The firmware of AC500 communication interface modules can be updated using the IP configuration tool.
For this purpose, the IP configuration tool must be used as a stand-alone variant.
It is not possible to perform a firmware update from within Automation Builder.
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For PROFINET communication interface modules, firmware updates are supported only for devices with firmware version ³ 3.3.3.
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For EtherCAT communication interface modules, firmware updates are supported only for devices with firmware version ³ 2.1.4.
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For Modbus communication interface modules, firmware updates are supported only for devices with firmware version ³ 3.2.13.
Requirements:
Before the firmware update
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Ensure a fast and stable network connection.
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Close all unused applications on the executing PC.
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Stop communication between the AC500 PLC and the communication interface module that shall be updated.
During the firmware update
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Do not close the IP configuration tool.
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Do not open Automation Builder software or any other application.
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Do not switch off the communication interface module that shall be updated.
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Do not disconnect the Ethernet connection of the communication interface module or the executing PC
The firmware update stops the operation of the affected device(s). The affected device(s) become unresponsive for 1 - 2 minutes.
Procedure:
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Start the IP configuration tool stand-alone (.exe).
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Perform a network scan.
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Select the devices that shall be updated from the list and click [Scan] to trigger the scan process.
Multiple devices can be selected using the “Ctrl” key. Select only devices of the same protocol at one time. Otherwise, the firmware update fails.
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This step is required only for devices that require an installed “NPcap” driver. In this case, a message including a download link is displayed in the IP-Configuration dialog:
Click the displayed link ⮫ https://nmap.org/download.html and download the latest version of the npcap-X.X.exe file.
After the download, execute the file as administrator and restart the scan process.
The scanned devices are listed.
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Click [Update Firmware] to start the firmware update for the selected devices.
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For CI50x, CI51x and CI52x devices, a signature check is started. Select the appropriate firmware update file (*.bin) for the device(s). Example: C:\AC500\AC500_CI52x_Firmware_V3.2.8.bin.
After a successful signature check, the firmware file (*.bin) and the corresponding signature file (*.bin.sig) are transferred to the device. The transfer can take up to 3 minutes.
If the signature check fails, verify the availability of the *.bin file and the *bin.sig file.
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A status check is performed automatically. A device reboot is performed. A second status check is performed automatically.
After the firmware update, all outputs of the updated device(s) are set to '0'.
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After a successful firmware update, the update status or the new firmware version is displayed in the “FW Version” field.
If the “FW Version” field is empty, a connection error between the device and the executing PC may exist.
Exception: For EtherCAT devices, an empty “FW Version” field does not indicate a connection error.
If the firmware update fails, perform the following actions.
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Check the requirements for the update procedure.
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Check the troubleshooting hints.
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Perform a network scan and repeat the update. If the error still persists, power cycle the device and try the update again.
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