Inst ToolsInst ToolsInst Tools
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Search
  • Books
  • Software
  • Projects
  • Process
  • Tools
  • Basics
  • Formula
  • Power Plant
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Electrical Basics
  • Animation
  • Standards
  • 4-20 mA Course
  • Siemens PLC Course
Reading: What is Function Module in Siemens PLC?
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Inst ToolsInst Tools
Font ResizerAa
  • Courses
  • Design
  • PLC
  • Interview
  • Control System
Search
  • Courses
  • Automation
    • PLC
    • Control System
    • Safety System
    • Communication
    • Fire & Gas System
  • Instrumentation
    • Design
    • Pressure
    • Temperature
    • Flow
    • Level
    • Vibration
    • Analyzer
    • Control Valve
    • Switch
    • Calibration
    • Erection & Commissioning
  • Interview
    • Instrumentation
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Practical
  • Q&A
    • Instrumentation
    • Control System
    • Electrical
    • Electronics
    • Analog Electronics
    • Digital Electronics
    • Power Electronics
    • Microprocessor
  • Request
Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Inst Tools > Blog > PLC Tutorials > What is Function Module in Siemens PLC?

What is Function Module in Siemens PLC?

Function Module in Siemens PLC is used in motion control applications where speed and accuracy are a must for field devices.

Last updated: March 4, 2021 11:18 am
Editorial Staff
PLC Tutorials
1 Comment
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

In this article, we will learn about the function module which is used in Siemens PLC.

Why the function module? you may ask, as we have other modules are available to connect field devices.

This is because some devices need special functions like, very fast, and accuracy for some applications, they may not require the main CPU to handle these tasks.

The best suitable example is in motion control application where speed and accuracy are a must.

For example, we have a speed sensor need to connect it with the PLC, but we can’t connect it with regular module because it won’t provide that accuracy and precision.

Here, that’s why we use FM (Function Module) to connect the speed sensors or any other motion control devices to get accurate data.

It works independently of the main CPU. What does that mean you may ask?

FM works exactly the same as what CPU & I/O module work together which results in taking the load from the main CPU.

Like CPU, FM receives a signal, processes the logic, and executes the output.

Now, before the selection of FM, you have to know your requirement like what kind of processor you need, memory space, operating system, etc.

 Function Module

Let’s consider a function module FM456-2 which is an application module used in s7-400 PLC.

This module provides a high-frequency rate.

FM456-2 is used in an application like plastic technology, process system, textile industry, packaging industry, etc.

It can perform tasks like controlling, positioning, counting, data exchange with PG/PC, event-driven programming, communication, etc.

It also uses flash memory to store the program permanently as the main CPU does.

It comes with different memory storage ranging from 4 MB up to 16 MB.

Expansion Socket

To install it first check the power supply and connect other necessary modules using an expansion socket as you can see in the above image.

After adding expansion modules, plug it onto the rack as shown in the below window and screw it up.

Function Module in Siemens PLC

A memory card slot is used to store the program and the selector switch is used to change the mode (STOP/RUN).

Module Memory Card Slot

Now, probably you may have one more question come to your mind that, is the programming and its software remain the same?

The answer is yes. It won’t require any additional software for the programming. It looks exactly the same, the only thing changed is the functionality of the module.

Author: Suhel Patel

If you liked this article, then please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for PLC and SCADA video tutorials.

You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive daily updates.

Read Next:

  • Meter check of a diode
  • PLC Sinking and Sourcing
  • PLC Bottle Filling System
  • Communicate PLC & Excel
  • Point to Point Network Topology
Don't Miss Our Updates
Be the first to get exclusive content straight to your email.
We promise not to spam you. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Invalid email address
You've successfully subscribed !

Continue Reading

Instrumentation System Architecture
PLC Light Sequence Control using Bit Shift Registers
PLC or DCS Control System Spares
How is Data Stored in Standard Modbus Protocol?
Tia Portal – OB20 Time Delay Interrupt Organization Block
3 Phase Motor Control using PLC Ladder Logic
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Copy Link
Share
1 Comment
  • jitendra meena says:
    July 30, 2020 at 6:09 am

    thank you for this article

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay Connected

128.3kFollowersLike
69.1kFollowersFollow
210kSubscribersSubscribe
38kFollowersFollow

Categories

Explore More

What is Interposing Relay in a PLC System ?
Test and Process Modes in Siemens PLC
Scale and Normalize Instructions in PLC
Motor Stop Interlock for Changing the Direction PLC Program
PLC based Metro Automation Project
Ladder Logic Vs. Other Programming Languages – PLC Basics
Basic PLC Ladder Programming Example
What are Faceplates? How to Create a Faceplate? HMI Visualization

Keep Learning

Level Transmitter configuration in PLC

Scaling with Parameters (SCP) Instruction in PLC

Gas Turbine Temperature Control using Siemens Tia Portal

Gas Turbine Temperature Alarms using Siemens TIA Portal

Architecture of Allen Bradley PLC

Architecture of Allen Bradley PLC

Design Counters in PLC Programming With a Move Instruction

Design Counters in PLC Programming With a Move Instruction

4 TO 20 MA ANALOG CURRENT SIGNALS

Basics of 4 to 20 mA analog Signals

PLC Wiring

PLC Wiring Questions for Technicians and Engineers

PLC program pushbutton switches

PLC Permissive for Motor Control

How Engineers Effectively do Problem-solve and Troubleshoot

How Engineers Effectively do Problem-solve and Troubleshoot?

Learn More

Power Systems Questions & Answers

Power Systems MCQ Series 21

Deep-Bed Filter

Deep-Bed Filters

What is a Voltage Reference

What is a Voltage Reference? – Electronic Components

What is Travel Stop in Control Valve

What is Travel Stop in Control Valve?

Selecting Directional Valves

How to Select a Directional Valves

Valves Legend P&ID

Comparison of Gate Valves and Globe Valves

PLC Signal Flow

Basic DCS/PLC Signal Flow – Video

Series Parallel Circuit Analysis

Series – Parallel Circuit Analysis

Menu

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Copyright

Quick Links

  • Learn PLC
  • Helping Hand
  • Part Time Job

YouTube Subscribe

Follow US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?