Data Transfer Engine facilitates industrial communication.
Press Release Summary:
Residing in single slot of Rockwell Automation® ControlLogix® chassis, ILX56-MM Message Manager Module connects islands of automation and transfers factory and plant process automation data between PLCs/PACs for monitoring and control. Unit enables PLC-to-PLC data transfer without requiring message programming or ladder logic. Configured using built-in graphical web-based utility, module supports local or remote rack and includes scrolling display for status and diagnostics.
Original Press Release:
ProSoft Technology® Releases the Message Manager Module for Industrial Communication
BAKERSFIELD, Calif., April 21, 2009
ProSoft Technology® has released the Message Manager (ILX56-MM) module, a multi-system data transfer engine that resides in a single slot of a Rockwell Automation® ControlLogix® chassis. The Message Manager is designed to connect islands of automation and transfer factory & plant process automation data between PLCs/PACs for monitoring and control. It enables PLC-to-PLC data transfer without requiring message programming or ladder logic. The module is configured using a built-in graphical web-based configuration tool with easy-to-use, intuitive user prompts.
Data transfers can be set up by users at one location for up to 16 controllers including:
o Rockwell Automation SLCTM 500, PLC-5®, MicroLogix(TM), CompactLogix(TM), and ControlLogix® controllers via any network supported in the Rockwell Automation 1756 ControlLogix platform
o Siemens S7 PLCs and other PLCs using Industrial Ethernet protocol
o Schneider Electric and other PLCs using Modbus TCP/IP protocol
"In times of economic uncertainty, manufacturers prioritize automation expenditures that provide the fastest return on investment (ROI) as well as protect and maximize the lifecycle of the existing installed base, thereby preventing the need to 'rip out and replace' existing assets that continue to perform well," according to Craig Resnick, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. "Technologies such as the Message Manager module provide simplified bridging solutions from the existing installed base of controllers to state of the art automation platforms such as Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PACs to fulfill the real-time data collection and information needs of the plant floor. This capability is critical, as each controller, no matter its brand or age, provides a vital link for manufacturers to achieve Real-time Performance Management, which uses dynamic performance targets to drive an enterprise to reach its optimum potential and achieve competitive advantage."
Highlights include:
o Built-in web based configuration utility
o Supports Internet Explorer 7 or higher
o Single slot - 1756 backplane compatibility
o Remove and Insert Under Power (RIUP)
o Supports Local or Remote rack
o Scrolling display for status and diagnostics
The Message Manager will most commonly be found in factory and process automation applications.
All ProSoft Technology products come with a three year warranty and unlimited technical support. For information on solutions for Rockwell Automation platforms, call +1-661-716-5100, email prosoft@prosoft-technology.com or visit www.prosoft-technology.com.
