Product category:
Industrial networking and communications
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: Ethernet and DeviceNet communication modules
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 September 2002
Message displays get factory network
connectivity
Ethernet and DeviceNet communication modules have been introduced for the Allen-Bradley InView? range of large format message displays.
Message displays get network connectivity for plant-wide communication Rockwell Automation introduces Ethernet and DeviceNet communication modules for the Allen-Bradley InView? range of large format message displays The new networking options enable InView message displays to be easily connected to new or existing plant networks, eliminating the need for serial protocol connections
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 21 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Housed in rugged enclosures, which fit easily into the back of standard InView displays, the communication modules are supplied with Windows-based configuration software, mounting hardware and connection cabling.
Networking InView displays on the shop floor enable a wide range of pre-programmed messages stored within the display unit to be triggered instantly by commands from a variety of sources including PCs and PLCs.
Alarm messages that alert operators to stoppages in the production process enable the specific problem to be rapidly identified and corrected, minimising downtime.
EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet share a common communications protocol developed specifically for industrial plant level networks, and the EtherNet/IP 2706-PENI and DeviceNet 2706-PDNI modules allow messages to be initiated by standard Allen-Bradley ladder logic message instructions.
This enables both modules to operate with a variety of network controllers, including Allen-Bradley MicroLogix, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, SLC and PLC-5 programmable controllers, as well as FlexLogix I/O systems.
The Ethernet TCP/IP 2706-PENET1 module enables messages to be sent with InView ActiveX control from Rockwell Software's RSView32 Human Machine Interface, or any other ActiveX container such as third party SCADA packages or Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
The InView range of red or tri-colour LED matrix displays provides between one and four lines of up to 40 characters of text, and can be read from distances of up to 100 metres.
Easy to use InView Message Software enables up to 2,000 messages to be rapidly created, edited and previewed off-line before being downloaded to the InView display unit.
The introduction of Ethernet, EtherNet/IP and DeviceNet modules for InView displays means it is now easier than ever for plant operators and maintenance technicians to get the message, whether it is process alarming, safety messages, inventory or process data, or employee communications. Request a free brochure from Rockwell Automation ...
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