INSTRUCTION MANUALCOMMUNICATION CONVERTER

IF-400No.IF41E3

2007.06

PrefaceThank you for purchasing the IF-400 Communication Converter. This manual contains instructions for themounting, functions, operations and notes for operating the IF-400. To prevent accidents arising from the misuseof this unit, please ensure the operator receives this manual.

Notes
This instrument should be used in accordance with the specifications described in the manual.
If it is not used according to the specifications, it may malfunction or cause a fire.
Be sure to follow the warnings, cautions and notices. If they are not observed, serious injury or malfunction may
occur.
Specifications and the contents of this instruction manual are subject to change without notice.
Care has been taken to ensure that the contents of this instruction manual are correct, but if there are any doubts,
mistakes or questions, please inform our sales department.
This instrument is designed to be installed on a DIN rail within a control panel. If it is not, measures must be taken
to ensure that power terminals or other high voltage sections cannot be touched.
Any unauthorized transfer or copying of this document, in part or in whole, is prohibited.
Shinko Technos CO., LTD. is not liable for any damage or secondary damage(s) incurred as a result of using thisproduct, including any indirect damages.

Safety precautions (Be sure to read these precautions before using this product.)
The safety precautions are classified into two categories: “Warning” and “Caution”.
Depending on the circumstances, procedures indicated by
Caution may have serious consequences,so be sure to follow the directions for correct usage.

Warning

Procedures which may lead to dangerous conditions andcause death or serious injury, if not carried out properly.

CautionProcedures which may lead to dangerous conditions and cause
superficial to medium injury or physical damage or may degrade
or damage the product, if not carried out properly.

Warning
To prevent an electric shock or fire, only Shinko or other qualified service personnel may handle the innerassembly.
To prevent an electric shock, fire or damage to the instrument, parts replacement may only be undertaken
by Shinko or other qualified service personnel.

Safety precautions
To ensure safe and correct use, thoroughly read and understand this manual before using this instrument.
This instrument is intended to be used for industrial machinery, machine tools and measuring equipment.
Verify correct usage after consulting purpose of use with our agency or main office.
(Never use this instrument for medical purposes with which human lives are involved.)
External protection devices such as protection equipment against excessive temperature rise, etc. must
be installed, as malfunction of this product could result in serious damage to the system or injury to
personnel. Also proper periodic maintenance is required.
This instrument must be used under the conditions and environment described in this manual.
Shinko Technos Co., Ltd. does not accept liability for any injury, loss of life or damage occurring due to the
instrument being used under conditions not otherwise stated in this manual.

Caution with respect to Export Trade Control Ordinance
To avoid this instrument from being used as a component in, or as being utilized in the manufacture of
weapons of mass destruction (i.e. military applications, military equipment, etc.), please investigate the end
users and the final use of this instrument.
In the case of resale, ensure that this instrument is not illegally exported.

11. Installation precautions
CautionThis unit is intended to be used under the following environmental conditions (IEC61010-1):
Overvoltage category , Pollution degree 2
Ensure the mounting location corresponds to the following conditions:
A minimum of dust, and an absence of corrosive gases
No flammable, explosive gases
No mechanical vibrations or shocks
No exposure to direct sunlight, an ambient temperature of 0 to 50 (32 to 122 )that does not change rapidly, no icing
An ambient non-condensing humidity of 35 to 85%RH
No large capacity electromagnetic switches or cables through which large current flows
No water, oil or chemicals or where the vapors of these substances can come into direct contact
with the unit
When this unit is installed inside a control panel, the ambient temperature of this unit must be kept
to under 50 . Otherwise the life of electronic components (especially electrolytic capacitors) will be
shortened.
Note: Avoid setting this unit directly on or near flammable material even though the case of this unit
is made of flame-resistant resin.

2. Wiring precautions
Caution
Do not leave bits of wire in the unit, because they could cause fire, malfunction or trouble.
Insert the connecting cable into the designated connector securely to prevent malfunction.
Connect the wire for the AC power source with its designated terminal as described in this instruction
manual.
The IF-400 will be damaged if the AC power source wire is connected to an incorrect terminal.
When wiring terminals of the IF-400 at the terminal block, use correct fitting ferrules with an insulation sleeve
for the terminal screw.
Tighten the terminal screw within the specified torque. If excessive force is applied to the screw whentightening, the screw or case may be damaged.
For a 24V AC/DC power source, do not confuse polarity when using direct current (DC).
This unit does not have a built-in power switch, circuit breaker or fuse. Therefore, it is necessary to installthem in the circuit near the unit externally.
(Recommended fuse: Time-lag fuse, rated voltage 250V AC, rated current 2A)

3. Running and maintenance precautions
Warning
Do not touch live terminals. This may cause electric shock or problems in operation.
Turn the power supply to the instrument OFF before retightening the terminal or cleaning.
Working or touching the terminal with the power switched ON may result in severe injury or death
due to Electric Shock.
Use a soft, dry cloth when cleaning the unit.
(Alcohol based substances may tarnish or deface the unit)
As the display section is vulnerable, do not strike or scratch it with a hard object.

