AB 1761 - NET - Ethernet Interface for ENI MicroLogix

AB 1761 - NET - Ethernet Interface for ENI MicroLogix

Product Overview: The 1761 - NET - ENI and 1761 - NET - ENIW provide EtherNet/IP connectivity for MicroLogix, CompactLogix, and other controllers, supporting communication with a wide range of devices, uploading and downloading programs, and sending e-mail. 1761 - NET - ENI and 1761 - NET - ENIW also have a web server function that allows access to device information via a web page. The ENIW is available in different series, each with upgraded hardware and features, such as 10/100 - Base - T Ethernet ports in the C series and Ethernet configuration and email authentication in the D series.

Installation and wiring: The products comply with the relevant European directives, and should be installed with safety in mind, with specific requirements for use in hazardous areas. DIN rail or panel mounting is possible, vertical mounting and ventilation space are required. The external power supply is subject to availability and the earth connection must be correct. The Ethernet port uses an RJ45 10/100 - Base - T connector, depending on the cable type when connecting to different devices; the RS-232 port is used for connecting to DF1-compatible devices and has specific cable and connector requirements.

Operation and Configuration: The device communicates via the EtherNet/IP protocol and supports 6 Ethernet connections, different connections for different purposes. Configuration can be performed using the ENI/ENIW configuration tool, controller message commands, BOOTP or DHCP servers, with a wide range of parameters including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, etc. The mail function can also be configured to set up the SMTP (SMTP) function. The mail function can also be configured to send mail by setting parameters such as SMTP server, mail address, etc. The ENIW's web server function can be accessed via a web page, supporting page customisation, data display and interaction.

Application Example: Taking the connection of CompactLogix controller to Ethernet as an example, it introduces in detail the system setup, ENI configuration, programme download and related precautions. It includes the configuration methods of different series of ENIs and the steps to configure the driver in RSLinx software to achieve inter-device communication. Sample MSG ladder programs for SLC 5/05 and ControlLogix controllers are also given.

Troubleshooting and Performance: The different states of the LEDs can be used to determine the operation of the device and the types of faults, such as problems with power, network connections, data transmission, etc. ENI/ENIW generates an error code to indicate the cause of the fault, and care should be taken to maintain the cable connections to avoid problems with network communications. The product has some limitations on data throughput, number of connections and packet size, such as different size limitations for data transmission through ENI/ENIW for different controllers.

Communication capability: Supports EtherNet/IP protocol, providing network connection for MicroLogix, CompactLogix and other controllers to exchange data, upload/download programs and communicate between devices. Supports SMTP mail service, which allows the controller to send mails to any email address in the network for reporting alarms, status and other information. 6 concurrent TCP/IP connections, 2 for incoming messages, 2 for outgoing messages, and 2 for flexible allocation. Each TCP/IP connection can support 4 CIP connections and 5 unconnected sends at the same time, which can meet the complex communication requirements between multiple devices.

Configuration Flexibility: Supports a variety of configuration methods, such as through the ENI/ENIW configuration utility via the RS-232 port or Ethernet, or using controller message commands or BOOTP, DHCP server to configure IP address and other parameters. The configuration parameters are rich, including IP address, subnet mask, gateway, communication rate, mail server settings, security mask, etc., which can be set flexibly according to different network environments and application requirements. Different series of products are constantly upgraded in configuration functions, such as the D series, which adds Ethernet configuration function and email user authentication function, which can be configured and managed more conveniently through the web.

Network Adaptability: Ethernet ports support 10/100-Base-T standard, and speed and duplex modes can be negotiated automatically (C series and above) or manually enforced (D series) to adapt to different network environments. Supports a variety of network topologies, connecting directly to Ethernet switches and communicating over standard 8-core twisted-pair direct-connect cables, or connecting to other network media such as optical fibre and coaxial cables with the aid of media converters. Compatible with a wide range of devices, including MicroLogix, SLC, PLC-5, CompactLogix, FlexLogix and ControlLogix controllers, as well as other devices that support the DF1 full-duplex protocol and personal computers using RSLinx software.