PL1000E configured as a Modbus Slave
Cat DataLink (CDL) and/or J1939 to Modbus Parameter Translation
CDL parameters are given register assignments for accessibility through the Modbus interface. The parameters reside in holding register range of 40,001 through 42,000. Register assignments for CDL parameters are assigned through the "Parameter Translation Editor" in Caterpillar Tool Kit or Caterpillar Electronic Tool (Cat ET).
The PL1000E supports the parameter translations feature over the following ports:
The 258-4548 Electronic Control Module is an ECM with no software installed. After the PL1000E software is installed on the ECM, the part number becomes 256-7512 Communication Electronic Control Module (v3). The 256-7512 Communication Electronic Control Module (v3) can only be configured for RS-485 4 wire. The 256-7512 (v3) cannot be configured for RS-485 2 wire.
The 285-1138 Electronic Control Module is an ECM with no software installed. After the PL1000E software is installed on the ECM, the part number becomes 256-7512 Communication Electronic Control Module (v4). The 256-7512 Communication Electronic Control Module (v4) can be configured for RS-485 2 wire or 4 wire. The 256-7512 (v4) also supports multi-node communications.
Cat DataLink (CDL) and J1939 to Modbus Parameter Translation - Dual Data Link Feature
The CDL and J1939 to Modbus Parameter Translation feature gathers information from both the CDL and the J1939 data links simultaneously.
The dual data link feature will translate the CDL and J1939 data to the industry standard Modbus protocol interface.
Cat ET version 2007B or later and PL1000E software release 315-0627 Communication Software Group or later are required in order to use this feature. Cat ET version 2007B will allow for both CDL and J1939 objects in the same "Parameter Translation Editor" window. Cat ET version 2007B will allow translation lines to and from a Modbus ECM.
Custom Web Pages
PCL, Extensible Markup Language (XML), Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL), and Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) files all reside on the PL1000E web server. All of these files work together in order to provide a customized view of data that is gathered by the PL1000E. In order for custom web pages to display information, the PCL file must be configured with a translation line to a web object. The custom web pages may include some or all of parameters on that translation line for monitoring and viewing in a web browser.
PL1000E configured as a Limited Modbus Master
Cat DataLink (CDL) to Modbus Parameter Translation
CDL parameters are written to assigned registers. The register memory locations are on a "Modbus Slave" device which is connected to the PL1000E with the use of the serial port. The register memory locations are:
- 30,001 – 32,000
- 40,001 – 42,000
The PCL file informs the PL1000E what information to translate. The PCL file informs the PL1000E which protocol to output these translations on.
The PCL files are created and the PCL files are modified with the use of the "Parameter Translation Editor " (PTE). The PTE is found under the "Utilities" menu in "Caterpillar Communications Tool Kit" or Cat ET version 2007B or higher.
The PL1000E 315-0627 Communication Software Group is required for "Modbus Master".
The PL1000E supports the parameter translations feature over the following ports:
J1939 to Modbus Parameter Translation
J1939 to "Modbus Parameter Translation" provides translation of parameter data to and from the J1939 protocol supported in Cat ET to the industry standard Modbus protocol interface. J1939 parameters are written to or are read from assigned registers. The memory location for the registers are:
- 30,001 – 32,000
- 40,001 – 42,000
The registers are on a Modbus Slave. The PCL file informs the PL1000E which parameters to look at. Also, the PCL file informs the PL1000E how to translate the data for another system in order to understand the information.
The PL1000E supports the parameter translations feature over the following ports:
The destination register assignments for the J1939 parameters are assigned through the Parameter Translation Editor in Caterpillar Tool Kit or Cat ET version 2007B or higher.
The PL1000E 315-0627 Communication Software Group is required for "Modbus Master".
Embedded Webserver
The PL1000E Communication Module provides the capability to view web pages that are stored on the ECM. The "Status" and the "Configuration" pages are part of the initial software that is used to configure the PL1000E Communication Module. The "Status" and the "Configuration" pages are accessible to the user via most standard web browsers. The "Status" and the "Configuration" pages provide the same PL1000E information as the Cat ET "Status" and "Configuration" screens.
CDL Boost
CDL Boost is available with the PL1000E. "CDL Boost" enables a customer to extend the lengths of CDL wire harnesses. The lengths of CDL wire harnesses can extend to a maximum length of 305 m (1000 ft). Data integrity will be maintained. Refer to the "Embedded Web Server" section of this document for more information about "Boost".
Note: In order to enable CDL boost for the 285-1138 Electronic Control Module v3, pin 7 of the ECM must be grounded. Cat ET and the web page will show a status parameter that informs the user if CDL boost is enabled or disabled.
Embedded Communications Adapter (ECA)
The PL1000E Communication ECM provides a communication adapter for use with standard Caterpillar service tools such as Cat ET. The "Embedded Communications Adapter" (ECA) can be used in order to configure statistics and to monitor statistics of the PL1000E. Other devices that are connected to the CDL data bus may be serviced and may be flashed. ECA usage is compatible with Cat ET version 2004B and later. ECA usage is also compatible with Caterpillar Communication Tool Kit version 2005A or later.
Perform the following steps in order to utilize the ECA feature.
- Connect the serial port of the PL1000E to a computer that is running standard Caterpillar service tool software.
- Configure the service tool preferences in order to use the ECA.
The ECA feature is always enabled. The ECA feature is always assigned to serial port 3 of the ECM. Once the ECA is integrated into the system, the ECM will provide all of the same electronic control servicing that was previously provided by external adapters for Caterpillar electronic modules on CDL and J1939.
Note: The previous hardware version of the PL1000E, that include 258-4548 and 256-7512 v3), do not support the J1939 data link on "Embedded Communication Adapter" (ECA).
Note: The new hardware version of PL1000E, 285-1138 now supports flashing itself and other ECMs that are on the J1939 datalink when connected via the ECA. In addition, other ECMs may be serviced by ET on the J1939 datalink when connected via the PL1000E's ECA. The PL1000E cannot be serviced by ET on the J1939 datalink when connected via the PL1000E's ECA.