New Editions of Specifications Published for Family of CIP Networks
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Connector options are example of extensions that support ODVA's commitment to multi-vendor interoperability
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA - June 2, 2009 - ODVA announced today that it has published new editions of the specifications for the family of CIP Networks, enhancing the EtherNet/IP(TM), DeviceNet(TM), CompoNet(TM) and ControlNet(TM) technologies. These new editions represent the first publication update of these specifications in 2009, and contain important new additions for users seeking to deploy open networks in manufacturing automation in the broadest possible range of applications.
All together, the new editions include 14 enhancements to the specifications. Among these enhancements, the following are especially noteworthy:
Because control power distribution is a high cost, high risk element in machine design and installation, significant cost savings are being made through deployments of modular power distribution systems. However, factory automation commonly uses many different control voltages for machine control, and end users have been requesting that components be standardized, including permissible noise limits. Therefore, ODVA is defining best in class practices for auxiliary power circuits by defining a set of consistent rules for components, devices and wiring practices, initially by addressing the 24 Volt auxiliary wiring for extra low voltage circuits. Because of the vast numbers of products in the marketplace that already support 24V auxiliary power, the enhancement is an informative addition to the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP(TM)) and will provide a unified solution for all CIP Networks. Example uses of this system are E-stop systems, auxiliary power for I/O devices, and PwE (Power with Ethernet). By defining the cabling components and power supply requirements, a true standardized system can be designed and built with cables, connectors and devices that are plug and play compatible.
With fiber becoming increasing pervasive in automation systems, ODVA has added an option for a SC-RJ connector, as well as Variant 1 housing suitable for harsh, industrial environments. Following on from last year's introduction of a 1mm Polymer Optical Fiber (POF) as a physical layer option for EtherNet/IP, the SC-RJ with POF offers a simple solution for installing and terminating in the field with little or no training, supporting simple termination techniques for fiber preparation and crimping. Polishing of the fiber is optional, therefore installation time and complexity is greatly reduced. In addition to supporting the 1mm POF, the SC-RJ connector is suitable for all EtherNet/IP defined fiber types.
"The right choice of physical connectivity, and the right design of physical connectivity, can have a disproportionately large effect on the total cost of ownership of machines and production units," stated Katherine Voss, executive director of ODVA. "ODVA is defining best in class practices for auxiliary power circuits and fiber optic installations by defining a set of consistent rules for components, devices and wiring practices."
"The automotive industry demands easy-to-assemble plug connectors for fiber optic cables, and the most difficult environmental conditions for robust data transmission can be found in the body shop where high electro-magnetic radiation caused by welding tongs, potential currents between devices and high bending and torsion forces of the tube packages on the robots do not always allow for the use of copper-based transmission methods," stated Simon Seereiner, Portfolio Manager at Weidmüller Interface.
Bernd Horrmeyer, Product Marketing Senior Engineer at Phoenix Contact, agreed. "The easily assembled SC-RJ for polymer-optical fibers, in connection with the robust IP67 protective housing of the IEC 61076-3-106 Version 1, offers robust data transmission in demanding applications where network communications are threatened by severe environment conditions. For installations that are more than 100m apart, the SC-RJ also incorporates the ability to secure single as well as multi-mode glass fiber cables. Available in both IP20 and IP67 and in metal and plastic versions, this new connector for EtherNet/IP offers an extremely broad range of applications and can be integrated into devices where a small form factor is necessary."
The specifications are organized as a group of publications entitled The CIP Networks Library. Each specification is made up of one or more volumes of The CIP Networks Library. The current and latest editions of the specifications are:
The EtherNet/IP Specification
Comprised of The CIP Networks Library:
Volumes One (Edition 3.6), Two (Edition 1.7) and Seven (Edition 1.3)
The DeviceNet Specification
Comprised of The CIP Networks Library:
Volumes One (Edition 3.6), Three (Edition 1.7) and Seven (Edition 1.3)
The ControlNet Specification
Comprised of The CIP Networks Library:
Volumes One (Edition 3.6), Four (Edition 1.3) and Seven (Edition 1.3)
The CompoNet Specification
Comprised of The CIP Networks Library:
Volumes One (Edition 3.6), Six (Edition 1.5) and Seven (Edition 1.3)
The CIP Safety Specification
Comprised of The CIP Networks Library:
Volume Five (Edition 2.2)
ODVA expects that devices containing new enhancements found in the latest specifications will be available in 2009. Specifications are available on a subscription basis, subject to a Terms of Usage Agreement. For more information on how to obtain a copy of any of these specifications, visit ODVA's web site at www.odva.org.
About ODVA
ODVA, founded in 1995, is an international association comprised of members from the world's leading automation companies. Collectively, ODVA and its members support network technologies based on the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP(TM)). These currently include CompoNet(TM), ControlNet(TM), DeviceNet(TM), and EtherNet/IP(TM), along with the major extensions to CIP -- CIP Safety(TM) and CIP Motion(TM). ODVA manages the development of these open technologies, and assists manufacturers and users of CIP Networks through its activities in standards development, certification, vendor education and industry awareness. As part of its certification activities, ODVA offers conformance testing to help ensure that products built to its specifications operate in multi-vendor systems. For more information, visit its web site at www.odva.org.
