How can you integrate Ethernet/IP instrumentation devices into a control system?

2 Step 2: Configure the network

The next step is to configure the Ethernet network that will connect the devices to the control system. You need to ensure that the network has enough bandwidth, reliability, and security for your application. You also need to assign a unique IP address to each device and make sure that they are in the same subnet as the control system. You can use a network switch, a router, or a firewall to manage the network traffic and protect the devices from unauthorized access.

3 Step 3: Install the software

The third step is to install the software that will enable the communication between the devices and the control system. You need to install the drivers, libraries, and utilities that support the Ethernet/IP protocol and the CIP services. You also need to install the EDS files for each device on the control system, which will allow you to access the device's properties and parameters. You can use a software tool, such as RSLinx or EDS Wizard, to install and manage the EDS files.

4 Step 4: Scan the devices

The fourth step is to scan the devices on the network and verify that they are recognized by the control system. You need to use a software tool, such as RSNetWorx or DeviceNet Manager, to scan the network and display the devices that are connected. You can then check the status, configuration, and diagnostics of each device and make sure that they are functioning properly. You can also assign a name and a description to each device for easy identification.

5 Step 5: Add the devices

The fifth step is to add the devices to the control system and configure their communication settings. You need to use a software tool, such as RSLogix or Studio 5000, to add the devices to the control system's project and assign them to an input/output (I/O) module. You can then configure the communication settings for each device, such as the data rate, the update time, and the message type. You can also define the data tags and the data mapping for each device, which will determine how the data is exchanged between the device and the control system.

6 Step 6: Test the communication

The final step is to test the communication between the devices and the control system and verify that the data is transferred correctly. You need to use a software tool, such as RSLinx or RSView, to monitor the data and the status of each device and the control system. You can also use a software tool, such as RSLogix or Studio 5000, to write and execute the control logic that will control the devices and the process. You can then observe the results and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.