Modicon TM258LF42DT4L

The Modicon TM258LF42DT4L is a high-performance Logic Controller designed for high-speed machinery and complex automation architectures.¹ It belongs to the M258 family, which is positioned above the M221/M238 series, offering significantly more processing power and integrated motion control capabilities.

The “42” in the model name indicates it has 42 integrated I/O points, and the “L” signifies its focus on high-speed logic and communication.

1. Integrated I/O Configuration

This controller is packed with high-speed I/O specifically designed for counting and motion tasks:

• Digital Inputs: 12 regular inputs and 8 high-speed inputs (suitable for encoders or fast sensors).

• Digital Outputs: 12 regular outputs and 4 high-speed outputs (Transistor type).

• Analog Inputs: 4 integrated channels.²

   

• Expert I/O: 2 specialized slots for high-speed counter (HSC) or pulse width modulation (PWM) tasks.

2. Processing Power & Performance

The TM258 series is built for speed:

• Execution Time: 22 ns per Boolean instruction. This makes it one of the fastest controllers in its class.

• Memory: 64 MB Flash (Program) and 128 MB RAM (System and Data).³

   

• Application Size: It can handle large, complex programs with thousands of lines of code without slowing down.

3. Integrated Communication Ports

The TM258LF42DT4L is a “communication-rich” controller, eliminating the need for many external modules:⁴

• Ethernet Port: 1x RJ45 (Supports Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP).⁵

   

• CANopen Port: 1x 9-pin D-sub.⁶ It can act as a CANopen Master, controlling up to 16 slaves (like VFDs or remote I/O).

   

• Serial Ports: 1x RS-232/RS-485 port.

• USB Ports: 1x USB mini-B for programming; 1x USB Type-A for data logging or firmware updates via a memory stick.

4. Technical Specifications

5. Key Advantages

• Motion Control: Highly capable of performing synchronized motion tasks via CANopen.

• Modular Expansion: While it has 42 on-board I/O, it uses the high-speed TM5 expansion bus, which is much faster than the older TM2 bus used by Twido or M238.

• Web Server: Features a built-in web server for remote diagnostics and monitoring via a standard web browser.⁷