2

1. Overview
1.1 Overview
The IF-400 is a communication converter to relay communications between a host computer/PLC(RS-232C or RS-422) and controllers (Serial communication function RS-485, C5 option).
Shinko protocol and Modbus protocol are available.
The IF-400 can also be used as a repeater by connecting another IF-400 unit to the controller side
communication line.
The repeater will be the 31st connected unit, and up to 31 units of controller can be connected to therepeater.
A maximum of 3 units of repeater can be connected.
Up to 95 units of controllers (Controller address is limited to 95) can be connected.
1.2 System configuration
1.2.1 When the IF-400 is used as a communication converter
When IF-400 is used as a communication converter, a maximum of 31 units of controller can beconnected.
Host computeror PLC

Communication converter
IF-400RS-232C
RS-422

Digital indicating controller
Max. 31 units

RS-485Max. 1.2km

RS-232C: Max.15m
RS-422: Max.1.2km(Fig.1.2.1-1)

1.2.2 When the IF-400 is used as a repeater
When the IF-400 is used as a repeater, more than 32 units of controller can be connected.
Communication line can be extended more than 1.2km.
Up to 3 units of repeater can be used, therefore, up to 95 units of controller can be connected(A maximum of 4.8km of communication line can be extended).
Host computer Communication converteror PLC
IF-400RS-232C
RS-422

RS-232C: Max.15m
RS-422: Max.1.2km

Repeater
IF-400Digital indicating controller
Max. 30 units
RS-485Max. 1.2km(Fig.1.2.2-1)
3

Digital indicating controller
Max. 31 units
RS-485Max. 1.2km

2. Model
2.1 Model
IF-4002.2 How to read the model label

Warning
Turn the power supply to the instrument off before confirming the model labels.
Working or touching the terminal with the power switched on may result in severe injury
or death due to Electric Shock.
Model labels are attached to the case and the inner assembly. (Fig. 2.2-1)(e.g.)
IF-4001Model: IF-400

No.xxxxxx(Fig. 2.2-1)

2

Serial number (only on the inner assembly)

3. Name and functions of the sections
1

PWR indicator (Green):Lights when power supply to the instrument is switchedon.

2

MST (Master) indicator (Green):
LCL (Local)
MST (Master)Lights while data signal is transmitted from thecontroller side communication line to the hostcomputer/PLC side communication line.

3

LCL (Local) indicator (Green):
MST (Master)
LCL (Local)
Lights while data signal is transmitted from thehost computer/PLC side communication line tothe controller side communication line.

4

Setting display:
Unlit during communication mode.
Indicates the selected item in the Setup mode.

5

Increase key: Switches the selection item.

6

Decrease key: Switches the selection item.

7

Mode key: Switches the setting mode, and registers
the selected item.

1
2

4

3

5

7

6

(Fig. 3-1)

4

4. Mounting
4.1 Site selection

CautionUse within the following temperature and humidity ranges.
Temperature: 0 to 50 (32 to 122 ), Humidity: 35 to 85%RH (No icing, no condensation)
If the IF-400 is installed t within a control panel, the ambient temperature of the IF-400 must be kept to under 50 .
Otherwise the life of electronic parts (especially electrolytic capacitors) of the IF-400 will be shortened.
This unit is intended to be used under the following environmental conditions (IEC61010-1):
Overvoltage category , Pollution degree 2
Ensure the mounting location corresponds to the following conditions:
A minimum of dust, and an absence of corrosive gases
No flammable, explosive gases
No mechanical vibrations or shocks
No exposure to direct sunlight, an ambient temperature of 0 to 50 (32 to 122 ) that does notchange rapidly
An ambient non-condensing humidity of 35 to 85%RH
No large capacity electromagnetic switches or cables through which large current flows
No water, oil or chemicals or where the vapors of these substances can come into direct contact
with this unit
4.2 External dimensions (Scale: mm)(Fig.4.2-1)
4.3 Mounting to the DIN rail

Caution
Mount the DIN rail horizontally.
When the DIN rail is mounted vertically, be sure to use commercially available fastening plates atthe end of the IF-400. Mount the IF-400 to the DIN rail so that the IF-400 may be fixed.
However, if the DIN rail is mounted horizontally in a position susceptible to vibration or shock, thefastening plates must be used as well.

