Product Overview

The Yokogawa F3LC11-2N is a Personal Computer Link Module used in the FA-M3 PLC system. It enables communication between a PLC and a higher-level computer, HMI, or engineering station through an RS-422A / RS-485 industrial communication interface.

This module is designed for long-distance, multi-drop industrial networking, allowing centralized monitoring, programming, and control of distributed PLC systems.

It is widely used in automation environments where multiple controllers must be managed from a single supervisory system.

Technical Specifications

Function and Working Principle

The F3LC11-2N acts as a communication gateway module between a host computer and multiple FA-M3 PLCs.

Working Principle

1. A PC, SCADA system, or engineering station sends commands over RS-422/RS-485
2. The module receives and decodes communication frames
3. It exchanges data with FA-M3 PLC memory areas
4. Responses are returned to the host system for monitoring or control

PC↔PLCFA−M3  (RS−422/RS−485,multi−drop)PC \leftrightarrow PLC_{FA-M3} \; (RS-422/RS-485, multi-drop)PC↔PLCFA−M3​(RS−422/RS−485,multi−drop)

Key Functions

• Enables communication between PC and multiple FA-M3 PLCs
• Supports up to 32 stations in a network
• Reads and writes all PLC device memory areas
• Allows remote RUN/STOP control of PLC programs
• Supports program upload and download operations
• Enables system monitoring and diagnostics
• Provides access to error logs and program information
• Works without requiring custom communication software

System Role

The module serves as a network communication interface layer:

PC / SCADA / Engineering Station → F3LC11-2N → Multiple FA-M3 PLCs

It is used in:

• Distributed control systems
• Factory-wide automation networks
• Centralized monitoring systems
• Remote maintenance and diagnostics
• Multi-PLC coordination environments

Industrial Applications

• Oil & gas facilities
• Petrochemical plants
• Power generation stations
• Water treatment systems
• Manufacturing plants
• Factory automation lines
• Chemical processing industries
• Large-scale industrial control networks

Installation Guidelines

• Install in FA-M3 rack system only
• Use shielded twisted-pair cable (RS-422/RS-485 compliant)
• Maintain proper termination resistors for long networks
• Keep total communication distance within 1200 m
• Configure baud rate and communication parameters correctly
• Avoid routing near high-noise electrical equipment

Compatible Systems

• Yokogawa FA-M3 PLC CPUs
• SCADA and HMI systems
• Engineering workstations (FA programming tools)
• Industrial RS-485 communication networks

Key Advantages

• Supports long-distance communication up to 1200 meters
• Enables multi-drop networking (up to 32 PLC stations)
• High reliability in industrial environments
• Full PLC memory access and control
• No dedicated communication software required
• Compact and lightweight design (0.14 kg)

Technical FAQs

Q1: What is the main function of the F3LC11-2N?
It enables RS-422/RS-485 communication between a PC and multiple FA-M3 PLCs.

Q2: What makes it different from F3LC11-1F?
F3LC11-2N uses RS-422/RS-485 for long-distance multi-drop networks, while F3LC11-1F uses RS-232C for single-point communication.

Q3: How many PLCs can be connected?
Up to 32 FA-M3 stations in a single network.

Q4: What is the maximum cable distance?
Up to 1200 meters.

Conclusion

The Yokogawa F3LC11-2N Personal Computer Link Module is a robust RS-422/RS-485 communication interface designed for FA-M3 PLC systems. It enables long-distance, multi-node networking and centralized control of distributed automation systems, making it ideal for large-scale industrial monitoring and control applications.