Interface Terminals/Computers have communication module.

Press Release Summary:



Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus operator interface terminals and VersaView CE industrial computers are offered with ControlNet scheduled communications module that lets users predict data transmission and guarantee its arrival. Via deterministic, repeatable communication, module takes priority placement on network's bandwidth and allows users to schedule how often controller is updated with data. Module is suited for time-critical operations.



Original Press Release:



Rockwell Automation Adds Communication Module to Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus Operator Interfaces and VersaView CE Industrial Computers



First ControlNet scheduled module available on an operator interface supports true producer-consumer communications for time-critical operations

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 11, 2004 - Rockwell Automation has added a ControlNet scheduled communications module to its Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus operator interface terminals and VersaView CE industrial computers. This module provides deterministic, repeatable communication that allows users to accurately predict data transmission and guarantee its arrival at the same time, every time.

Unlike the ControlNet unscheduled communications, which use leftover bandwidth as it becomes available, ControlNet scheduled takes priority placement on the network's bandwidth, guaranteeing that a signal will transmit within a specified time period. Users can now schedule how often a controller is updated with data and have the guarantee of ControlNet scheduled that all data updates are communicated quickly and reliably.

"Adding ControlNet scheduled to PanelView Plus and VersaView CE is an industry first for industrial operator interfaces," said Don Steffens, VersaView CE product manager, Rockwell Automation. "This new module supports true producer-consumer communications, which provide time-critical control and a high-speed link between controller and devices. Users will get the speed and efficiency they need for high-speed operations, where the speed of the response time must be faster, and repeatability guaranteed."

PanelView Plus terminals with ControlNet scheduled communications can support more information than older PanelView models, with a messaging capacity of up to 6,144 bytes of input and output data to Logix, PLC-5 and SLC processors. ControlNet scheduled also supports multicast outputs, meaning that users linking multiple controllers to a PanelView Plus or VersaView CE can use the same communication route for each controller. This reduces set-up time and costs that would have been required in establishing a new communication route for each additional controller.

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK) is a leading global 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 services, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, Reliance motors and drives, and Rockwell Software factory management software. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

For more information on the PanelView Plus terminals and VersaView CE industrial computers, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1769.

Allen-Bradley, Complete Automation, Dodge, PLC-5, Reliance, Rockwell Software, and VersaView are registered trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.

PanelView and SLC are trademarks of Rockwell Automation, Inc.

ControlNet is a trademark of ControlNet International, Ltd.

All Topics