• Recommended fastening plate
Omron Corporation
IDEC Corporation
Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

End plate
Fastening plate
Fastening plate

PFP-M
BNL6
ATA4806

First, hook 1 of the IF-400 on the upper side of the DIN rail. (Fig. 4.3-1)
Second, making 1 part of the IF-400 as a support, fit the lower part 2 of the IF-400 to the DIN rail.
The IF-400 will be completely fixed to DIN rail with a “Click” sound. (Fig. 4.3-1)
5

4.4 Removal from the DIN rail

CautionA flat blade screwdriver is required for removing the IF-400 from the DIN rail.
Do not turn the screwdriver when releasing the lever for removal.
If excessive force is applied to the lever for removal, it may be damaged.
1 : Put a flat blade screwdriver to the lever and pull down the lever with it. (Fig.4.4-1)
2 : The lock to the DIN rail will be released.

Be careful that the unit does not drop to the ground when it is removed. (Fig.4.4-1)

1

Lever for removal

22(Fig.4.3-1) Mounting

1(Fig.4.4-1) Removal

5. Wiring
Warning
Turn the power supply to the instrument off before wiring.
Working or touching the terminal with the power switched on may result in severe injury
or death due to Electric Shock.

Caution
Do not leave bits of wire in the instrument, because they could cause fire, malfunction or trouble.
Insert the connecting cable into the designated connector securely to prevent malfunction.
Connect the wire for AC power source with its designated terminal as described in this instruction
manual.
The IF-400 will be damaged if the AC power source wire is connected to an incorrect terminal.
Tighten the terminal screw with the specified torque.
If excessive force is applied to the screw when tightening, the screw or case may be damaged.
When using a 24V DC for the power source, do not confuse polarity.
This unit does not have a built-in power switch, circuit breaker or fuse. Therefore, it is necessary to
install them in the circuit near the unit externally.
(Recommended fuse: Time-lag fuse, rated voltage 250V AC, rated current 2A)

6

Ferrules and tightening torque
When using ferrules, use the following recommended ferrules and crimping pliers made by Phoenix
Contact GMBH &CO. See (Table 5-1).
Take note that terminal screws and tightening torque differ depending on a terminal number.
(Table 5-1)
Terminal
Terminal
numberscrew
1 to 4M2.6

5 to 9M2.0

Ferrules withinsulation sleeve
AI 0.25-8 YE
AI 0.34-8 TQ
AI 0.5-8 WH
AI 0.75-8 GY
AI 1.0-8 RD
AI 1.5-8 BK
AI 0.25-8 YE
AI 0.34-8 TQ
AI 0.5-8 WH

Conductor crosssections
0.2 to 0.25mm2
0.25 to 0.34mm2
0.34 to 0.5mm2
0.5 to 0.75mm2
0.75 to 1.0mm2
1.0 to 1.5mm2
0.2 to 0.25mm2
0.25 to 0.34mm2
0.34 to 0.5mm2Tightening torqueCrimping pliers

0.5 to 0.6N･m

CRIMPFOX ZA 3
CRIMPFOX UD 6

0.22 to 0.25N･m

Terminal arrangement

to HOST: Communication terminals
for the Host computer/PLC
RS-232C, RS-422, RS-485

Modular jack: For controller side communication
RS-485(Fig. 5-1)

7

5.1 Wiring of power supply
Use terminals 1 and 2 for power supply.
When using a 24V DC for the power source, do not confuse polarity.
5.2 Wiring of the host computer/PLC side when using the IF-400 as a communication converter
5.2.1 RS-232C
Use terminals 3, 4 and 9.
Use CFP-C2 (D-sub 9-pin connector for the host computer side, ferrules for the IF-400 side)
as a cable between host computer/PLC and the IF-400.
If host computer has only USB connector, use commercially available USB serial conversion cable(USB connector for the host computer side, D-sub 9-pin connector for CFP-C2 side) to connect thehost computer and CFP-C2.

Host computer

Host computer

IF-400Shielded wire

Shielded wire

D-sub 9-pin connector

IF-400D-sub 25-pin connector(Fig. 5.2.1-1)

5.2.2 RS-422
Use terminals 5 through 9.
Use CFP-C4 (Y terminal for the host computer, ferrules for the IF-400) as a cable between
host computer/PLC and the IF-400.
Host computer
IF-400Shielded wire

(Fig. 5.2.2-1)
8

5.3 Wiring of the controller side
5.3.1 DCL-33A
Use communication cable CDD or CPP, and plug into a modular jack.

IF-400

DCL-33A (Max.31 units)

CDD or CPP (*)

Bottom of the IF-400, DCL-33A(Fig.5.3.1-1)(*) Cable length of CDD: 60mm. For distances larger than 60mm, use the CPP cable.
Cable length of CPP: 500mm.
For distances larger than 500mm, the CPP can be extended in units of 500mm fixed length.
For distances less than 500mm, the CPP can be cut down in units of 100mm fixed length.

