6.2 Task Codes

As noted above the first word of the body of an NITP message contains a command. SIMATIC TI505 PLCs use a command structure known as task codes. Task codes are a set of numeric command codes which allow an external device to supervise and control the operation of the PLC. For example, using task codes a device can retrieve data from PLC memory.

Since NITP and Task Codes are the most common way of communicating with SIMATIC TI505 PLCs, the CTI 2572 TCP/IP implementation supports this interface. Thus, to communicate with the PLC via the 2572, all the application program has to do is encapsulate the NITP message format in the TCP/IP protocol. Similarly, a PLC with a 2572 operating in client mode can read and write memory in other PLCs using this method. In addition, it allows standard NITP devices attached to a 2572 serial port to communicate with remote PLCs.

Details of the command implementation are covered in the 2572 Installation and Operation Guide.

30

CTI 2572 Technical Overview Manual

Page 40
Image 40
IBM CTI 2572 manual Task Codes