To program the legacy Telemecanique TSX 17 micro-PLC, you primarily need PL7-1 (for Boolean/Ladder) or PL7-2 (for Grafcet/List) software. These are DOS-based applications designed for hardware that is now considered "vintage" in the industrial world. 1. Required Software Versions
The TSX 17 range relies on the PL7 family of software. Because these are 16-bit DOS programs, they will not run directly on modern 64-bit Windows systems without emulation.
PL7-1: Used for basic programming using Ladder Logic or Boolean instructions.
PL7-2: Required for more complex applications involving Grafcet (SFC) and advanced data handling.
TSX 17-10/20: These specific hardware models are compatible with the software mentioned above. 2. Connectivity & Cables
Connecting a modern PC to a TSX 17 requires specific hardware conversion:
Cabling: The standard cable is the TSX17ACC8, which connects the PLC's "Console" port (RS-485) to a PC.
Signal Conversion: You typically need an RS-232 to RS-485 converter or a specialized USB-to-TTY/RS-485 adapter compatible with Schneider Electric/Telemecanique pinouts. 3. Running Software on Modern PCs
Since PL7-1 and PL7-2 are DOS-based, you have two main options for deployment:
DOSBox: An emulator that allows you to run DOS software within Windows. You must "mount" your serial port (COM port) within DOSBox to allow the software to communicate with the PLC.
Virtual Machines: Running a 32-bit version of Windows XP or a pure MS-DOS VM can sometimes be more stable for timing-sensitive serial communications. 4. Alternative: The TSX T317 Handheld Terminal
If software is unavailable, the TSX T317 is a dedicated handheld programming terminal. It allows for: Direct entry of Boolean instructions. Monitoring of I/O and internal bits. Simple program modifications without a PC. 5. Transition to Modern Hardware telemecanique tsx 17 programming software
The TSX 17 is obsolete. For long-term reliability, it is highly recommended to migrate to current Schneider Electric ranges:
Modicon M221: Often used as a modern replacement for micro-PLCs.
EcoStruxure Machine Expert - Basic: The free, modern software used to program current micro-controllers, which is much more user-friendly than the legacy PL7 environment.
The Telemecanique TSX 17 is a legacy micro-PLC range originally developed by Square D/Telemecanique (now Schneider Electric). Programming this hardware requires specific legacy software packages and hardware interfaces that are no longer in commercial production . Primary Programming Software
The software required depends on the specific processor module and desired programming language :
PL7-1 (TSXLPL71V5E): Used for basic TSX 17-10 and TSX 17-20 units . It supports Instruction List (IL) language (boolean operations on bits) .
PL7-2 (TSXLPL72V5E): Required for TSX 17-20 units equipped with a standard language cartridge . It supports more advanced programming in Ladder Diagram (LD) and Grafcet (SFC) .
PL7-12 (TSXLPL712V5E): A combined package that supports both PL7-1 and PL7-2 versions .
Handheld Programmers: Devices like the T317, T407, or T607 can be used for direct keyboard entry of code, primarily for PL7-1 modules . Critical System Requirements
Because this software is legacy technology, it has strict compatibility limitations:
Operating System: The software is DOS-based and designed for DOS versions 4.0 or 5.0 . It is not supported on Windows 2000, XP, or newer operating systems . To program the legacy Telemecanique TSX 17 micro-PLC,
Processor Speed: It must not be run on computers with CPUs faster than 500 MHz . Running it on modern high-speed hardware often causes communication timing errors. Hardware Interface & Accessories TSX 17 Micro-PLC Installation Manual - MRO Electric
Telemecanique TSX 17 is a legacy micro-PLC range that primarily uses
software for programming. Because this system is discontinued, current support and software are primarily maintained through the Schneider Electric Support FAQ Software Versions
The appropriate software depends on the specific hardware model and whether a language cartridge is installed: Control.com PL7-1 (Part No. TSXLPL71V5E): models. It supports Instruction List (IL) language and simple single-task structures. PL7-2 (Part No. TSXLPL72V5E): units equipped with a PL7-2 language cartridge . It adds support for Ladder (LD) (Sequential Function Chart) programming. Combined Package (Part No. TSXLPL712V5E): A legacy bundle that supports both PL7-1 and PL7-2. Schneider Electric System Requirements & Connectivity Operating System: These packages are
. They are officially unsupported on Windows 2000, XP, or newer versions. Running them typically requires a dedicated DOS machine or a DOS emulator (like DOSBox). Programming Cable: You must use the TSX17ACCPC
cable to connect the PLC to a computer's serial port. An RS232/485 converter may be necessary depending on your PC's hardware. Hardware Cartridges: The TSX 17-20 requires a specific module (e.g., TSX P1720FA
) to unlock PL7-2 capabilities. Programs can also be stored on EEPROM/EPROM cartridges for backup. Schneider Electric Legacy Support Resources
Detailed technical characteristics and installation procedures are available via the TSX 17 Micro-PLC Installation Manual Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic LEDs on the unit (RUN/STOP, CPU/PROG, IO/MEM, BATT) indicate the PLC's state; a blinking RUN/STOP LED usually means the program is intact but the PLC is stopped. MRO Electric Are you looking to extract a program from an existing unit or develop a new application for a TSX 17 system? For PLC range TSX17 , Can I make a backup of the software?
You're looking for information on the Telemecanique TSX 17 programming software!
The Telemecanique TSX 17 is a range of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) from Schneider Electric, a well-known company in the field of industrial automation. Some of the key functions of Unity Pro include:
The programming software for the TSX 17 series is called Unity Pro. Unity Pro is a comprehensive software package that allows users to design, configure, and program the TSX 17 PLCs.
Here are some key features and details about Unity Pro:
Some of the key functions of Unity Pro include:
If you're looking for resources to learn more about Unity Pro or need help with programming your TSX 17 PLC, I recommend:
Technical Report: Telemecanique TSX 17 Programming Software
Subject: Identification and usage of programming tools for the obsolete Telemecanique TSX 17 PLC platform. Date: October 26, 2023 Status: Retrospective Technical Analysis
If you are reading this article because you cannot find the programming software or the hardware is failing, it is time to consider modernization.
Schneider Electric’s official replacement path is: TSX 17 → Twido (discontinued) → Modicon M221 / M241
The TSX 17 (TSX T4xx series) is a family of Telemecanique/Schneider Electric micro-PLCs from the 1980s–1990s (examples: TSX T407 / TSX 17B 1428). They include a built-in CPU, discrete I/O, BATIBUS networking on some models, and limited onboard RAM with optional memory cartridges. Programming was historically performed with Schneider’s PL7 family tools (PL7-2 / PL7-2 for TSX/TSX17 series) using proprietary serial programming cables.
Schneider Electric no longer supports or distributes PL7-17. Legitimate copies are gone. Your options:
Era: Late 1980s to Mid 1990s Operating System: MS-DOS (5.0 to 6.22) or Windows 95 DOS Box Language: Ladder Logic (Grafect - SFC not fully native)
Key Features:
.PRO or .SEQ.Why you might need PL7-17: You have a very old TSX 17-10 with original firmware (pre-1994). PL7-17 is notoriously finicky about CPU speed (needs a slow PC, sub 100MHz).