Chapter 3 PLC System Configuration & Settings 3.2.3 Managing the Version of a Module The functions of a module or the parameters in the module vary with the versions of the module. In HWCONFIG, the functions of the modules and the parameters in the modules are defined in a document called MDS. When ISPSoft is installed, the latest MDS document will be also installed. An MDS document provides the information about the firmware versions of the modules. If users want to configure modules in HWCONFIG, they can select a suitable configuration according to the firmware versions of the actual modules.
Besides, the parameters which can be set in the modules vary with the firmware versions of the modules which are set. If the firmware version of a module set in HWCONFIG is older than the firmware version of the actual module, the module will operate normally after the parameters are downloaded. If the firmware version of a module set in HWCONFIG is newer than the firmware version of the actual module, the module will not operate normally after the parameters are downloaded. Please refer to the descriptions in the table below for more information. *. The compatibility mechanism described above only applies to modules whose firmware version is 1.0 or above.
A firmware version below 1.0 is not compatible with firmware version 1.0 or above. *. The equipment description file can be in DDF or MDS format based on different models. If users want to set the firmware version of a module, they can select a version number in the Firmware Version drop-down list cell on the information list. If the firmware version of a module is unknown, no version number will be displayed. 3-157 Difference Compatibility The firmware version set is older than the actual firmware version. The module operates normally. Functions or parameters not defined in HWCONFIG are assigned with the default values. The firmware version set is newer than the actual firmware version.
The module cannot operate, and is in an erroneous condition. Users have to select a firmware version which is the same as the firmware version of the actual module in HWCONFIG, check the parameters, and download the parameters again.