Rockwell Automation introduces two new programmable logic controllers

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) has announced the release of its two new Allen-Bradley controllers, the Micro830 and Micro810, as well as the Connected Components software.

A part of the Allen-Bradley Micro800 range, the component-class micro programmable controllers provides machine manufactures a cost-effective control solution, making them suitable for standalone machine applications with less than 48 I/O.

“With this new line, Rockwell Automation is delivering the functionality and flexibility of a micro programmable logic controller for the price of a smart relay. Yet, the greatest value of the new Micro800 range is the simplicity and convenience it provides, with the right amount of control, so customers only pay for what they need,” said Adrian van Wyk, Business Manager at Rockwell Automation.

The Micro800 controllers feature a vast array of plug-in modules for communications, analogue/digital I/O and expanded memory. The range’s plug-in modules allow machine manufacturers to customize the controllers to optimize functionality without increasing the product footprint. Aside form providing removable terminal blocks, the new range also simplifies communication through point-to-point data exchange.

The smallest of the Allen-Bradley Micro800 family, the Micro810 programmable logic controller comes with embedded smart relay function blocks, which can be configured from the keypad and LCD. These function blocks include time of day, delay OFF/ON timer, time of week as well as time of year for applications demanding a programmable lighting and timer control.

Offering flexible communications, the Allen-Bradley Micro830 programmable logic controllers offers up to six high-speed counter inputs. These off-the-shelf controllers have been specifically designed to allow easy integration of up to five plug-in modules on the 48pt variants. They are fully customizable and carry global certifications and support.

CimQuest INGEAR releases .NET class libraries for Allen-Bradley Logix Controller

CimQuest INGEAR (www.ingeardrivers.com), which publishes runtime-free software development solutions for several industrial applications, is proud to announce the release of Visual Studio.NET class libraries to be used with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix programmable automation controllers (PACs) (www.ab.com).

INGEAR NET.LOGIX version 3.0 software can be used by those who write automation and control applications in Visual Studio C# or Visual Basic.NET to communicate with Allen-Bradley controllers, design data acquisition applications and custom communications, and deploy them on several machines, without the need to pay additional license fees.

“The better the information plant personnel have regarding operations, the greater their ability to manage costs, output, quality and ultimately — profitability. Some of the most valuable data lies within the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) that automate assembly lines. Manufacturers typically deploy PLCs machine-by-machine, so accessing that data can be a real challenge. This new set of class libraries provides anyone who knows Visual Basic.NET or Visual Studio C# everything they need to communicate with some of the world’s most popular Allen-Bradley controllers,” said Chuck Karwoski, head of CimQuest INGEAR.

NET.LOGIX 3.0 has several advanced features, including a new PeerMessage class for Unsolicited Messages, which waits idle in a passive state to allow the Allen-Bradley controller to send data through MSG instructions. Upon receiving communication, the PeerMessage class sends a notification event with information for the user application to process it immediately. The PeerMessage class is designed to receive MSG instructions from CompactLogix, ControlLogix, ControlLogix Gateway, MicroLogix, as well as PLC-5E and SLC 5/05 family of controllers.

NET.LOGIX 3.0 also features the DTEncoding class, which helps read and write Pre-Defined Types (PDT’s) and User Defined Types (UDT’s) as objects with or without the need to read or write every atomic member individually.

The new PLC HMI software simplifies development of 64-bit versions of Windows to Allen Bradley Controllers

CimQuest INGEAR is proud to announce its latest Allen-Bradley ActiveX Studio software which enables 32-bit programs to operate with 64-bit versions of Windows and supports creation of Windows 7 PLC HMI applications, the Allen-Bradley ActiveX Studio version 6.0. It allows creation of easy-to-use, powerful programmable logic controller (“PLC”) communications applications with significant usability and performance improvements over previous versions.

“Many of our customers migrating to the performance advantages of 64-bit Windows computing have had concerns about being able to continue to run their 32-bit programs. With this new version of our Allen-Bradley ActiveX Studio, we enable them to update existing or newly created 32-bit programs and run them on Windows 7 and on 64-bit Windows operating systems,” said Chuck Karwoski, president of CimQuest INGEAR.

The latest Allen-Bradley ActiveX Studio version 6.0 from CimQuest provides component Microsoft Visual Basic 6.0 programmers a communication channel to Allen-Bradley PLCs without the complexity or overhead of OPC and it does not rely on third party drivers like RSLinx. Also, it enables two-way communications with Allen-Bradley SLC, PLC-5, MicroLogix, CompactLogix, and ControlLogix controllers, supporting ActiveX/OCX-based communications applications development written in .NET programming, C++ and Visual Basic languages.

Machine users who have built applications using the Allen-Bradley ActiveX Studio 5.2 can now upgrade their applications for them to run on Windows 64-Bit and Windows 7 operating systems with minor changes to their code. New machine users can deploy and develop application for Windows 64-Bit and Windows 7 operating systems.

Among the usability and performance enhancements in the latest version are updated example files and projects, improved error reporting, and improved CIP (“Common Industrial Protocol”) communications. Also, the Allen-Bradley ActiveX Studio version 6.0 supports an optional USB License Key which enables machine users to move developmental licenses from machine to machine without activation or registration.

Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the Diagnostics Add-On Instruction for Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix Controllers

TWINSBURG, OH – Pepperl+Fuchs introduces the Diagnostics Add-On Instruction for Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix Controllers.  Available as a free download, this Add-On Instruction enables PLC programmers to retrieve detailed diagnostic data from an AS-Interface SafetyMonitor with just three instructions.

