Product Overview

The Schneider TSXETY4103 is an Ethernet TCP/IP communication module for the Modicon Premium automation platform. It connects a Premium PLC station to an industrial Ethernet network through an RJ45 interface, allowing the controller to exchange data with supervisory systems, engineering workstations, other PLCs, and Ethernet-based devices.

The module supports 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet communication over 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX twisted-pair cabling. Its communication services include Modbus TCP messaging, Uni-TE messaging, I/O Scanning, Global Data, FDR server functionality, SNMP monitoring, and SMTP email notification.

One practical application is connecting a Modicon Premium PLC to a plant-level SCADA system. The TSXETY4103 allows process data to be exchanged over Ethernet, so operators can monitor machine status, review operating values, and coordinate production equipment without relying entirely on point-to-point serial connections.

The module is also useful in installations where several PLC stations need to exchange information. Through Modbus TCP and Global Data services, configured devices can share process information across the network. I/O Scanning can be used to manage cyclic data exchanges with compatible Ethernet devices, reducing the need for individual communication routines in the PLC application.

Another useful feature is its Transparent Ready Class B30 web server. The built-in web functions include a rack viewer and a Data Editor accessible through a PC terminal. Maintenance personnel can use these facilities to inspect rack information and access supported data without relying exclusively on the PLC programming environment.

The TSXETY4103 has one RJ45 Ethernet interface and supports up to 64 communication connections. It receives its operating power from the Modicon Premium rack rather than requiring a separate external 24 V DC supply.

When integrating the module into an existing network, attention should be given to IP addressing, subnet configuration, communication services, PLC software compatibility, and Ethernet cable installation. These settings determine whether the Premium controller can communicate correctly with the intended network devices.

Technical Specifications

Product Features

• Ethernet TCP/IP communication for Modicon Premium PLC systems.
• One RJ45 interface supporting 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX networks.
• Automatic operation at 10/100 Mbit/s.
• Supports Modbus TCP and Uni-Telway communication.
• Up to 64 communication connections.
• I/O Scanning for cyclic data exchange with compatible Ethernet devices.
• Global Data service for configured PLC data sharing.
• FDR server functionality for supported device replacement and configuration operations.
• SNMP agent for network monitoring.
• SMTP email notification service.
• Transparent Ready Class B30 embedded web server.
• Rack Viewer and PC-based Data Editor functions.
• Four front-panel LEDs for network status and communication diagnostics.
• Receives power directly from the Premium rack.
• Compatible with PL7 Pro and Unity Pro engineering environments.

Working Principle

The TSXETY4103 operates as the Ethernet communication interface between the Modicon Premium PLC and other devices on an industrial TCP/IP network.

Its communication path can be represented as:

Modicon Premium CPU → Rack Backplane → TSXETY4103 → RJ45 Ethernet Network → SCADA / PLC / Ethernet Devices

The PLC CPU handles the control application and generates the data that needs to be transmitted. The TSXETY4103 receives communication requests and data through the rack backplane, processes the configured Ethernet services, and exchanges information with network devices through its RJ45 port.

For example, in a manufacturing plant, a Premium PLC may control a production line while a supervisory computer collects operating information. The SCADA system can request PLC data through Modbus TCP, allowing operators to view machine states, process values, and production conditions.

The I/O Scanning service handles configured cyclic exchanges with compatible remote Ethernet devices. Instead of writing separate communication routines for every data exchange, the PLC can use the module’s scanning configuration to manage recurring input and output data transfers.

Global Data provides another communication method for sharing configured information between participating PLC stations. This is useful when several controllers need access to selected operating values without continuously exchanging individual application messages.

The module also supports Uni-TE messaging, which allows communication with compatible Schneider Electric automation equipment. SNMP provides network management information, while SMTP can be used for configured email notifications.

The Transparent Ready Class B30 web server adds browser-based access to supported module information. The Rack Viewer provides rack-related information, and the Data Editor allows access to supported data through a PC terminal.

For correct operation, the Ethernet network parameters and communication services must be configured consistently across the connected devices. Incorrect IP addresses, subnet settings, or protocol configurations can prevent communication even when the physical Ethernet connection is working normally.

Role in a Modicon Premium PLC Control Architecture

The TSXETY4103 provides the Ethernet communication layer within a Modicon Premium automation architecture. It allows the PLC station to exchange information with supervisory computers, remote controllers, and compatible Ethernet equipment.

