How to connect 64 slaves via CC-Link IEF Basic using Mitsubishi R04ENCPU

The Mitsubishi R series PLC has the advantages of stable high-speed processing capability and expandability with multiple communication modules, which can improve production efficiency and also make it convenient for customers to achieve personalized configurations. As a result, it has been widely used in the field of automation control.

Some engineers, when configuring slave connections, find that the maximum number of connection points for this PLC is 4096. Calculated at 64 points per slave, it can support 64 slaves. However, sometimes an error occurs when connecting more than 16 stations. What is the reason for this?

Through the alarm information, we found that this is caused by the number of stations exceeding 16. Does this mean that the R series PLC can only connect 16 stations via CC-Link IEF Basic? Obviously not. By consulting the relevant manual, we found that changing the group number of the slave station can achieve a connection of 64 slaves. The specific method is as follows —

1. Navigation bar → Parameter → R04ENCPU → Module Parameters → CC-Link IEF Basic Settings → Network Adapter Settings

2. When exceeding 16 stations, the 17th station device can be set to group number 2

However, please note that:

1. Slave stations perform cyclic communication in groups based on group number. Using long and short grouping can reduce the unnecessary impact caused by response time differences.

If there is a cooperative relationship between slaves, it is recommended to keep the same group number.