External IO & Drivers
EasyPLC’s Drivers & External IO Board
Have your virtual system work with real inputs & outputs to test what happens when devices transition from non-active to active.
INTERFACES TYPES
Different connection options are available:
USB, PCI/ISA Cards, Ethernet, TCP/IP Protocol, Software / OPC / Others…
Here are listed all the connection interface drivers available included in EasyPLC
Toggle below for more information on this topic.
OPC DA/UA Driver
Utilizing this driver makes it possible to communicate with real plc processors or simulated plc processors using the standard OPC DA/UA protocols specifications.
For example, use the driver to communicate with Rockwell RSLogix software, SimaticNET, Siemens PLCSIM Advanced, CodeSys, or Mitsubishi MX OPC 6. All of these are included in the registered version of the EasyPLC Software Suite!
CodeSys
With the Generic OPC driver or OPC UA, you will be able to connect CODESYS logic programs with EasyPLC and the Machines Simulator without any additional hardware.
Download configuration instructions: CODESYS OPC Driver for EasyPLC
Siemens PLC
With Siemens PLC driver for EasyPLC, you will be able to connect your PC where is running EasyPLC software with a physical (or simulated) Siemens PLC via Ethernet protocol.
Compatibility
S7 300 / S7 400 / WinAC / S7 1200 / S7 1500 PLCs
Siemens Logo
Use it to connect your PC where is running EasyPLC software Suite with a Siemens LOGO PLC via Ethernet protocol. Compatibility (CPU’s 0BA7/0BA8)
Siemens PLCSIM Driver
With this driver, you will be able to make your Step 7 logic programs communicate directly with EasyPLC and the Machines Simulator without any additional hardware.
Virtual Interface
EasyPLC has another important characteristic: the simulated Virtual Interface I/O(VI). With this option, it is possible to produce and check programs without the need to connect any hardware.
This modality has multiple applications.
You can create programs to verify both their operation without having finished the hardware, as well as programs for other systems. You can also use the VI as a method of learning PLC languages, or as an approach to industrial automation.
If this interface is selected from the EasyPLC notify icon, the window will appear with the available inputs/outputs when the PLC is started. Pressing the input buttons makes it possible to force their state to ON/OFF, as well as to visualize the state of the outputs.
TwinCat V3 Driver
With this driver, you will be able to make your TwinCAT v.3 logic programs communicate directly with EasyPLC and the Machines Simulator without any additional hardware.
All Available Drivers (Summary)
Modbus Driver
With this driver is possible to communicate with external devices using the ModBus protocol. This driver accepts the Modbus serial RS-232 (RTU) and TCP/IP protocols.
Ethernet
Yottacontrol A-1860 provides 8 isolated inputs and 4 relay outputs. Fully compatible with EasyPLC. Ethernet & USB connection interface with PC. Card specifications
TCP/IP Drivers
You can connect two remote computers with the EasyPLC TCP/IP external driver, for example, one in California and the other in Tokyo, and send the sensor/actuator information between them.
This enables you to manage electronic devices over long distances.
EASYPLC Software Development Kit (S.D.K)
The software or hardware driver interface you need to use is not on this list?, do you want to create your own driver to manage your card with EasyPLC?, great!, you can use the EasyPLC S.D.K.
EasyPLC is compatible with any I/O analogical/digital device designed for Windows XP/Vista /7. With the EasyPLC S.D.K, any device compatible with the Windows .NET Framework or ActiveX/COM technology can be connected. Please contact us if you need a specific driver.
Click here to know more about EasyPLC S.D.K
IMPORTANT: To use EasyPLC S.D.K. you will need the registered version of the EasyPLC software.
Using Your USB Port
- USB OPTO RLY88, 8 optically isolated inputs, and 8 relay outputs. This card is ideal for interface in all types of PLC (sink or source 24Vdc voltage). Fully compatible with EasyPLC and the Machines Simulator. Card specifications
- Yottacontrol A-1055S provides 8 isolated inputs and 8 isolated outputs. This card is ideal for interface PLCs with 24Vdc Source I/O. Fully compatible with EasyPLC. The card includes a USB converter to RS-485 to connect the card directly to your PC. Card specifications
- Yottacontrol A-1860 provides 8 isolated inputs and 4 relay outputs. Fully compatible with EasyPLC. Ethernet & USB connection interface with PC. Card specifications
- Phidget™ I/O interface cards:
PhidgetInterfaceKit® 0/0/4: 4 outputs (digital).
PhidgetInterfaceKit® 0/16/16: 16 inputs/16 outputs (digital).
PhidgetInterfaceKit® 8/8/8: 8 inputs/8 outputs (digital)/8 analogic inputs.
All Phidgets™ are analogic-digital interfaces.
(Phidgets™ and PhidgetInterfaceKit® are trademarked and registered by Phidget™).
- Arduino UNO & Arduino Mega, you can use this driver to use Arduino cards as interface I/O to manage analogic & digital I/O. The Arduino card needs to run the Firmata 2 firmware (Arduino sketch).
- PoKeys57U USB Interface card:
- IOIO OTG card:
Alternatively, develop your own USB digital I/O card for your PC: Build your own interface for the USB port
Make sure you join our forum to stay up to date with all of the latest releases & support items.