This new product line is interesting given Rockwell Automation's push into industries outside its core strength in automotive and other discrete manufacturing. It's also interesting in the collaboration with partner ProSoft Technology. The Logix-XT product family includes the Logix-XT controller, Allen-Bradley Flex I/O-XT products and ProSoft Technology communication modules. All products are conformally coated and designed using hardened components suited for rugged environments, without the additional installation and energy costs associated with auxiliary heating and cooling systems.
"As companies apply automation to support their sustainability efforts, they need products that require less auxiliary heating and cooling equipment in order to lower energy usage and carbon emissions," said Mike Burrows, market development director, Rockwell Automation. "The Logix-XT product family supports these reductions, as well as reduced panel costs while offering demonstrable value to alternative energy applications."
As part of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, the Logix-XT product family uses the same programming software, network protocol and information capabilities as all of the system products, which helps end users reduce overall integration costs. Additionally, this product family operates in a broad temperature spectrum, -20ºC to 70ºC, and meets ANSI/ISA-S71.04-1985 Class G1, G2 and G3, as well as cULus, Class 1 Div 2, C-Tick, CE, ATEX Zone 2 and SIL 2 requirements for increased protection against salts, corrosives, moisture/condensation, humidity and fungal growth. The active controller components are separated on the backplane by vented faceplate segments that provide increased air flow, offer a thermal cushion, and help lower the need for air-conditioning panels.
To support the Logix-XT product family, ProSoft Technology, a Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner, has developed communication modules for its Modbus Master/Slave and Modbus TCP/IP networks. The XT communication modules emulate an input/output module on the Logix-XT controller backplane, making Modbus data appear as I/O data to the processor. These modules also conform to the EN60079-0 and EN60079-15 standards for caustic and extreme-environment applications.
"As industrial applications reach further into remote locations of the world, the market requires specially designed control equipment to survive extreme environments," said Ken Roslan, strategic product manager, ProSoft Technology. "Because of ProSoft Technology's experience in providing tightly integrated network interface solutions for Rockwell Automation controllers, we are able to offer communication solutions for the Logix-XT product family as well."
