Configure Omron HostLink Data Collection | Robustel

How to Configure Omron HostLink Data Collection

1. Protocol Overview

  • Protocol Description: HostLink is a serial communication protocol developed by Omron for its PLC products, primarily used for data exchange and monitoring between host systems (such as programming software, HMI, or SCADA) and PLCs. The protocol utilizes a master-slave polling mechanism via serial ports (RS-232C or RS-485) to perform read/write operations on PLC internal memory areas (e.g., CIO, WR, HR, DM, etc.).
  • Application Scenarios: The HostLink protocol is widely used for programming and monitoring Omron CP, CJ, and CS series PLCs. It is particularly common in small to medium-sized automation systems, connecting PLCs with supervisory computers or touchscreens for real-time production data monitoring and equipment status management.
  • E2C Trinity Support: E2C Trinity supports the standard Omron HostLink protocol, acting as a Client to read from and write to Omron PLCs via serial communication.

2. Prerequisites

Before starting the configuration, please ensure the following:

  • Hardware Connection:
    • Ensure the E2C Trinity gateway is connected to the PLC serial port (RS-232C or RS-485) using the correct wiring.
    • Verify that the baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and parity settings match the PLC communication port settings.
  • Device Parameters:
    • Prepare the PLC project file or the Data Point List.
    • Identify key parameters:
      • Unit Number (HostLink Node Number): The station number of the target PLC (default is usually 0).
      • Tag Addresses: Register addresses to be collected (e.g., D100, W10.01, CIO1500).
      • Data Type: Data type for each point (e.g., int16, float32/REAL, bool, etc.).

3. Configuration Steps

Follow these steps within the E2C Trinity web interface.

Step 1: Create Device

  1. Log into the gateway management page. Navigate to [Data Acquisition] to enter the E2C Trinity configuration page.


  1. Click the "Create Device" button and fill in the connection information in the pop-up window.

Parameter Description Example
Name Unique identifier for the PLC device. Packaging-Line-A-Machine-02
Driver Select [OMRON] - [HostLink] from the dropdown list. OMRON - HostLink
Serial Port The specific serial port used (e.g., RS485-1). RS485-1
Baud Rate Must match the PLC port setting. 9600
Data Bits Data bits for serial communication. 7
Stop Bits Stop bits for serial communication. 2
Parity Parity check method (e.g., Even, Odd, None). Even
Unit Number The HostLink node number of the target PLC. 0
Polling Cycle (s) Frequency of data requests (Seconds). 5
Description Additional info for user reference. Workshop A Line, Machine 02
  1. Click "Save" to complete the device creation.

Step 2: Configure Tag (Point Table)

  1. Select the newly created device from the device list on the left.
  2. Click "Add" to create a single data acquisition Tag. Fill in the tag information.

Parameter Description Example
Name The tag name used in data reports. Temperature
Tag Type Device Tag: Data from the PLC. Virtual Tag: Gateway-side variable. Device Tag
Address Type PLC register type (e.g., D, C, W, H, A, E). + For example, if the point address in the PLC is D100, configure the "Address Type" as "D" and the "Address" as "100".
+ For example, to read the 3rd bit of the D100 register in the PLC, configure the "Address Type" as "D", the "Address" as "100", and the "Bit Offset" as "3".
Address Specific register address in the PLC.
Bit Offset Required for 'bool' types; specifies the bit index.
Data Type Must match the PLC's data format. short (int16)
Read/Write Permission Read Only or Read/Write (for remote modification). Read Only
Decimals Number of decimal places (for float/double). 2
Unit Engineering units (e.g., °C, pcs). °C
Associated Group Assign the tag to a specific data group. -
Description Brief explanation of the tag's purpose. Heat Zone 1 Real-time Temp
Data Operation Mathematical processing (Scaling, Offset, etc.). None
  1. Repeat the steps to add all necessary tags. Once finished, click the "Publish" button in the top right corner to apply the configuration.

4. Verification & Troubleshooting

Verification

  1. Check the device list to ensure the status is Online and tags are successfully collected.

  1. View the Latest Value column to verify data accuracy.

  1. Test Writing: Click the edit icon in the "Latest Value" column, modify the value, and verify if the PLC accepts the change in the next polling cycle.

Common Troubleshooting (FAQ)

  • Issue: Device remains offline.
    • Verify physical serial cable connections (RX/TX/GND) and ensure RS485 A/B wires are not reversed.
    • Use a serial debugging tool on a PC to confirm if the PLC is responding to standard HostLink commands.
    • Double-check serial port settings: Baud Rate, Data Bits, Stop Bits, and Parity must be identical on both sides.
  • Issue: Connected, but values are null or incorrect.
    • Verify Address and Data Type: Ensure the "Address Type" and "Address" match the PLC program exactly.
    • Check [Debug Logs] to filter by device and identify specific error details (e.g., timeout, checksum error).

5. Appendix: Data Type Mapping

When configuring tags in E2C Trinity, use the following mapping:

E2C Trinity Type Length / Sign Omron PLC Equivalent Example Address Notes
bool 1 bit BOOL D100.0, W10.05 Reads a bit from a word address.
ushort (uint16) 16 bit (Unsigned) UINT, WORD D200, W30 Standard 16-bit word.
short (int16) 16 bit (Signed) INT D201, C100 Standard 16-bit signed integer.
uint (uint32) 32 bit (Unsigned) UDINT, DWORD D300, W50 Occupies 2 consecutive words.
int (int32) 32 bit (Signed) DINT D302 Occupies 2 consecutive words.
float (float32) 32 bit (IEEE 754) REAL D500 Occupies 2 consecutive words.
double (double64) 64 bit (IEEE 754) LREAL D502 Occupies 4 consecutive words.
string N Bytes STRING, ARRAY D600 Parses consecutive words as characters.


Revision History

Version Date Author Changes
1.0 2025-09-22 Ken Li Initial document creation.