These release notes are for Modbus TCP/IP VIM Firmware v3.9.3.

These release notes are for the ModbusTCP VIM firmware v3.9.3. The previous released firmware version is v3.9.2. The flash procedure is documented in the product manual. This version of the firmware is identical to the released firmware v3.9.2, with functionality enhancements and corrected defects as noted below.  This firmware should be configured with VIMNet Explorer v9.1.3.8 or higher

Recommended upgrade for

• Modbus TCP Redundant VIM applications using firmware versions at or prior to v3.9.2.
• Modbus TCP Simplex VIM applications using firmware versions at or prior to v3.9.2.

New Features

Redundancy Control Enhancements

Configuration of “Redundancy with Switching IP” functionality, expressed in the VIMNet Explorer device properties dialog as follows, was initially used for Schneider Quantum Hot Backup PLC’s only. It has been expanded to support HIMA PLC’s as well.

Schneider PLC Integration over Modbus TCP/IP

The default VIM functionality of “Redundancy with Switching IP” is designed for devices configured to communicate with Quantum Hot Backup PLC chassis. The Active VIM always communicates with the Active chassis IP, while the Standby VIM communicates with the Backup chassis IP.  On loss of communications, the PLC chassis are expected to switch and the VIM may or may not switch depending on reconnection time.

In the above configuration, the Active chassis IP is 10.22.6.9 and the Backup chassis IP is 10.22.6.10. When the PLC chassis switches, the active IP moves to the newly active chassis.

Note that the interlink cable between the two switches is required as shown in the following illustration.

HIMA PLC Integration over Modbus TCP/IP

The VIM functionality of “Redundancy with Switching IP” has been expanded to be used with HIMA PLC’s. Configure the device as shown above, and in addition, configure a 256 in Special Data 5 of the first device dataset in DeltaV Explorer. With this configuration, the Active VIM will communicate with the Primary IP, while the Standby VIM will communicate with the Secondary IP. A VIM switchover occurs on loss of communications with the Primary HIMA IP. The newly active VIM will start communications with the Secondary HIMA IP.

Note that the interlink between the two switches is not required for field communications as shown in the following illustration. It is required only when uploading the VIM configuration from the VIMNet Explorer.

Default Gateway Support

Default Gateway support has been added to the VIM functionality. By using a router, the VIM can access devices on another network. This functionality is supported in both Simplex and Redundant modes, and is configured as part of the VIM properties.

Note: VIMNet Explorer v9.1.3.8 is required. If the Gateway field is disabled in the VIM properties dialog, you can enable it in the Registry by adding the following key. After adding the key, restart the VIMNet Explorer. The key is EnableDefaultGateway, DWORD, with a value of 1.  The key path is My Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mynah Technologies\PPV\Settings

Corrections

Redundant VIM Switchover Issue

Problem Description: VIM firmware v3.9.2 and earlier reported an intermittent redundancy switchover issue that occurs when communicating with two or more field devices. A VIM switchover occurs if one of the field devices fails. However, the status of both cards in one or more card pairs remains as standby. When this happens, the Active VIM still communicates with the field devices, but the DeltaV Controller considers the corresponding serial card pairs, e.g., C57 and C58 both, to be in standby state. DeltaV Diagnostics shows these card pairs to be in standby state as well.

Corrective Action:This issue has been addressed in firmware v3.9.3.