Communicating PLCs via ControlNet and EtherNet/IP

[missannthrope]

Hi everyone,

I have to communicate "ControlLogix 5573" and "Compact GuardLogix L43S" via ControlNet and EtherNet/IP using OPC for my thesis. Can anyone please tell me something about this problem? I'm so unfamiliar with AB PLCs.

Have a good working day.

[Outlawownz]

These two controllers communicate natively without OPC using produced and consumed tags. Search google for rockwell produced and consumed tags. Ethernet messaging is an option when data is to large for produced and consumed tags. If you must use OPC then communication should be handled by the OPC server driver. Check the docs for the server. Kepserver is a good OPC program that comes with native Rockwell drivers.

Documentation can be found here:
http://literature.rockwellautomation.com/
Example programs here:
http://samplecode.rockwellautomation.com/

[missannthrope]

Thank you Outlawownz for your answer. I'll check the information you gave.

[bilbo_321]

You can use RSLinx Classic. It is Communication software from AB used for communication to any AB PLC. It has built- in OPC server, but unfortunately it is not available in free "RSLinx Lite" version. You have to get license for Single node, OEM or Gateway version.
Check this link: https://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com ... get/155678

[missannthrope]

Thank you guys.

We have RsLinx Classic licensed version. After completition of connecting these two plcs we also want to connect a siemens plc (s1200 or s300/400) maybe a beckhoff. Is RsLinx enough to fulfill this task or should we use another tool like opc?

[bilbo_321]

RSLinx is for communication to AB PLCs only. It doesn't support S7 protocol.
The equivalent communication software for S7 PLCs is Simatic Net.
Go to Siemens support site and search for it.
The free alternative to Simatic Net is LibNoDave http://libnodave.sourceforge.net/ , but it involves programming.

[missannthrope]

Hi,

We established communication between ControlLogix and CompactLogix via Ethernet. Now we must do an application like that:
Another ControlLogix which a laser sensor connected as an input device will be connected to them via ControlNet. And CompactLogix will drive an asynchronous motor through PowerFlex 70.