Generate Catchy Tags with Yaskawa's Tag Generator

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Yaskawa eLearning Video Overview
3. What are Tags in the World of PLC's?
4. Downloading the Yaskawa Tag Generator Program
5. Creating a New Project with Yaskawa Tag Generator
6. Creating Tags for an Ethernet/IP Node
7. Modifying Tag Names with Yaskawa Tag Generator
8. Building and Saving Tag Lists
9. Importing Tags into Logix Designer
10. Testing and Verifying Imported Tags
11. Conclusion
12. Other Videos in the Yaskawa eLearning Series

Yaskawa eLearning: Simplifying Integration of VFDs onto Rockwell Automation PLCs using Rockwell Software

Welcome to this Yaskawa eLearning video. In this presentation, we will demonstrate the ease of integrating Yaskawa variable frequency drives (VFDs) onto a Rockwell Automation PLC using Rockwell software. We will specifically cover how to obtain the Yaskawa Tag Generator program, how to use it, and how to import the generated tags into Logix designer (formerly known as RSLogix 5000).

Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let's understand what tags are in the world of PLCs. In the simplest form, tags are used to convert cryptic variables into something that makes sense to us. They help in organizing and identifying variables within a PLC program.

Downloading the Yaskawa Tag Generator Program

To get started, we need to download the Yaskawa Tag Generator install file. Visit the Yaskawa website (www.yaskawa.com), navigate to the products menu, select industrial AC drives, and then choose network communication products. On the network communications protocol page, select the Ethernet/IP protocol. From there, you can find the Tag Generator download link under the software tab. Once downloaded, install the program on your system.

Creating a New Project with Yaskawa Tag Generator

Now that we have the software installed, let's open the program and start a new project. A pop-up will prompt us to select the protocol for which we want to create tags. Yaskawa's Tag Generator supports protocols such as DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, or Profinet. For our demonstration, we will create tags for an Ethernet/IP node and name our project "eLV_Demo."

Creating Tags for an Ethernet/IP Node

To create tags for our Ethernet/IP node, we need to add a new node in the Tag Generator. The "Add New Node" window will pop up, asking us to select the network we are creating the node for. In this case, we select Ethernet/IP and the appropriate option card for our configuration, which is the SI-EN3D. We also need to provide the assembly pair and scope information for our tags.

Modifying Tag Names with Yaskawa Tag Generator

The Tag Generator allows us to modify tag names if desired. This can be done in the "Tags" tab of the node setting window. For our demonstration, we will select the "RunFwd" tag and change it to "Conveyor_Run." Modifying tag names can help us better understand and organize our variables.

Building and Saving Tag Lists

Once all the necessary tags have been created and modified, we can build the tag list. The Tag Generator gives us the option to specify a location and name for the import file. In our demonstration, we will change the output file name to "eLV_Demo.csv" and build our tag list. After building, the import file will be saved at the specified location.

Importing Tags into Logix Designer

Now comes the crucial step of importing the generated tags into Logix designer. In Logix designer, we click on the Tools menu, select Import, and then Tag and Logic Comments. If this option is grayed out, it may be because the software is online with the PLC. To fix this, go offline using the Communications menu and then attempt to import the tags again. Once imported successfully, the newly imported tags will appear under the controller tags window in Logix designer.

Testing and Verifying Imported Tags

With the tags successfully imported, we can now test them by going online and downloading the changes to the PLC. By setting the "Conveyor_Run" tag to 1 and entering a frequency reference, we can verify that our motor responds accordingly. This step ensures that the integration of the VFDs onto the Rockwell Automation PLC has been successfully executed.

Conclusion

In this Yaskawa eLearning video, we have showcased how to simplify the integration of Yaskawa VFDs onto Rockwell Automation PLCs using Rockwell software. We explored the process of obtaining the Yaskawa Tag Generator program, creating tags for an Ethernet/IP node, modifying tag names, building and saving tag lists, importing tags into Logix designer, and testing the imported tags. We hope this video has provided valuable insights into the integration process and helps streamline your automation projects.

Other Videos in the Yaskawa eLearning Series

If you found this video helpful, we encourage you to explore the other videos in this Yaskawa eLearning series. These videos cover topics such as connecting to Rockwell, importing and using Yaskawa Add-on Instructions (AOIs), and importing and using Yaskawa Faceplates. Expand your knowledge and enhance your understanding of Yaskawa products and their integration with Rockwell systems.

Highlights

• Integration of Yaskawa VFDs onto Rockwell Automation PLCs
• Using the Yaskawa Tag Generator program for tag generation
• Importing generated tags into Logix designer
• Modifying tag names for better understanding and organization
• Testing and verifying the integration by controlling the VFDs

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of the Yaskawa Tag Generator program? A: The Yaskawa Tag Generator program is used to simplify the process of generating tags for Yaskawa VFDs and integrating them onto Rockwell Automation PLCs using Rockwell software.

Q: Can the Tag Generator program create tags for protocols other than Ethernet/IP? A: Yes, the Tag Generator supports various protocols such as DeviceNet, Ethernet/IP, Profibus, and Profinet.

Q: Can I modify the names of the generated tags? A: Yes, the Tag Generator allows you to modify tag names as per your preference. This helps in better understanding and organization of variables within the PLC program.

Q: How can I test the imported tags and ensure the integration is successful? A: By going online with the PLC, you can set the imported tags and verify their functionality. This involves running the VFDs with specific tag values and confirming if the motor responds accordingly.

Q: Are there other resources available to further enhance my understanding of Yaskawa products? A: Yes, there are additional videos in the Yaskawa eLearning series that cover various topics such as connecting to Rockwell, using Yaskawa Add-on Instructions (AOIs), and utilizing Yaskawa Faceplates. These resources provide in-depth knowledge for seamless integration and usage of Yaskawa products in Rockwell systems.