Compatibility and Limitations
Original instructions
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Overview
The number of the BMXERT1604T/H modules in a hardware configuration is linked to the:
When counting the number of expert channels in the configuration, take also into account that the Modbus port of the CPU (when present) is an expert channel.
When the application is built, Control Expert checks that the limitation is not exceeded.
Modicon M340
The minimum M340 PLC OS version required to use the BMXERT1604T/H module is V2.50.
The time synchronization with CPU or CRA head modules via X Bus feature is not compatible with the M340 PLC. You can not configure a BMXERT1604.2 device in a M340 application.
CAUTION
UNEXPECTED BEHAVIOR OF APPLICATION
Before using the BMXERT1604T/H module in an M340 configuration, check that the OS version of the PLC is 2.50 or later.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in injury or equipment damage.
The maximum number of BMXERT1604T/H modules that can be configured in an M340 PLC station is linked to the:
Architecture
CPU Reference
Maximum Expert Channels/CPU
Maximum Number BMXERT1604T/H Modules/CPU
Local Architecture
BMX P34 1000
20
4
BMX P34 2000
36
8
BMX P34 2010
36
8
BMX P34 20102
36
8
BMX P34 2020
36
8
BMX P34 2030
36
9
BMX P34 20302
36
9
Modicon M580
The time synchronization with CPU or CRA head modules via X Bus is available for BMXERT1604T/H modules with firmware V2.00 or later. In this case, the Hardware Catalog device to configure is BMXERT1604.2 (SV>=2.00).
NOTE: If you configure a device BMXERT1604.2 (SV>=2.00) and download to module with a firmware V1.30 or earlier, the time synchronization with CPU or CRA head modules via X Bus feature will not take effect, and the module will run in free running mode.
The following table give the availability and restrictions of the BMXERT1604T/H module functionalities in M580 local racks. The table give also the Control Expert Hardware Catalog devices to configure:
Module features and requirements
M580 local racks (Main and extended)
BMXERT1604T/H
Time synchronization
  • Free Running/Internal Clock, or
  • DCF77/External Clock, or
  • IRIG-B/External Clock
Yes
Yes
  • CPU/CRA Head External Clock
No
Yes
Requirements
M580 CPU
Firmware version
All
Minimum V2.10
BMXERT1604T/H
Firmware version
All
Minimum V2.00
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMX ERT 1604
BMX ERT 1604.2
The following table give the availability and restrictions of the BMXERT1604T/H module functionalities in X80 drops over M580 PAC (Stand-alone and Hot standby). The table give also the Control Expert Hardware Catalog devices to configure:
Module features and requirements
X80 drop over M580 PAC (main and extended remote racks)
BMXERT1604T/H
Time synchronization
  • Free Running/Internal Clock, or
  • DCF77/External Clock, or
  • IRIG-B/External Clock
Yes
Yes
  • CPU/CRA Head External Clock
No
Yes
Requirements
M580 CPU
Firmware version
Minimum V2.00(1)
Minimum V2.10
BMXERT1604T/H
Firmware version
All
Minimum V2.00
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMX ERT 1604
BMX ERT 1604.2
BMXCRA31210
Drop end communicator
Firmware version
Minimum V2.00
Minimum V2.14
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMXCRA31210 (SV>=2.00)
BMXCRA31210 (SV>=2.14)
Or
BMECRA31210
Drop end communicator
Firmware version
Minimum V2.00
Minimum V2.14
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMECRA31210 (SV>=2.00)
BMECRA31210 (SV>=2.10) 
(1)
For a M580 Hot Standby the minimum firmware is V2.10.
In an M580 system, the maximum number of BMXERT1604T/H modules that can be configured follows the respective limitations imposed by the hardware configuration (local racks, X80 drops) and globally by the application. Local racks: The maximum number of BMXERT1604T/H modules that can be configured in M580 local racks (that is local and extended local racks) is linked to: X80 drops: The maximum number of BMXERT1604T/H modules that can be configured in each X80 drop (with a BM•CRA31210 X80 performance EIO adapter module) follow these rules:
  • a maximum of 36 expert channels
  • a maximum of 9 BMXERT1604T/H modules configured
Application The maximum number of BMXERT1604T/H modules that can be configured in the application is dependent on the time stamping mode selected in Project Settings → General → Time → Time Stamping Mode: System: a maximum of 25 BMXERT1604T/H modules supported by application. Applicative: the maximum of BMXERT1604T/H modules supported by application is not limited.
NOTE: For M580 CPUs with OS V2.40 or earlier, the number of BMXERT1604T/H modules per application is limited to 25, whatever the time stamping mode.
Modicon Quantum
The time synchronization with CPU or CRA head modules via X Bus feature is not compatible with the Quantum PLC. You can not configure a BMXERT1604.2 device in a Quantum application.
The following table give the availability and restrictions of the BMXERT1604T module functionalities. The table give also the Control Expert Hardware Catalog devices to configure:
Module features and requirements
X80 drop over Quantum PLC (main and extended remote racks)
BMXERT1604T/H
Time synchronization
  • Free Running/Internal Clock, or
  • DCF77/External Clock, or
  • IRIG-B/External Clock
Yes
  • CPU/CRA Head External Clock
No
Requirements
BMXERT1604T/H
Firmware version
All
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMX ERT 1604
BMXCRA31210(1)
Drop end communicator
Firmware version
Minimum V1.00
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMXCRA31210 (SV>=1.00)
Or
BMECRA31210(2)
Drop end communicator
Firmware version
Minimum V2.00
Control Expert Hardware Catalog device
BMECRA31210 (SV>=2.00) 
(1)
Requires a Quantum CPU with a firmware V3.10 or later 
(2)
Requires a Quantum CPU with a firmware V3.20 or later
The maximum number of BMXERT1604T/H modules that can be configured in the application is:
Architecture
CRA Reference
Maximum Expert Channels/CRA
Maximum Module Number/Drop (CRA)
Maximum Module Number/EIO Network
Remote I/O Architecture
BMXCRA31210
or
BMECRA31210
36
9
25
NOTE: 1 expert channel = 1 ERT logical group.