Modicon M258 Logic Controller

I need to design the system using Schneider PLC but pretty new to it.

The system that I need to design is pretty small system and I am thinking of using Modicon M258 Logic Controller. The main PLC with the extension card will be in central control room but there is a case that I need to have at least one remote I/O (no CPU) in the field.

How can I communicate the Main PLC with Remote I/O?
Is Schneider ethernet module can use for RIO communication?

Thanks you

I don't think these are designed for controlling remote IO over Ethernet. I think you can do message blocks and read IO (ModbusTCP if I recall correctly) but there is no easy method such as IOscanner or using EtherNet/IP class 1 communications.

For this platform, I would look at CANOpen IO - Schneider as well as many others make IO for CANOpen and I think that would work fine. The STB series from Advantys has a CANOpen head module.

If you need/want to use Ethernet IO, then maybe switch to the M340 platform, which has more options?

I have played with these a couple of times and note that the software sure looks like Codesys. Nothing wrong with that, but it's not the same as what the other controller platforms use (UnityPro).

Depending on the distance you can use, Ethernet, if it's further you could use fiber but it's pricey if you don't already have the fiber pulled in. The other option is the Trio radios. I've used these and they are very slick, simple and secure. And I agree with the other poster, use the M340.

http://www.schneider-electric.com/p...os/61420-trio-license-free-radios/?BUSINESS=1