In Automation Builder, AC500-eco onboard I/O appears automatically under the CPU. Expansion modules such as the DX561 are added under the I/O bus node in the same order as they sit on the DIN rail, left to right. Each module's parameters set input delay and output behaviour, and its I/O Mapping tab shows the addresses (for example %IX1.0) that your program will use.
- Module order in the I/O bus must match the DIN rail order exactly
- Onboard I/O is part of the CPU node; expansion modules are separate nodes
- Check input delay and output behaviour on STOP for every module
- Read addresses from the I/O Mapping tab instead of guessing
The CPU only knows which modules exist through the configuration you download. A missing or swapped module shows up as an I/O bus error and the CPU may refuse to run. This lab gets that right before any logic is written.
Step 1: Know the Onboard and Expansion I/O
| Source | Channels | Typical use on the kit | Example addresses |
|---|---|---|---|
| PM564-T-ETH onboard DI | 6 × 24 VDC | E-stop healthy, Start, Stop, Reset, Auto, Manual | %IX0.0 – %IX0.5 |
| PM564-T-ETH onboard DO | 6 × transistor | Motor run/rev, tower lamp, buzzer | %QX0.0 – %QX0.5 |
| PM564-T-ETH onboard AI/AO | 2 AI / 1 AO | Not used in this series (spare) | see I/O Mapping |
| DX561 slot 1 DI | 8 × 24 VDC | Jog buttons, sensors, MPCB and contactor feedback | %IX1.0 – %IX1.7 |
| DX561 slot 1 DO | 8 × transistor | Push button lamps, mode lamps | %QX1.0 – %QX1.7 |
Addresses shown are the ones Automation Builder assigned on our trainer project. Your project may differ depending on CPU variant, firmware and module order, so always read the actual address from the module's I/O Mapping tab.
| Common S500-eco module | Type | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| DI561 | Digital input | 8 DI |
| DI562 | Digital input | 16 DI |
| DO561 | Digital output | 8 DO transistor |
| DO562 | Digital output | 16 DO transistor |
| DX561 | Digital mixed | 8 DI + 8 DO transistor |
| DX571 | Digital mixed | 8 DI + 8 DO relay |
| AI561 | Analog input | 4 AI |
| AO561 | Analog output | 2 AO |
| AX561 | Analog mixed | 4 AI + 2 AO |
Step 2: Add the DX561 to the I/O Bus
- Right-click the IO-Bus node under the CPU and choose Add device.
- Select DX561 from the S500-eco digital modules and add it.
- If you had more modules, add them in exact DIN rail order: the first module right of the CPU is slot 1.
- Rename the node
DX561_Slot1.
Click or tab to any device to see what you configure for it.
Step 3: Set Module Parameters
| Parameter | Recommended for the kit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Input delay | Default (a few ms) | Filters contact bounce; too long makes fast sensors miss pulses |
| Output behaviour on CPU STOP / error | Switch outputs OFF | A stopped PLC must not leave a motor running |
| Diagnostics / check supply | Enabled | Missing process supply is reported instead of outputs silently not switching |
| Unused channels | Leave default, mark SPARE in tag list | Keeps the I/O list honest for the next engineer |
Step 4: Read the I/O Mapping and Check Against Hardware
- Open the CPU onboard I/O node, tab I/O Mapping. Note the address of every channel.
- Do the same for
DX561_Slot1. - Build the project. There should be no errors about the I/O bus.
- Log in (Lab 2 route). If the CPU has no matching configuration, wait until Lab 8 to download, then come back and check the module LEDs and online values.
| ID | Check | How to check | Pass criterion | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | ||||
| C-01 | Module order | Compare tree with DIN rail | Same order left to right | |
| C-02 | Module types | Compare names on modules with tree | DX561 in slot 1 | |
| C-03 | Addresses recorded | Copy I/O Mapping into the I/O list | All 14 DI and 10 DO have an address | |
| C-04 | Build | Build project | 0 errors, 0 I/O bus warnings | |
Practice Exercise
Add a DI562 in slot 2 and an AX561 in slot 3 in the project only. Note the addresses Automation Builder gives them. Then move the DI562 to slot 1 and see which addresses change. Undo both changes.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| I/O bus error LED after download | Module order or type differs from configuration | Match the tree to the DIN rail exactly |
| Outputs show ON in program but do not switch | No process supply on the output group | Measure 24 VDC on the output supply terminals |
| Fast sensor pulses missed | Input delay too long or scan too slow | Reduce input delay, or use a fast counter input |
| Addresses shifted after adding a module | Module inserted in the middle of the rail | Add new modules at the end, or update the I/O list and mapping |
Frequently asked questions
How many expansion modules can an AC500-eco CPU take?
AC500-eco CPUs support a limited number of S500-eco modules on the local I/O bus, typically up to 10. Check the hardware manual for your CPU.
Do the module slots in Automation Builder have to match the DIN rail?
Yes. The first module to the right of the CPU is slot 1 and so on. A mismatch causes I/O bus errors.
Where do I find the address of an AC500-eco input?
Open the module in the device tree and go to the I/O Mapping tab. It lists each channel with its address and lets you assign a variable name.
Can I mix S500 and S500-eco modules?
AC500-eco CPUs are designed for S500-eco modules on the local bus, and many standard S500 modules are also supported. Check the compatibility list for your CPU before ordering.