Changing Modicon M258 Logic Controller Firmware

Introduction

The firmware updates for Modicon M258 Logic Controller are available on the http://www.schneider-electric.com website (in .zip format).

You can change the firmware using the USB memory key (with compatible script file).

NOTE: Changing the firmware is also possible using Tools > External Tools > Open Controller Assistant. Refer to EcoStruxure Machine Expert Controller Assistant User Guide.

NOTE: The controller can be in RUNNING state during firmware download.

Performing a firmware update deletes the current application program in the device, including the Boot Application in Flash memory.

NOTICE

LOSS OF APPLICATION DATA

oPerform a backup of the application program to the hard disk of the PC before attempting a firmware update.

oRestore the application program to the device after a successful firmware update.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment damage.

The serial line port(s) of your controller are configured for the Machine Expert protocol by default when new or when you update the controller firmware. The Machine Expert protocol is incompatible with that of other protocols such as Modbus Serial Line. Connecting a new controller to, or updating the firmware of a controller connected to, an active Modbus configured serial line can cause the other devices on the serial line to stop communicating. Ensure that the controller is not connected to an active Modbus serial line network before first downloading a valid application having the concerned port or ports properly configured for the intended protocol.

NOTICE

INTERRUPTION OF SERIAL LINE COMMUNICATIONS

Be sure that your application has the serial line port(s) properly configured for Modbus before physically connecting the controller to an operational Modbus Serial Line network.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment damage.

Changing by USB Memory Key Management

If you remove power to the device, or there is a power outage or communication interruption during the transfer of the application, your device may become inoperative. If a communication interruption or a power outage occurs, reattempt the transfer. If there is a power outage or communication interruption during a firmware update, or if an invalid firmware is used, your device will become inoperative. In this case, use a valid firmware and reattempt the firmware update.

NOTICE

INOPERABLE EQUIPMENT

oDo not interrupt the transfer of the application program or a firmware change once the transfer has begun.

oRe-initiate the transfer if the transfer is interrupted for any reason.

oDo not attempt to place the device into service until the file transfer has completed successfully.

Failure to follow these instructions can result in equipment damage.

Step

Action

Extract the zip file on the root of the USB memory key.

NOTE: The folder \sys\CMD\ contains the download script file.

Power OFF

Insert the USB memory key into the controller.

Power ON

NOTE: The USB Host LED is flashing green and the other controller LEDs are switched OFF during download.

NOTE: All controller LEDs may be switched OFF for up to 4 minutes during the download. Do not interrupt the procedure. If your USB memory key has an integrated activity LED, this LED flashes during the procedure to indicate normal activity.

Wait until the end of the download (USB Host LED is solid ON):

oIf an error has been detected, the USB Host LED is red.

oIf the download ended successfully, the USB Host LED is solid green.

Remove the USB memory key.

The controller reboots automatically with new firmware if the download ended successfully.

NOTE: If the controller reboots with its LEDs OFF, go back to Step 2.

NOTE: If you use exclusively the USB memory key to upgrade either the firmware or the application in memory, you need to have pre-configured and wired the Run/Stop input to restart your controller after the download. After the download and re-applying power, the controller will be in a STOPPED state, provided the other conditions of the boot sequence allows this to occur.