An ethernet device and a serial device are the two I/O devices a user could set up.
Communication Between Xpanel and other devices
Click Tools > I/O Device Editor > click the + icon to begin I/O device configuration for Connection Type, Device Name, and Device Type > click Ok.
Please note that Canvas can still communicate with these devices via Modbus if the specific protocol necessary for a given device is unavailable. For more information on a specific device type, refer to the Communication Drivers section.
The communication configuration page will appear once a new I/O device has been added successfully, and each configuration section will be broken down into three:
General Configuration
PLC Type Configuration
Ethernet or Serial Configuration
This configuration will appear to match the selected Connection Type. However, the Serial Configuration will have the Station Configuration as an additional.
General Configuration
General configuration will appear regardless of the selected Connection Type and Device Type.
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Device Name | Allows the user to assign a name for the selected I/O device. |
Device Protocol | Allows the user to select a protocol for a device. |
Timeout (ms) | The maximum time to wait with no response before assuming a communication failure. |
Retry Count | Set the number of retries for sending a frame when communication fails. |
Swap 16 (16-bit Data Swap) | This option swaps bytes for all word or double-word-sized data. The following diagram shows an example of byte-swapping:  Almost all data types will be influenced by this option except INT16 / UINT16 |
Swap 32 (32-bit Data Swap) | This option swaps words of all double-word-sized data. The following diagram shows an example of word swapping:  Tag values with data types INT32 / UINT32 / BCD32 / UBDC32 / FLOAT will be influenced by this option. |
Swap String | Swaps the upper and lower bytes of string word data. |
String Encoding | Specifies the encoding method for reading and writing string values stored on the device. This option can be overridden for individual tags in the Edit Tag menu. |
String Encoding Method | When an invalid character is encountered, the gateway will do one of the following:
|
PLC Type Configuration
Allow users to change the type of PLC currently used.
Ethernet Configuration
Allow users to update the target Host IP address, Ethernet Type (TCP/UDP), and the target I/O device Port number.
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Host | Type the IP address of the target device. |
Ethernet Type | Select UDP or TCP. |
Port | Enter the port number of the target I/O device. |
※ For information on the pinout configuration for Serial and Ethernet, go to the Communication Port Pinouts manual.
Serial Configuration
Item | Description |
|---|---|
Serial Port | Select a serial communication port for the Xpanel. The port will vary depending on the Xpanel model:  |
Baudrate | 300-115200 bps is supported. |
Parity | Select the same parity (None, Even, Odd) as the device. |
Data Bits | Select the same data bit setting (5 Bits, 6 Bits, 7 Bits, 8 Bits) as the device. |
Flow Control | |
Stop Bits | Select the same stop bit setting (1-Bit or 2-Bit) as the device. |
Station Configuration
This configuration page can be accessed by clicking Tools > I/O Device Editor… > select serial device, then click Station.
Item | Description |
Station Name | Enter the station name for the I/O device. |
Station Number | Set the station ID. It must match the target device’s station ID. |