MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio, - In response to the growing use of Ethernet on the plant floor, Rockwell Automation has introduced the Allen-Bradley EtherNet/IP-to-DeviceNet linking device (1788-EN2DN) – ideal for economical, efficient and seamless data sharing between networks and controllers.
"As plant-floor Ethernet gains momentum, manufacturers are looking for a cost-effective way to integrate it with open, device-level networks like DeviceNet," said Thomas Sugimoto, product manager, Rockwell Automation. "The linking device provides a simpler alternative to using PC-based gateways and racks of communication cards for connecting EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet, cutting system costs and increasing data-transfer rates. It's the ideal means to reduce hardware, improve speed and lower expenses."The linking device acts as a bridge for explicit (i.e., information) messages between EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet to allow data collection and configuration to take place from any PC with an Ethernet interface. Data also can be collected from any device on DeviceNet for display, trending and monitoring, using an EtherNet/IP-ready industrial operator interface and software, such as the Allen-Bradley PanelView and Rockwell Software RSView.
For control, users can scan DeviceNet I/O remotely over EtherNet/IP and then send information to any controller on the network. The scanner interface is compatible with any Allen-Bradley Logix controller, as well as any controller that supports EtherNet/IP.
The linking device contains a simple-to-use Web interface, allowing the user to obtain DeviceNet diagnostics remotely and configure Ethernet parameters such as the IP address. In addition, the DIN-rail-mountable device requires DC power and includes a hardware switch to set the IP address. One side of the linking device is a DeviceNet scanner with the capacity to handle 496 bytes input words and 492 bytes output words of data from DeviceNet-compliant devices such as sensors, drives and I/O blocks. The other side is an EtherNet/IP adapter.
The 1788-EN2DN adds to the Allen-Bradley family of linking devices, which includes the 1788-CN2DN (ControlNet to DeviceNet), the 1788-CN2FF (ControlNet to Foundation Fieldbus), and the 1757-FFLD (EtherNet/IP to Foundation Fieldbus).
EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet are core networks in NetLinx, the Rockwell Automation open networking architecture that provides seamless, top-floor-to-shop-floor integration. The networks in the NetLinx architecture - ControlNet, DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP - share a common industrial protocol (CIP) and a suite of communication services that enhance productivity and efficiency.
Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software factory management software, Dodge mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
For more information on the EtherNet/IP linking device, please contact the Rockwell Automation Response Center, 10701 Hampshire Avenue South, Bloomington, Minn., 55438, 800.223.5354, Ext. 1643.
