OMRON FINS

Architect of Industrial Communication: What is the OMRON FINS Protocol?

FINS (Factory Interface Network Service) is a proprietary network protocol developed by Omron that enables seamless data transfer across various network layers (Ethernet, Controller Link, RS-232C, etc.). FINS allows PLCs, HMIs, and computers within the Omron automation ecosystem to communicate with each other without the need for complex configurations.

1. The Core Logic of the FINS Protocol

The most unique feature of the FINS protocol is its "Routing" capability. A FINS packet can reach a destination device by passing through different physical network types (for example, starting on Ethernet and branching into a Controller Link network). While doing this, it masks the hardware differences of the devices from the user.

Key Components:

Network Address: Determines which network the data will travel to.
Node Address: Represents the device number (ID) within a specific network.
Unit Address: Targets a specific unit within the device (CPU, communication module, etc.).

2. Addressing Structure and Data Areas

In Omron PLCs, data is stored in specific memory areas. The FINS protocol provides direct access to these fields. The most commonly used areas are:

CIO (Core I/O): I/O bits and general-purpose channels.
D (Data Memory): The most common area where numerical data is stored.
H (Holding Relay): Area that retains data even when power is lost.
W (Work Relay): Bit areas used for intermediate operations.

3. FINS-TCP vs. FINS-UDP

Omron offers two options when communicating over Ethernet:

FINS-UDP: The most preferred method in industrial fields. It is faster and generates less network traffic. Although packet delivery is not guaranteed by the protocol itself, it usually works flawlessly as industrial networks are closed circuits.
FINS-TCP: Preferred in cases where data transmission reliability is critical. It is connection-based but slightly slower compared to UDP.

4. Advantages of the FINS Protocol

Transparent Communication: Allows access from a PC down to the lowest-level sensor (passing through different networks).
Wide Compatibility: Supports a broad family of products, from legacy serial-communicating PLCs to modern NX/NJ series.
Easy Integration: Works in full harmony with Node-RED, SCADA software, and IIoT gateway devices like Hubbox.

5. Hubbox and Omron FINS Integration

Hubbox Connect X2, thanks to its built-in FINS drivers, can read data from your Omron PLCs in seconds.

Usage Scenario:

Connect your field-level Omron CP1H PLC to the Hubbox via Ethernet.
Read production counts at address D100 using the Node-RED interface on the Hubbox.
While transferring the collected data to the cloud via MQTT, you can simultaneously connect to the PLC remotely via VPN to perform program uploads.