New Delhi: Thanks to recent product enhancements and new introductions, Rockwell Automation is now able to offer the next major evolution for motion applications… a fully integrated motion solution that runs on the same high-level communications protocol as other parent automation systems.

Modern market demands dictate that those with the greatest agility and flexibility in their processes and infrastructure are in a far better position to service the regular and rapidly changing demands of the market. In all instances the customer is king: and whatever they want… you must deliver – as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

Many established manufacturing operations have grown systematically; as more capability is added or existing capabilities are enhanced. The problem is that, machines and processes evolve, there is often a mix-and-match approach to the addition of equipment. Although this approach ultimately achieves the final production objective, it creates a minefield of standards, software, training needs and communication protocols for the design, production and maintenance engineers to deal with. By far the best approach is an integrated automation infrastructure… all based on a single protocol.

Thanks to significant enhancements in its new range of programmable automation controllers (PACs), Rockwell Automation is now able to offer Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP; meaning that motion solutions can now reside on the same protocol and control architecture as other automation systems within the installation.

This new approach will help companies increase their machine design flexibility, improve their system performance and reduce overall system costs.

Rockwell Automation’s Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP uses Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) Motion and CIP Sync technology from the Open Device Vendors Association (ODVA). The addition of motion capabilities over EtherNet/IP greatly enhances the flexibility and capabilities of this immensely popular automation protocol. Currently the world’s leading industrial Ethernet, it appears in over 850 product lines from 250 companies and, in total, over two million nodes have been sold and put into use in industrial applications.

This really is an important evolution in machine control; what we have done is close the loop. By introducing motion over EtherNet/IP we have given engineers the ability to side step their reliance on specialist motion protocols, such as SERCOS. This has removed the final remaining barrier that was preventing the adoption of a complete, single, integrated network that is already capable of undertaking safety, process and discrete control.

EtherNet/IP is, to all intents and purposes, identical to standard Ethernet; the only change being in the Application Layer. It uses standard, unmodified Ethernet, and allows users to effectively manage real-time control and information flow for improved plant-wide optimization; ultimately resulting in more informed decision-making and better business performance.

Other vendors use Ethernet, but they just use the first physical layer – the actual protocol is proprietary and specialist. This means that although they can claim ‘Ethernet compatibility’, it is, in fact, just as closed as any other proprietary protocol.

EtherNet/IP uses standard infrastructure components, switches and tools and offers 100meg throughput with assured determinism, regardless of device type and mix. Especially important for motion applications, it is capable of 100ns time synchronization of distributed devices and 100µs time-scheduled output and time-stamped input I/O.

As well as the obvious and well-documented benefits of a single-network environment, there are other advantages on offer to machine builders and end users from the single-software environment as part of their motion solution. Expanding on its process control, discrete control and safety capabilities, 41 embedded motion instructions – available in Ladder, Structured Text and Sequential Function Chart languages – are available from the RSLogix 5000 software. The single-software environment provides complete system support, including motion configuration, programming, commissioning, diagnostics and drive maintenance. This single-software approach means fewer licenses, far fewer compatibility issues and a significantly reduced training burden.

Users also have access to catalogue-number drive, motor and actuator selection and configuration, which provides an out-of-the-box ‘connect and run’ capability, eliminating the need for complex drive/motor/actuator configuration and tuning. They can also easily add the desired motion function to their application program by just pointing and clicking and any tags created in the software can then be shared and used across the entire enterprise.

As the addition of motion is a natural evolution of an already well established technology, users are spoilt for choice when it comes to the breadth of products on offer. Machine builders can now configure, program, commission and maintain Kinetix 6500 servo drives and PowerFlex 755 AC drives thanks to the impressive processing capabilities of Rockwell Automation’s new Allen-Bradley ControlLogix 557X PACs – all over EtherNet/IP. In addition to higher-level modules, there is a comprehensive range of Ethernet-compatible components that will help users create an entire automation and motion infrastructure. There is also an impressive range of tools and services available to assist in design, programming, maintenance and troubleshooting; all of which add the finishing touches to a hugely impressive technological capability.

Ethernet has long been recognized as way forwards, as companies strive to remain both open and competitive, while maintaining seamless communications between shop floor and top floor. The additions of motion to its already impressive list of features and functionality will go a long way toward cementing its position as the contemporary automation and now motion protocol of choice.

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Rockwell Automation employs about 19,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

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