PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Ethernet/IP, often referred to as EtherNet/IP, is a widely used industrial communication protocol that enables communication between PLCs, industrial devices, and other equipment in an industrial automation environment. EtherNet/IP is one of the many protocols used in industrial control and automation, and it is particularly popular in settings where industrial Ethernet is deployed. Here are the key aspects of PLC Ethernet/IP:
Industrial Ethernet Protocol: EtherNet/IP is a member of the EtherNet family, and it is built on standard Ethernet technology. It uses Ethernet frames to transmit data and is suitable for high-speed, real-time communication in industrial applications.
Rockwell Automation: EtherNet/IP was originally developed by Rockwell Automation, a prominent company in the industrial automation sector. However, it is an open protocol, and many other manufacturers and vendors support it.
CIP (Common Industrial Protocol): EtherNet/IP is based on the Common Industrial Protocol, which defines the structure and rules for communication. CIP encompasses several protocol adaptations for different communication mediums, with EtherNet/IP being one of them.
Real-Time Communication: EtherNet/IP supports real-time communication, making it suitable for applications that require precise control and synchronization of devices, such as manufacturing lines and process control systems.
Device Compatibility: EtherNet/IP is widely supported by various industrial devices, including PLCs, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), motor drives, sensors, and more. This compatibility makes it easier to integrate different components from various manufacturers into a single control system.
Scalability: It can scale from small systems to large, complex industrial networks. This scalability is essential in industrial settings with diverse requirements and equipment.
Safety Features: EtherNet/IP also includes safety-specific protocols, such as CIP Safety, which are used to implement safety functions in industrial systems.
Security: Security features, such as authentication and encryption, can be added to EtherNet/IP implementations to protect the integrity and confidentiality of data in industrial networks.
Configuration and Diagnostics: EtherNet/IP offers tools for device configuration, diagnostics, and monitoring, making it easier to set up and maintain industrial systems.
Open Standard: EtherNet/IP is an open standard, which means it's not limited to a single manufacturer or vendor. This promotes interoperability between devices from different suppliers.
In summary, PLC Ethernet/IP, or EtherNet/IP, is an industrial communication protocol that leverages Ethernet technology to facilitate real-time communication and data exchange in industrial automation and control systems. It is widely adopted and provides the flexibility, scalability, and compatibility needed for complex industrial applications.
IP Address: The IP Address of the PLC.
Slot: The Slot the PLC processor is on.
Scan Rate Seconds: The Scan Rate in seconds for subscriptions on this device.
Read tag values from a PLC.
Takes an array of object with the fields
Tag: The name or address of the tag on the PLC.
Scope: The optional program scope of the tag. If the program scope is not provided it will read from the Global program scope.
Type: The data type of the tag.
Read a tag value from a PLC.
Tag: The name or address of the tag on the PLC.
Scope: The optional program scope of the tag. If the program scope is not provided it will read from the Global program scope.
Type: The data type of the tag.
Write values to tags on a PLC
Takes an array of object with the fields
Tag: The name or address of the tag on the PLC.
Scope: The optional program scope of the tag. If the program scope is not provided it will read from the Global program scope.
Type: The data type of the tag.
Value: The value to write to the PLC tag.
Write a value to tag on a PLC
Tag: The name or address of the tag on the PLC.
Scope: The optional program scope of the tag. If the program scope is not provided it will read from the Global program scope.
Type: The data type of the tag.
Value: The value to write to the PLC tag.
Browse Tags on PLC device.
Tag: Optional root tag to browse descendant tags. If tag and scope are not provided, this function will return all available tags. If scope is specified, all tags are returned from that scope.
Scope: The optional program scope to browse. If scope is not provided and tag is provided, this function will return tags from global scope.