Getting started with COM35 in powerconfig

How to configure a new COM35 with powerconfig

Ensure the "Write Enable" jumper is in place between terminals 1 and 2 for parameter writing.

Configuration can be done by connecting directly to a computer or via a network. For direct connection, ensure Windows Defender Firewall allows UDP Port 17008 (refer to Appendix 2). To set the COM35's IP address, connect it to your network or computer's Ethernet port and open powerconfig with a new project.

Search for accessible devices:

A diagram shows the CubicleBUS interface with terminals IN, External, Internal, and OUT, and the "Write Enable" jumper between terminals 1 and 2. The process involves selecting the network adapter connected to the COM35 in the "Search for Accessible Devices" window and clicking search.

After the device is found, click the locked slider to unlock it for parameter changes.

Entering IP Address and Loading Parameters:

In the "Search for Accessible Devices" window, enter the required IP address, netmask, and gateway. Note that the "." is added automatically after three digits. Use the right arrow key to move to the next octet if only one digit is entered.

Click the "Load to device" button to write the IP addresses to the COM35. To verify network accessibility, use the ping command in a command window. A successful ping shows zero packet loss.

Click the "Create devices" button to add the configured COM35 to the powerconfig project.

Identifying Devices and Going Online:

The device name might appear as "3WL 192.168.1.127". If multiple devices are present, use the "blink" button to identify the correct one. This activates blinking mode for the selected device, indicated by flashing PN and TCP LEDs. Click "Start Blinking" and then "Stop Blinking" when done. Close the "Search for Accessible Devices" dialog.

If the COM35 is connected to a WL breaker and trip unit, parameters will load into powerconfig. Click the "Go Online" button to access live data from the breaker.

Appendix 1: Configuring the COM35 for a Dynamic Arc Flash Mitigation application

Prerequisite: The COM35 module must be connected to a network, have an IP address, and be able to communicate.

Once the COM35 has an IP address and communication is established, click the "Load to PC" button to load the COM35 parameters into powerconfig. The powerconfig interface will display the connected breaker information.

Scroll down to the "Configurable I/O module" section. The status of the "Free" or user-configurable input (terminals 1 and 3) can be queried but does not control anything in this configuration.

To configure the input for parameter set changes, select "DAS" from the dropdown menu. The "Free" or user-configurable output, by default, can be opened/closed via communication. It can also function as a Bell Alarm or, for DAS applications, close to indicate that Parameter Set B (typically DAS or Maintenance parameters) is active.

For DAS activation input and indication output, set the parameters as follows: Com Digital Input = DAS, Com Digital Output = DAS. Load these parameters back to the COM35 using the "Load to device" button.

Key points for DAS configuration:

1. Parameter Set B is selected when the DAS ON/OFF contact is OPEN; Parameter Set A is selected when the contact is CLOSED. The switch contact shown is in normal operating (Parameter Set A) mode.
2. In DAS mode, the COM35 solely controls the active parameter set. Manual changes are reversed within 2 seconds.

Input and output can be configured separately. If DAS ON/OFF changes are only made remotely, the Com Digital Input can remain in "User Input" state for local indication and remote switching. Input and output settings can be changed via Modbus TCP command (Data Set 161).

A diagram illustrates the DAS switch ON/OFF connected to terminals 3 and 4, a DAS Status indicator connected to terminals 4 and 5, and a DC 24V power source, all in relation to the CubicleBUS interface.

Appendix 2: Configuring Windows 10 Defender Firewall to allow COM35 discovery

Follow these steps to enable COM35 discovery through the firewall:

1. Open Settings from the Start menu.
2. Search for and open "Windows Defender Firewall".
3. Click on "Advanced Settings" and then "Inbound rules".
4. If powerconfig installed correctly, an entry for it should be visible.
5. Right-click on "Inbound Rules" and select "New Rule...".
6. Select "Program" and browse to the location of "Siemens.Automation.PMC.PowerConfig.exe". Click "Open" and then "Next".
7. Choose "Allow the connection" and click "Next".
8. Ensure "Domain", "Private", and "Public" boxes are checked, then click "Next". Name the rule "powerconfig" and add the description "Allow UDP port 17008 for COM35 discovery". Click "Finish".
9. Double-click the newly created rule, go to the "Protocols and Ports" tab, select "UDP" under "Protocol type", and "Specific Ports" for "Remote port", entering "17008".

Click "OK" to close the dialogs.

Direct Connection Configuration (Static IP):

For direct connection, configure your Ethernet port with a static IP address. Most computers obtain IPs via DHCP from a router.

1. Open Settings, navigate to "Network and Internet", then "Change Adapter Settings".
2. Right-click your Ethernet adapter and select "Properties".
3. Select "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IP v4)" and click "Properties".
4. Choose "Use the following IP address" and enter an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.x) and the appropriate Subnet mask (e.g., 255.255.255.0). Other fields can be left blank. Click "OK" to close all dialogs.

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