Communication Card serves as EtherNet/IP(TM) bridge.
Press Release Summary:
Allen-Bradley® 1788-ENBT EtherNet/IP(TM) communication daughtercard reduces wiring, maintenance, and system configuration costs. FlexLogix(TM) controllers and PowerFlex 700S(TM) drives use module to communicate peer-to-peer and control I/O remotely over EtherNet/IP network. Module supports half/full duplex 10/100 Mbps Ethernet and improves exchange of plant-floor information with open, interoperable network.
Original Press Release:
New EtherNet/IP(TM) Communication Card Enhances Connectivity for Allen-Bradley® FlexLogix(TM) and PowerFlex(TM) Controller Families
Module serves as an EtherNet/IP(TM) bridge for greater communication flexibility
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, March 10, 2003 - Industrial control system designers can reduce wiring, maintenance and system configuration costs with the new Allen-Bradley® 1788-ENBT EtherNet/IP(TM) communication daughtercard from Rockwell Automation. This card greatly improves the ability to exchange plant-floor information using an open, interoperable network.
Allen-Bradley FlexLogix(TM) controllers and PowerFlex 700S(TM) drives can use the new module to communicate peer-to-peer and control I/O remotely over the industry standard EtherNet/IP network. The 1788-ENBT occupies one of two daughtercard slots in FlexLogix, leaving the other slot open for a ControlNet(TM), DeviceNet(TM), or second EtherNet/IP daughtercard.
"By adding the EtherNet/IP daughtercard to our existing offering, users can select precisely the network they need for their application and change networks by simply
swapping out one communication card for another," said Thomas Sugimoto, FlexLogix product manager, Rockwell Automation. "This is of particular value to OEMs who may need to offer machines with a variety of networking options. And since the same card will work with multiple Logix platforms, users are able to reduce spares and leverage their training investments."
The module supports half/full duplex 10/100Mbps Ethernet and contains diagnostic pages accessible via Web browser for faster troubleshooting and reduced downtime.
With EtherNet/IP connectivity, the FlexLogix system enables control, configuration and collection of data over a single network connection, while also supporting the concurrent use of two network cards - DeviceNet, ControlNet or EtherNet/IP. For example, by selecting EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet cards, a user can control I/O remotely over DeviceNet and use EtherNet/IP as the information link between the operator interface and the PC. FlexLogix also supports limited bridging of messages from EtherNet/IP to DeviceNet. And for easy configuration, a user can run RSNetworx for DeviceNet(TM) on a PC and use RSLinx(TM) to bridge from EtherNet/IP to DeviceNet via FlexLogix.
EtherNet/IP is a core network in NetLinx(TM), the Rockwell Automation open networking architecture that provides seamless, top-floor to shop-floor integration. The networks in the NetLinx architecture - ControlNet, DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP - share a common application-layer protocol and a suite of communication services that enhance productivity and efficiency.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation® solutions, including Allen-Bradley® controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software® factory management software, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric® motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on the EtherNet/IP network card for FlexLogix please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1607.