“Pepperl+Fuchs developed this innovative add-on software to further simplify the already flexible and powerful AS-Interface Safety at Work technology,” says Tim Cicerchi, Product Manager, Industrial Bus and ID Systems.  “Additionally, because we want every AS-Interface user to have the best experience possible this Add-On Instruction is compatible with competitive AS-Interface Safety at Work SafetyMonitors, not just Pepperl+Fuchs SafetyMonitors.”

Pepperl+Fuchs
www.pepperl-fuchs.us

The new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 The new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 EtherNet/IP indexing servo drive for easier start-upEtherNet/IP indexing servo drive for easier start-up

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) unveiled its latest servo drive — the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 300 EtherNet/IP indexing which provides end users and machine builders with the standardize capability on one communication network for easier startup, configuration and commissioning. With the new servo drive, all control solution (I/O and motion, programmable automation controllers, and HMI) can be linked over a standard EtherNet/IP network.

“Many machine builders and end users are moving toward single network solutions,” said James Grosskreuz, Rockwell Automation’s product manager. “By leveraging EtherNet/IP technology, the world’s leading industrial Ethernet, the Kinetix 300 servo drive can eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network while maintaining high-speed connectivity with excellent reliability.”

The drive can support up to 32 indices and five indexing types. It is ideal for intermittent vertical and horizontal form/fill/seal machines, simple erectors, case packers and sleevers, as well as indexing tables.

By combining the Allen‑Bradley TL‑Series and Allen-Bradley MP-Series motors, and the CompactLogix L32 controller and Allen-Bradley CompactLogix L23 with the Kinetix 300 servo drive, Rockwell Automation delivers an alternative for machines that demand Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system’s power in a cost-effective low axis-count motion solution. The drive can also work with an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix processor to deliver a component machine-level solution in a cost-effective package.

Through a Kinetix 300 additional profile, the Kinetix 300 drive features smooth integration with Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 software. The servo drive also provides drive-based web configuration tools. With this, machine operators no longer to maintain, load or learn dedicated motion software.

To increase productivity and help protect personnel, the Kinetix 300 is also equipped with safe torque-off capability. With this safe-off functionality, tasks like removal of jams, cleaning, machine setup, and other common maintenance work, which require power-down conditions before can now be achieved without removing power from the machine. The drive output can be disabled safely, allowing shorter machine downtime and faster machine restart. Additionally, components like input contactors are not required, helping reduce both overall system costs and panel space requirements, and simplifying machine design.

The Kinetix 300 offers a compact size and has the available power and voltage ranges to meet a wide range of global machine requirements such as alternative energy, applications in the packaging, and assembly industries and manufacturing.

Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 753 AC Drive from Rockwell Automation

MILWAUKEE, WI — The new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 753 AC drive from Rockwell Automation provides machine builders and manufacturers with the versatile motor control they need for general-purpose applications. Designed to meet global user needs, the drive supports multiple languages and complies with global standards and certifications. The second release in the PowerFlex 750 series, the PowerFlex 753 drive is suited for many industries and applications, including fans, pumps and conveyors.

Like the PowerFlex 755 AC drive, the PowerFlex 753 AC drive offers many control hardware options. The DeviceLogix control technology helps meet requirements for stand-alone applications by giving users control flexibility to combine inputs and/or outputs, as well as local logic functions, to determine the drive’s behavior. The drive also helps manufacturers minimize downtime because users can configure the drive to provide advanced notification of operating data on cooling fans, I/O relay cycles, motor run-time hours and potential fault warnings. Additionally, Embedded Safe Torque-Off and Safe-Speed Monitoring options help customers reduce overall system costs while helping to protect personnel and equipment, and improve productivity.

Engineers designed the PowerFlex 750 series with a slot-based mechanical architecture that allows customers to tailor the drive with as few or as many options – such as I/O, feedback, safety and communications– as their application requires. The PowerFlex 753 and PowerFlex 755 drives share these hardware options, which help customers reduce inventory. The PowerFlex 753 drive is available in power ranges from 0.75 to 250 kW or 1 to 350 Hp at 400/480V AC and 540/650V DC input.

Rockwell Automation, Inc.
www.ab.com/drives/powerflex/755

Rockwell Launches the New Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 AC Drive

MILWAUKEE, WI — Representing the first drive from the new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 750 series, the PowerFlex 755 AC drive meets global user needs for versatile motor control, integration ease and high performance to help increase productivity. Available in power ranges from 7.5 to 250 kW or 10 to 350 hp at 400/480V AC and 540/650V DC input, the PowerFlex 755 AC drive supports multiple languages, meets global standards and certifications, and is suited for many industries, including converting, automotive, machinery, food and beverage, material handling, metals, mining, and tire and rubber.

The PowerFlex 755 AC drive offers customers more versatility than any other drive in its class in terms of motor control and supporting control hardware options. Examples include:

•To adapt drive control to specific application requirements, engineers embedded Allen-Bradley
DeviceLogix control in the drive. This can give users control flexibility to combine inputs and/or
outputs and local logic functions to determine the drive’s behavior.
•To enable data-driven decisions, embedded Ethernet allows users to easily configure, control and
collect drive data over EtherNet/IP networks.
•To minimize downtime, users can configure the drive to provide advanced notification of operating
data on cooling fans, I/O relay cycles, motor run-time hours and potential fault warnings.
•Embedded Safe Torque-Off and Safe-Speed Monitoring safety options help customers reduce
overall system costs while helping to protect personnel and equipment, and improve productivity.

Engineers designed the PowerFlex 755 AC drive with a slot-based mechanical architecture that allows customers to tailor the drive with as few or as many options – I/O, feedback, safety, communications and auxiliary control power – as their application requires.

www.rockwellautomation.com