MLX300: How to Operate Multiple Controllers with One PLC

It is possible to connect up to 4 controllers to a PLC, and each controller can have up to 4 robots (QR4C).   A single PLC can control up to 16 robots. Note that an external axis or positioner is treated like a robot in the MLX control platform. The standard MLX tags include arrays for up to 4 robots. Adding an external axis like a transporter uses one of the robot tags. Therefore, a combination of up to 16 robots and external axes can be controlled by a single PLC.

MLX300 Multiple Robot Controllers Option

To enable a PLC to connect to more than one controller, a Multiple Robot Controller option needs to be purchased. After purchasing this option, a FD parameter will be set per the MLX300 work instructions. 

189613-1            SOFTWARE PKG, MULTIPLE ROBOT CONTROLLERS, MLX300

Configuring Multiple Robot Controllers for MLX300 (Refer to Manual 189103-1CD)

Importing Ethernet Modules for Additional Controllers

1. Right-click on “Ethernet” and select “Import Module”, in the I/O Configuration.

2. Navigate to MLX300 software CD  >  PLC  >  Multiple Robot  >  “Robot_Controller_1”, and press {Open}.

3. Right-click on the new robot module and select “Properties”.

4. Enter the IP Address to match the robot controller address under the General tab.

5. Repeat the steps above for each additional controller. The example below shows a configuration of three robot controllers.

Addition of PLC Controller Tags for Multiple Controllers

1. Set the NumberOfRobotController = 3, in the PLC Controller Tags.

2. Increase the MLX tag array size to the number of robots. For this example, change its data type to “MLxData[3]”.

Importing Communication Program for Each Additional Robot Controller

1. Right-click on “MLX_Task”  >  “Add”  >   “Import Program” in the Controller Organizer.

2. Select MLX300 software CD  >  PLC  >  Multiple Robot Controllers >  “MLX_Communications_1.L5X” and then press {OK}.

3. Right-click on “MLX_HMITask”  >  “Add”  >  “Import Program”.

4. Select “RobotPendantOperations_1.L5X” and then press {OK}.

5. Repeat the steps above for each additional Robot Controller.