95.3.2 Controllers such as ACS-13A, JC series, FC series, PC-900 which have terminal block
Use CDM communication cable, and plug into a modular jack.
Cable length of CDM: 3000mm
The CDM cable can be extended in units of 1000mm fixed length.
JCS-33A (Max. 31 units)

IF-400Shielded wire

Shielded wire

Plug into the modular jack at
the bottom of the IF-400.
(There are 2 modular jacks.
Use either of them.)(Fig.5.3.2-1)

5.3.3 NCL-13A
Use CNS communication cable, and plug into a modular jack.
Cable length of CNS: 500mm
The CNS cable can be extended in units of 500mm fixed length.
IF-400

NCL-13A (Max.31 units)

Screw type plug
for lines(sold separately)

Plug into the modular jack at
the bottom of the IF-400.
(There are 2 modular jacks.
Use either of them.)(Fig.5.3.3-1)

10

Bus plug5.4 Wiring of the host computer/PLC side when using the IF-400 as a repeater
When connecting more than 32 units of controllers, use the IF-400 as a repeater.
For wiring between the IF-400 and controllers, refer to Section 5.3.
5.4.1 DCL-33A
Use CNS communication cable, and connect it to terminals 7 through 9.
Cable length of CNS: 500mm
The CNS cable can be extended in units of 500mm fixed length.
IF-400(comm. converter)

IF-400 (repeater)

DCL-33A (Max.30 units)

NoticeThe repeater willbe the 31st
connected unit,
and up to 30 unitsof the DCL-33A
can be connected.

(Fig.5.4.1-1)
5.4.2 Controllers such as ACS-13A, JC series, FC series, PC-900 which have terminal block
Use CNM communication cable, and connect it to terminals 7 through 9.
Cable length of CNM: 500mm
The CNM cable can be extended in units of 500mm fixed length.
IF-400(Comm. converter)

JCS-33A (Max.30 units)

Shielded wire

Plug into themodular jackat the bottomof the IF-400.
(There are 2
modular jacks.
Use either ofthem.)

Shielded wire

(Fig.5.4.2-1)
11

NoticeThe repeater willbe the 31st
connected unit,
and up to 30 unitsof JCS-33A canbe connected.

IF-400 (repeater)

5.4.3 NCL-13A
Use CNS communication cable, and connect it to terminals 7 through 9.
Cable length of CNS: 500mm
The CNS cable can be extended in units of 500mm fixed length.
NCL-13A (Max. 30 units)
IF-400 (Communication converter)

Screw type plug
for lines(sold separately)
Plug into the modular jack at
the bottom of the IF-400.
(There are 2 modular jacks.
Use either of them.)

CNS

IF-400 (Repeater)

NoticeThe repeater willbe the 31st
connected unit,
and up to 30 unitsof NCL-13A canbe connected.

CNS(Fig. 5.4.3-1)

6. Setup
Setup should occur before using the IF-400, to set the Communication speed and Sending/Receiving
switching character, according to the users’ conditions.
If the users’ specification is the same as the default value of the IF-400 (Table 6-1), it is not necessary
to set up the IF-400. Proceed to Chapter “7. Running”.
(Table 6-1)
Setting item
Communication speed
Sending/Receiving
switching character

Default value
9600bps
1 character

Setup items and communication line control
After detecting the Start bit of the 1st character upon receiving a data signal from the host computer/PLC,
the IF-400 switches the controller communication line to Sending status.
When data signal from the host computer/PLC stops, the IF-400 sets the controller communication line
back to Receiving status after Sending/Receiving switching time has passed (*).
After detecting the Start bit of the 1st character upon receiving a data signal from the controller, the IF-400
switches the host computer/PLC communication line to Receiving status.
When data signal from the controller stops, the IF-400 sets the host computer/PLC communication line
back to Receiving status after Sending/Receiving switching time has passed (*).
12

