Single Development Environment for Multi-disciplined Control Systems

April 7, 2010
Rockwell Automation has added more than 30 new capabilities to its Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 design and configuration software to provide users with complete functionality across the range of control disciplines.

With new features, such as integrated motion on EtherNet/IP and high-integrity add-on instructions (AOIs), the RSLogix 5000 software can give manufacturers a higher level of design flexibility and help machine builders save engineering time.

"With our scalable Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, manufacturers and machine builders of all sizes only need one software package for discrete, process, batch, motion, safety and drive-based applications," said Ken Deken, vice president of portfolio management, Rockwell Automation. "The new features build on the advantages of this approach, helping simplify programming and startup procedures, ease control system diagnostics and troubleshooting, and increase overall plant productivity."

Rockwell Automation Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP. Using the new version of the RSLogix 5000 software, machine builders can - for the first time - access all the features and benefits of an integrated motion solution for configuring, programming, commissioning and maintaining high-performance drives, I/O, smart actuators and other devices on a single EtherNet/IP network. Avoiding the use of a dedicated motion network can help manufacturers lower system costs and enjoy the simplified synchronization of controllers and drives for improved system performance.

High-Integrity Add-On Instructions. The RSLogix 5000 software now includes new AOIs for standard and safety controllers. Manufacturers can use the software to help maintain consistency and instruction definition revision control, fulfill regulatory requirements, and protect their intellectual property.

EtherNet/IP Unicast I/O. Users of RSLogix 5000 software can now reduce inefficiencies in networking and IT requirements by allowing one-to-one transmission of EtherNet/IP I/O data. In addition, tag communications produced and consumed by EtherNet/IP can now span multiple subnets.

Improved Data Access Control Capabilities. The updated software helps manufacturers avoid potential harm to machinery, processes or products by protecting against inadvertent data changes. New capabilities also simplify and speed HMI creation by reducing the number of tags visible while browsing the controller from the HMI development environment.

Other key enhancements of the RSLogix 5000 software include DF1 radio modem protocol broadcast support for reduced power consumption and support for several new Rockwell Automation products. The new products include the Allen-Bradley ControlLogix L73 and L75 programmable automation controllers (PACs), the Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix L43S and L45S PACs, the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6500 EtherNet/IP servo drive, and the Allen-Bradley ArmorPOINT sequence of events module.

Rockwell Automation - www.rockwellautomation.com

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