A typical network arrangement is:

Modicon Premium PLC → TSXETY4103 → Industrial Ethernet Switch → SCADA / HMI / Other PLC Stations

In a distributed production system, the TSXETY4103 can connect a Premium PLC to an Ethernet network carrying information between several automation stations. A central supervisory computer can collect process data, while other PLCs exchange selected operating values.

The module’s I/O Scanning service is particularly useful when the application includes compatible remote Ethernet devices. Global Data can support information exchange between configured PLC stations, while Modbus TCP provides a widely used method for communication with supervisory and third-party equipment.

Industrial Applications

Installation and Maintenance

1. Verify the Module Reference: Confirm that the module is TSXETY4103 and that its Ethernet communication functions meet the requirements of the existing Premium installation.
2. Check Rack Compatibility: Verify that the Premium rack has an available standard-format module position and that the selected processor supports the intended communication configuration.
3. Inspect the RJ45 Interface: Check the Ethernet connector for physical damage, contamination, or loose connections before connecting the network cable.
4. Select Suitable Ethernet Cabling: Use compatible twisted-pair Ethernet cabling for the 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX connection.
5. Configure IP Parameters: Assign the correct IP address, subnet mask, and other required network parameters according to the plant network configuration.
6. Check Network Topology: Confirm that the Ethernet switch, connected PLCs, SCADA computers, and other devices are connected to the correct network segments.
7. Verify Protocol Settings: Check Modbus TCP and Uni-Telway communication settings to ensure that the module and connected devices use compatible configurations.
8. Configure Communication Services: Enable and configure the required functions, such as I/O Scanning, Global Data, FDR, SNMP, and SMTP, according to the application.
9. Check PLC Software Compatibility: Confirm that the project is configured using a compatible PL7 Pro or Unity Pro environment and that the hardware configuration matches the installed module.
10. Monitor Front-Panel LEDs: Observe the COL, RUN, ERR, and TX/TR indicators to identify network activity, communication faults, and port-related problems.
11. Test Network Communication: Verify connectivity between the Premium PLC and connected devices, then test the required Modbus TCP or Uni-TE data exchanges.
12. Document Network Settings: Record the module IP address, subnet configuration, connected devices, communication services, and relevant PLC project settings for future maintenance.

Compatible System Components

Recommended Related Models

Key Advantages

• Provides Ethernet connectivity for Modicon Premium PLC stations.
• Supports 10/100 Mbit/s network transmission.
• Combines Modbus TCP and Uni-Telway communication.
• Handles up to 64 communication connections.
• Supports cyclic I/O Scanning and Global Data services.
• Includes an embedded Transparent Ready Class B30 web server.
• Provides SNMP monitoring and SMTP notification functions.
• Offers rack information and data access through browser-based web services.
• Uses the existing Premium rack power supply.
• Integrates supervisory, controller-to-controller, and Ethernet device communication within one module.

Technical FAQs

What is the difference between the TSXETY4103 and TSXETY5103?

Both modules provide Ethernet TCP/IP communication for Modicon Premium systems and support 10/100 Mbit/s transmission, Modbus TCP, Uni-Telway, and up to 64 connections. Their main distinction is the web server functionality. The TSXETY4103 uses Transparent Ready Class B30, while the TSXETY5103 uses Class C30 and adds configurable FactoryCast services and an 8 MB user web page area. They also have different rack current consumption requirements.

Can the TSXETY4103 communicate with a SCADA system through Modbus TCP?

Yes. The module supports Modbus TCP messaging and can exchange configured PLC data with compatible SCADA software. The PLC network configuration, IP addressing, Modbus communication settings, and data addresses must be correctly established for the supervisory system to access the intended information.

What do the COL, RUN, ERR, and TX/TR LEDs indicate?

These four indicators provide local Ethernet diagnostics. COL indicates collision detection, RUN shows Ethernet network status, ERR identifies Ethernet port faults, and TX/TR indicates transmission and reception activity. Observing these indicators during commissioning can help distinguish network connection problems from PLC application or communication configuration issues.

Does the TSXETY4103 require a separate 24 V DC power supply?

No separate external 24 V DC supply is specified for the module. It receives its operating power directly from the Modicon Premium rack. Its specified current consumption is 360 mA at 5 V DC, which should be included when checking the available power budget of the installed rack.