Taking into account the needs of machine builders and manufacturers for a smaller control system, Rockwell Automation (www.rockwellautomation.com) has unveiled the latest version of its RSLogix 500 software, which is the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system’s design and configuration software.

Rockwell revealed that when combined with right-sized, scalable control system components, the RSLogix 5000 v20 enables users to scale between 200 and 10,000 I/O points using one control platform only as well as common user experience.

“Many machine builders and manufacturers must use multiple control platforms to meet their diverse needs,” commented Mike Burrows, Director at Rockwell Automation.

“This creates unnecessary complexity because each platform has a unique design environment, user interface and vendor support model. Forward-looking machine builders and end users need a single-control infrastructure that easily scales to match application requirements.”

The new software delivers a single-development environment for the CompactLogix 5370 Series of PACs (programmable automation controllers), Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, ControlLogix and GuardLogix 5570 Series PACs, Bulletin 1734 POINT Guard I/O Analog Input Module and Kinetix 350 servo drive on EtherNet/IP.

The RSLogix 5000 v20 software offers an inexpensive integration method that employs a simple, text-file-based electronic data sheet. This speed up application development, provide EtherNet/IP users with more product options, ease device replacement and create more maintainable applications. An optimized open-socket interface allows integration to other kinds of products.

For faster start-up, the new software has been designed with QuickConnect functionality, a capability required in applications that demand quick tool change.