When communication is not performed, the communication line for both host computer/PLC and controller
are in data Receiving status.
(*) Sending/Receiving switching time is determined by the selection of communication speed andSending/Receiving switching character.
(e.g.) Communication speed: 9600bps
Sending/Receiving switching character: 1 characterIf 1 character is 10 bits, then Sending/Receiving switching time will be 0.001 seconds (1ms).
Communication timing
The IF-400 performs control within the communication time above. Therefore, if data is transmitted with ashorter interval than the Sending/Receiving switching time, normal communication cannot be performed.
Set the Sending/Receiving time from the host computer side so that the next piece of data can be sent
after the communication line is switched from Sending to Receiving status.
Turn the power ON
The PWR indicator lights when power supply to the unit is switched on.
Other indicators are unlit. (See Fig. 6-1)
Lit

Unlit
(Fig. 6-1)
Basic setup operation
To proceed to the setup mode, press thekey.
The unit will proceed to the “Communication speed selection” mode, and its characters will be
indicated on the display.
Make a selection using theandkeys, and register the selected item with the
key.
(See Fig. 6-2.)

Proceeds to the Setup mode, andregisters the selected item.

Make a selection.

(Fig. 6-2)

13

6.1 Operation flowchart
Power ON

Communication
mode

Setup mode
Press thekey.

-

Communication
speed

Make a selection with theor
key.

Press theSending/Receiving
switching character

key.

Press theMake a selection with the
or
key.
key.

6.2 Contents of Setup mode
Communication speed selection
Indication
Communication speed
2400bps
4800bps
9600bps
19200bps
Sending/Receiving switching character selection
Indication
Sending/Receiving switching character1 character2 characters

7. Running
Check the wiring and setup.
Confirm the communication between a host computer/ PLC and controller.
For communication confirmation, simplified communication software and monitoring software are provided.
The monitoring software can be downloaded from Shinko website (http://www.shinko-technos.co.jp).
(Registration for membership is required.)
For further details, contact our dealers or us.

8. Specifications
RatingCommunication

Supply voltage: Host computer/PLC side: RS-232C or RS-422 (terminal)
RS-485 (terminal, when used as a repeater)
Controller side: RS-485 (modular jack): 100 to 240V AC or 24V AC/DC, 50/60Hz
Allowable voltage fluctuation range:
100 to 240V AC : 85 to 264V AC
24V AC/DC: 20 to 28V AC/DC
14

General structure
External dimensions : 22.5 x 75 x 100 mm (W x H x D)
Mounting: DIN rail
Case
: Flame-resistant resin, Light gray
Panel
: Membrane sheet
Insulation/Dielectric strength
Circuit insulation configuration:
Power supply

Insulated
Communication
Host computer/PLC

Insulated

CPU

Communication
Controller(DCL-33A, JCx-33A)

Insulation resistance : 10M or more, at 500V DC
Dielectric strength:
Between power terminal and controller communication modular jack --------- 1.5kV AC for 1 minuteBetween power terminal and host computer/PLC communication terminal --- 1.5kV AC for 1 minuteBetween host computer/PLC communication terminaland controller communication modular jack ----------------------------- 1.5kV AC for 1 minute
OthersPower consumption : Approx. 5VA
Ambient temperature : 0 to 50 (32 to 122 )Ambient humidity: 35 to 85%RH (non-condensing)
Weight: Approx. 150g
Accessories: Instruction manual 1 copy

9. Troubleshooting
If any malfunctions occur, refer to the following items after checking the power supply to the IF-400,
the host computer and controller.

Warning
Turn the power supply to the instrument OFF before wiring or checking.
Working with the power switched ON may result in severe injury or death due to Electric Shock.
Communication failure
ProblemConnector or communication cable
is not connected.
Imperfect contact with theconnector or broken cables
The wiring of communication cable(connector) is not correct.
Setup of the IF-400 is not correct.

Solution
Connect it securely.

Securely connect the connector.
Change the cable.
Wire it correctly.
Refer to “5. Wiring”.
Set up the unit properly.
Refer to “6. Setup”.
Instrument number of the controller Sets an individual instrument number for each unit ofis duplicated.
controllers.
When using Shinko monitoring software, set the controllers’
instrument number from 0 (zero) in numerical order, referring to
the Instruction manual for the controller.

15*****

Inquiry*****

For any inquiries about this unit, please contact our agency or the shopwhere you purchased the unit after checking the following.

(Example)• Model ----------------------------- IF-400• Serial number ------------------- No. xxxxxx
In addition to the above, please let us know the details of the malfunction andoperating conditions.

SHINKO TECHNOS CO., LTD.
OVERSEAS DIVISION
Reg. Office: 2-5-1, Senbahigashi, Minoo, Osaka, JapanURL: http://www.shinko-technos.co.jp
E-mail: overseas@shinko-technos.co.jp

Tel : 81-72-727-6100
Fax: 81-72-727-7006