMI may just be a system of lights and buttons indicating various functions that the human operator can perform. Complex HMIs make use of PLCs that are network connected to a computer that is running programming and monitoring software.

An industrial automation system has a basic control structure that involves sensing, logical control and actuation of devices, and operator interfaces. Sensors are used to monitor a physical property, such as pressure, and translate the information into electrical signals. Logical control dispatches these signals and device actuation may occur in response to them. Operator interfaces are where humans interact with the equipment and can monitor or in some cases override the automation process in response to certain conditions. This basic structure employing sensors, actuators, logic, and human interfaces is the standard model for control systems in any scenario.

Remote PLC access


Most PLC models have a communications port built-in and use the RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, or Ethernet protocols.

Typically you configure a PLC by way of its serial and USB port. These are present by default in the majority of PLCs and most of them have at least one additional ethernet port. The ethernet port is used to connect the PLC to a network hub. From here, PLC access is gained by the servers that are controlling and monitoring the processes, as well as any network connected machines.

To achieve remote PLC access, your connections need to be virtualized.

A great solution to work with remote PLC would be Serial to Ethernet Connector. The software will provide your machine with remote access to any COM port equipment over Network. No additional hardware, cables, or wires are required to connect to any remote PLC HMI with this software tool.

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Serial to Ethernet Connector

Connect serial ports over Ethernet
4.9 Rank based on 198+ users, Reviews(198)
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Serial to Ethernet Connector

PLC Software for Network access


In order for your PLC control software to be of any use, it needs network access. To enable this network connectivity, the software application Serial to Ethernet Connector is a perfect solution. This application was designed to enable remote access to RS 232/485/422 interfaces. Using this software allows you to share any serial port over your network, no matter if it is LAN, WAN, or IP.

Follow these steps to gain remote access to your PLCs:

  1. Download the software;
  2. Install Serial to Ethernet Connector on any network attached physical or virtual machine that needs access to COM ports;
  3. Choose “Create Server Connection” in the apps main panel;
  4. Adjust connection settings to suit your needs;
  5. Create a client connection on your remote machine.

That’s all it takes. With Serial to Ethernet Connector you can access and manage the remote PLC over your network.

Serial Port Monitor - PLC monitor software

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Serial Port Monitor


Requirements: Windows (32-bit and 64-bit): XP/2003/2008/ Vista/7/8/10, Windows Server 2012. 8.28MB of free space. Version 9.0.556. (2 Aug, 2022). 4.8 Rank based on 345+ users, Reviews(345)
Category: Communication Application
Apart from remote access and control, there is a need for remote monitoring PLCs for a timely trouble troubleshooting. That is where Serial Port Monitor will come in handy.
Serial Port Monitor

Serial Port Monitor allows to conveniently track down the possible problems during the development, commissioning or regular maintenance of PLC applications.

You also should notice, that Eltima develops multiple custom technologies. You may request your own sample of PLC HMI virtualization technology to be integrated to the software solution you are working at.