ZP-L EtherNet/IP to Sysmac PLC
EtherNet/IP Communication between Omron ZP-L distance measuring sensor and Omron Sysmac series PLC
Written by Nicolas Donoso
Updated at March 29th, 2026
Here we will go through an example of setting up the ZP-L Distance Measuring sensor to communicate with Omron NJ/NX series PLC.
Input and Output tag sets
Between an EtherNet/IP scanner and a Communication Unit, I/O data exchange is performed with tag data link communications. This means that the I/O data for a Communication Unit is defined with input and output tag sets.
Create Variables
Below is the recommended Structure to use instead of array of bytes
EtherNet/IP Connection Settings
Go to Tools Click Ethernet/IP Connection Setting Double click on the port that is connected to ZP-L.
Add Target Device
Go to Toolbox, then click add (+), type the IP address of the ZP-L and select the model and revision, finally click Add.
Register Variables
Make sure to synchronize with the PLC first before going through the registration process
Input Tab
- Right Click, create new tag set ZP_InputData
- Right Click, create new tag ZP_Input
Output Tab
- Right Click, create new tag set ZP_OutputData
- Right Click, create new tag ZP_Output
Link Variables to Device
- Connection button
- Click Add
- Select Target device
Transfer EtherNet/IP connection settings
- Go back to Built-in EtherNet/IP Port setting (Port that is use)
- Click Transfer to controller
Check watch window to monitor communication
