Should a customer use one control platform or different ones for the application? There are pros and cons to either approach in nearly any application. In those situations where one common control platform suits, Rockwell Automation offers the Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 software. This system is an integrated control platform for those requiring a smaller control system. It is the design and configuration software for the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system and addresses a full range of control and information needs for discrete, process, batch, motion, drive, and safety applications.
The software brings integrated motion capabilities on the EtherNet/IP network to the Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controller family. Using RSLogix 5000 v20 in combination with scalable, right-sized control system components lets you scale from 200 to 10,000 I/O points using a single control platform and common user experience.
The software provides a single-development environment for the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system, including: the recently released CompactLogix 5370 Series of programmable automation controllers (PACs); Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5570 Series PACs, Allen-Bradley Kinetix 350 servo drive on EtherNet/IP, and Bulletin 1734 POINT Guard I/O Analog Input Module. This variety of options provides alternatives for applications, while new components significantly lower the cost to deploy integrated motion on EtherNet/IP in a greater range of machine applications.
In addition to new hardware support, RSLogix 5000 v20 software uses a simple, text-file-based electronic data sheet to aid integration. This feature provides more product options for EtherNet/IP users, speeds application development, creates more maintainable applications and eases device replacement.
Newly added automatic device replacement for the Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 755 series of drives automates field replacement in a running system. Users only need to set the network address and the control system handles all configurations for drive replacement. This reduces downtime associated with shutting down the system or manual error in drive replacement. In addition, the new QuickConnect function speeds start-up–requiring just 100 milliseconds from powering up the QuickConnect device to the time the component is fully operational on EtherNet/IP. This capability is key in applications like robotics that require quick tool change.
RSLogix 5000 v20 adds support for new GuardLogix 5572S and 5573S safety controllers to extend the performance of the CompactLogix 5570 family of controllers into safety-related applications. The recently released Point Guard I/O Analog Input Module provides SIL3 rated analog input for Point I/O. In addition, RSLogix 5000 v20 adds the ability to span multiple networks with unicast I/O for safety-related applications, floating point capabilities and a series of ladder logic instructions approved for use within each safety task. New motion enhancements, meanwhile, increase timing and position accuracy through an external input driven mode for time-based moves, meaning moves are now driven by axis-position information. The addition of interpolated actual position acceleration compensation takes acceleration into account for estimated position values.
Rockwell Automation, Inc.
www.rockwellautomation.com
::Design World::
Filed Under: Factory automation, CONNECTIVITY • fieldbuses • networks • gateways, ENGINEERING SOFTWARE, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SYSTEMS