The latest generation of Allen-Bradley SLC-5/05 from Rockwell Automation have enhanced EtherNet/IP communications functionality.
Now featuring 10/100Mbps Ethernet connectivity and an increased number of available Ethernet connections, the Allen-Bradley SLC-5/05 Series C with firmware revision (FRN) 9 is suitable for use in larger, more demanding high-throughput applications.
According to Rockwell Automation Australia product manager David Black, the communications daughtercard circuitry within the SLC-5/05 Series C processors is re-designed to support the higher baud rates, but the latest firmware is also essential.
“Those not using FRN 9 can purchase a control flash upgrade kit for the latest firmware revision to ensure their Series C processors, which were first launched in late 2004, will operate at 100Mbps,” Black says.
Through use of the latest Rockwell Software RSLogix 5000 v6.3 programming software, the Allen-Bradley SLC-5/05 Series C also supports “auto-negotiation” for automatic selection of Ethernet speed and duplex mode.
“This means the processor itself can detect the speed of the network it’s connected to and can set itself appropriately,” Black says.
Finally, the Series C supports at least double the number of Ethernet connections than the SLC-5/05 Series B. The three available models support 32, 48 and 64 connections, enabling a greater number of simultaneous paths for communicating with other devices.
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