Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Product Model: TSXSCP114
- Manufacturer: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
- Product Type: Serial Communication Card
- Interface: RS422 / RS485 (Selectable)
- Baud Rates: 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 bps
- Protocol Support: Modbus RTU/ASCII, Uni-Telway, Third-party
- Isolation: 1500V DC (Channel-to-Backplane)
- Connector: 9-pin Sub-D (Female)
- Power: 5V Backplane Supply
- Dimensions: Standard PCMCIA Form Factor
- Weight: ~0.1 kg
Product Introduction
I’ve lost count of how many production lines were held together by a single SCHNEIDER TSXSCP114 card in a dusty control panel. This isn’t some fancy Ethernet gateway; it’s a workhorse serial port for when you just need to talk to a VFD, a barcode scanner, or a legacy panel meter. The SCHNEIDER TSXSCP114 plugs right into the Modicon Premium or Micro PLC backplane and gives you a rock-solid RS485 link that doesn’t care about ground loops.
Engineers keep these in the spare parts bin because they’re simple and they work. The SCHNEIDER TSXSCP114 handles the electrical isolation and signal conditioning so your PLC doesn’t have to. It supports the standard Modbus RTU stack, which means you can integrate almost any third-party device without rewriting the entire control logic. Just be warned: this card is picky about termination. If you don’t use the right cable or forget the end resistors, the SCHNEIDER TSXSCP114 will give you intermittent errors that will drive you crazy.
Quality SOP & Tech Pitfalls
The Lab Report:
I don’t trust “tested” stickers. Here is the actual protocol before a TSXSCP114 ships:
- Visual Inspection: Check the 9-pin connector for bent pins and the PCMCIA edge connector for corrosion.
- Live Comm Test: We hook it up to a Modicon Premium test rack and run a Modbus RTU master script. We verify read/write at 9600 and 19200 baud.
- Isolation Check: Megger test between the serial port and the backplane edge. Must hold >1MΩ at 500V.
- Cable Check: Verify the internal wiring matches the TSXSCPCM4030 spec.
- ESD Seal: Anti-static bag, bubble wrap, box.
The Engineer’s Warning:
The #1 issue with the isn’t the card; it’s the cable. I’ve seen techs use a standard null-modem cable and wonder why it doesn’t work. This card requires the specific TSXSCPCM4030 cable because it handles the termination resistors and bias voltages internally. Do not use a generic serial cable. Also, check your baud rate. The maxes out at 19.2k. If you try to force 38.4k or 57.6k in Unity Pro, it might let you select it, but the card won’t run. You need the TSXSCP1114 for those speeds.
SCHNEIDER TSXSCP114
Installation & Configuration Guide
- Pre-Installation Safety: ⚠️ Power down the PLC backplane. Wait 30 seconds. Take a photo of the old card’s position and any DIP switches.
- Removal: Release the PCMCIA ejector clips gently. Pull the straight out. Never lever against the backplane.
- Installation: Verify the slot assignment in Unity Pro. This prevents 90% of “Card Not Found” errors. Seat the firmly until it clicks. Tighten the 9-pin connector screws to ensure ground.
- Power-On & Testing: Apply backplane power. Check the PLC status word for “Card Present.” Download the config. Connect the TSXSCPCM4030 cable and verify Modbus comms with a slave device.
Compatible Replacement Models
- ✅ Drop-in: – Exact match. Verify baud rate needs.
- ⚠️ Software Compat.: SCHNEIDER TSXSCP1114 – Same form factor, supports 38.4k/57.6k. Drop-in replacement, no logic change. ~0 hrs labor.
- ❌ HW Mod Req.: SCHNEIDER TSXSCY11601 – Different form factor (module). Requires new cabling and rack space. Do not use for simple swaps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use this for Modbus TCP?
No. The is strictly serial (RS422/485). It does not speak Ethernet. If you need Modbus TCP, you need a TSXETY4103 or similar Ethernet module.
My comms are intermittent. Is the card bad?
Maybe. But 90% of the time, it’s termination. The requires 120Ω termination at both ends of the RS485 bus. Check your cable. Are you using the TSXSCPCM4030? If you’re using a homemade cable, that’s your problem.
The TSXSCP1114 is the high-speed version. The tops out at 19.2k baud. The TSXSCP1114 adds 38.4k and 57.6k. Hardware-wise, they fit the same slot. If you’re replacing a , the TSXSCP1114 is a safe upgrade.
Is this card hot-swappable?
No. The Modicon Premium backplane is not designed for hot-swapping serial cards. You risk frying the backplane or the new . Power down, swap, power up.
Does it support ASCII?
Yes. The supports both Modbus RTU and ASCII. You configure this in the Unity Pro hardware config. Just make sure your slave device matches.
Grab a TSXSCP1114. It’s fully backward compatible and often easier to find since it was produced longer. Just set the baud rate to 19.2k or lower in your config, and it works exactly like the .
