Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 5570 Series offer memory and speed

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) has proudly released a range of programmable automation controllers (PACs) that offer manufacturers higher processing speed as it supports over 100 axes of motion. Seamlessly integrating through SERCOS and EtherNet/IP network interfaces, the Allen-Bradley Controllogix 5570 Series features optimized process, safety, motion and information capabilities.

The new series does not only increase the amount of information exchanged between the supervisory layers and the control, but it also boost system performance and improve productivity by enhancing access to real-time information.

Ideally suited for synchronizing complex motion applications, the ControlLogix 5570 Series offers high-speed axis and trajectory planning. With two to three times quicker scan times, the new controllers feature memory options ranging from 2 MB to 32 MB.

The new series includes the ControlLogix 5571, 5572S, 5572, 5573S, 5573, 5574 and 5575 controllers. In December, it will be expanded to include the GuardLogix 5573S and 5572S controllers, which are designed to provide similar automation capabilities as the ControlLogix platform and safety-rated control for safety-related functions.

The controllers are fitted with on-board display features that offer improved diagnostics as well as run-time information to increase uptime and help ease troubleshooting. Its improved security features includes optimized data integrity and quicker data transference with its 1-GB secure digital card.

It will again be expanded in January with the addition of the ControlLogix 5573XT PAC. Suitable for extreme environments and rated for extended temperatures ranging from -25°C to 70°C, this soon-to-be addition is coated for use in corrosive and high-humidity environments.

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.

Ethernet Control Module with logic control engine and custom connectivity for industrial Ethernet Host Interface from MKS

MKS Instruments, Inc. (www.mksinst.com) is proud to announce the new Ethernet Control Module (“ECM”) programmable automation controller that is ideal for high-density industrial and commercial applications, as well as for remote monitoring applications including high I/O point counts. The new ECM can be enforced as a complete control platform for a complete manufacturing line or a single location. With its ability to do detailed execution tasks through cLogicTM engine and to operate certified programmable safety interlocks, the ECM can be utilized to neatly manage I/O through its custom distribution board.

According to case studies, the compact footprint Ethernet Control Module can usually save operators 15 to 40 percent on their control and automation costs against other solutions. Additional to lowering cost, the flexibility of the expandable design allows operators to add I/O following installation by using the additional expansion slots.

The new ECM has a compact, high-density design, which reduces the number of controllers required to save cost and tool real estate. It is designed with interlock, digital and analog I/O connectivity in one controller. The ECM features reuse and adjust interlocking schemes on the fly to save costs and engineering time.

It features a cLogicTM that distributed real time logic engine allowing operators to control faster and more tightly than the original control scheme. It also features a data monitoring and control interfaces using Web browser, EtherCAT, DeviceNet, or Modbus/TCP for flexibility and migration. It has an expanded front panel LCD display that shows basic diagnostics and IP address, as well as status. With TOOLwebTM Interface, the new ECM can collect and analyze data. Through the standard Web browser, configuration and remote setup can be easily made.

The new Mid-range PACs integrated motion and safety by Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) is proud to announce their latest two mid-range controllers which integrate drive control, discrete, motion and safety capabilities in a single device. The L45S Compact GuardLogix and Allen-Bradley L43S programmable automation controllers (“PACs”) offer functions that are previously available only on Rockwell`s larger Allen-Bradley ControlLogix. These include information and diagnostics capabilities, which help reduce prolonged restarts and nuisance shutdowns, as well as one programming environment.

The new controllers use the same visualization, networking and configuration environment as Rockwell’s larger systems. It helps end-users and machine builders to integrate safety or machine applications cost-effectively to plantwide control systems.

Ken Deken, vice president for portfolio management of Rockwell, predicts that the two controllers will “open a new door for many manufacturers with mid-range applications who previously did not have the means to implement an integrated architecture. The scalability of the Integrated Architecture system means that manufacturers and machine builders can design their applications using a single control engine and a single development environment, regardless of the application size.”

By using Sercos communications, PACs can control approximately eight axes. When utilized with Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6200 servo drives, the controllers give machine builders advanced safety options such as safe direction and safe speed.

Also, the controllers support the use of Point Guard I/O modules and CompactBlock Guard I/O modules from Allen-Bradley on EtherNet/IP, enabling improved sharing and fast system configuration of information. The controllers have highest level of machine safety rating, up to SIL 3 and PL e.

When utilized with new RSLogix 5000 programming software from Rockwell, the latest PACs can utilize high-integrity add-on instructions (“AOIs”) for faster commissioning. The AOIs encapsulate code for usual routines to pre-validated modules, which can be easily reused to help lower risk of coding errors and save time. Manufacturers in regulated sectors, including food and beverage manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, can utilize the software to help protect intellectual property, fulfill regulatory requirements, and manage revision control.