CQM1-ARM21

What is this module used for?

It is an AS-Interface master unit that connects a CQM1 PLC system to AS-Interface sensors, actuators and remote I/O slaves. It manages cyclic I/O data exchange and network configuration.

Which PLC range is this unit designed for?

The CQM1-ARM21 is designed for the CQM1 range of programmable controllers. It can be fitted to any CQM1 CPU type, subject to the available I/O channel capacity.

How many AS-Interface slaves can be connected?

The maximum is selectable through the channel switches. Depending on the I/O word allocation, the unit can address between 11 and 31 AS-Interface slaves.

What is the maximum I/O capacity?

With the channel switches set for the maximum allocation, the unit can handle up to 124 input points and 124 output points across 31 addressed slaves.

How many of these units can be installed per CPU?

A maximum of one AS-Interface master unit can be installed per CQM1 CPU.

Where should the module be positioned in the PLC assembly?

The recommended mounting position is as the rightmost I/O unit in the CQM1 system. The available I/O channels of the selected CPU must also be considered.

What power does the unit require?

The module consumes up to 300 mA at 5 V DC from the PLC power supply and less than 100 mA at the nominal 30.5 V DC AS-Interface line.

Does the AS-Interface network require a dedicated power supply?

Yes. A suitable AS-Interface power supply with the required decoupling characteristics should be used and sized for the master plus all connected slaves.

Which network layouts can be used?

The AS-Interface network can be arranged as a line, star, branched line or tree. Bus termination is not required.

What is the maximum AS-Interface cable length?

The total network cable length is normally limited to 100 metres. With two repeaters and additional AS-Interface power supplies, the network can be extended to a maximum of 300 metres.

What connections are provided for the AS-Interface line?

The unit has a detachable terminal block with two ASI+ and two ASI− connections using M3 screw terminals.

What do the front indicators show?

The front panel includes indicators for operating status, general errors, AS-Interface power failure, configuration errors, automatic slave addressing availability, operating mode and individual slave activity.

What does a flashing slave indicator mean?

A flashing slave indicator normally means that the slave is included in the projected configuration but is not active. If indicator 0 flashes, a slave with address 0 has been detected.

What does the configuration error indicator mean?

The CER indicator illuminates when the detected network configuration differs from the configuration stored in the master, or when a slave with address 0 is present.

Which operating modes are available?

The module provides Protected Mode, Configuration Mode and Setup Mode. Protected Mode uses the stored network arrangement, Configuration Mode accepts detected slaves, and Setup Mode allows configuration data, slave addresses and parameters to be managed through the PLC.

Can the unit assign addresses to new AS-Interface slaves?

Yes. In Setup Mode, the CQM1-ARM21 can change a connected slave from address 0 to a valid operating address, allowing network commissioning without a separate handheld addressing device.

What is the selectable PLC memory allocation?

The channel switches select an allocation from 3 input and 3 output IR words up to 8 input and 8 output IR words. This setting also determines the highest usable slave address and I/O capacity.

What environmental conditions are suitable for operation?

The specified operating temperature is 0°C to 55°C, with a relative humidity range of 10% to 90% without condensation. The storage temperature range is −20°C to 75°C.

What are the approximate physical characteristics?

The unit has dimensions comparable with standard CQM1 I/O modules and weighs approximately 200 g, including the front cover and detachable terminal block.

Which communication specification does the module use?

It operates to the AS-Interface Complete Specification V2.04 and uses the M0 master profile. Communication takes place over the AS-Interface two-wire network.