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Kepware Controllogix Ethernet driver for DH

Kepware is a software development business focused on communications for automation, known for its KEPServerEX product, a connectivity platform that allows for efficient and scalable industrial data transfer. When discussing the ControlLogix Ethernet driver in the context of Kepware and its application for Data Highway (DH) networks, it's important to understand how these components interact in an industrial setting.

Kepware is a software development business focused on communications for automation, known for its KEPServerEX product, a connectivity platform that allows for efficient and scalable industrial data transfer. When discussing the ControlLogix Ethernet driver in the context of Kepware and its application for Data Highway (DH) networks, it’s important to understand how these components interact in an industrial setting.

ControlLogix Ethernet Driver in Kepware

  1. Purpose: The ControlLogix Ethernet driver in Kepware is designed to facilitate communication between ControlLogix PLCs (and other compatible Allen-Bradley PLCs) and various applications, such as HMI (Human-Machine Interface), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and other data management systems.
  2. Functionality: This driver uses Ethernet/IP (Industrial Protocol) to communicate with Allen-Bradley ControlLogix PLCs. Ethernet/IP is a widely used industrial network protocol, built on standard Ethernet technologies.
  3. Benefits: Using Ethernet/IP for communication provides high-speed data transfer and integration capabilities with modern industrial networks, making it suitable for complex automation environments.

Integrating with Data Highway (DH)

  1. Legacy Networks: Data Highway (DH+/DH-485) is a legacy Allen-Bradley network protocol used in older PLC systems like the PLC-5 and SLC 500 series.
  2. Integration Challenges: Direct communication between ControlLogix (Ethernet/IP) and legacy DH networks requires a bridging or gateway solution, as these networks use different communication protocols.
  3. Gateway Solutions: Kepware might be used in conjunction with gateway devices that bridge Ethernet/IP and DH networks. For instance, an Allen-Bradley 1756-DHRIO module can be used in a ControlLogix chassis to interface with a DH network. Kepware can then communicate with the ControlLogix system over Ethernet/IP, while the system interacts with the DH network through the gateway module.
  4. Application Scenarios: This setup is particularly useful in transitional phases where older and newer systems coexist in an industrial environment, allowing for data exchange and operational continuity between different generations of automation technology.

Conclusion

  • Kepware’s Role: Kepware provides a robust and flexible platform for connecting modern ControlLogix systems with various industrial applications over Ethernet/IP.
  • DH Integration: For integrating with legacy DH networks, additional hardware (like gateways or bridge modules) is often required to translate between Ethernet/IP and DH protocols.
  • System Upgrades: In environments where legacy systems are being upgraded to newer technologies, such solutions are vital for ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining operational efficiency.

ANC-100e Ethernet IP to AB's DH+ Converter

The Automation Networks ANC-100e communicates with all SCADA, HMI, PLC programming with direct Ethernet/IP access to the DH+ network and stations. 

ANC-100e has similar replacement features as the Controllogix 1756-DHRIO / 1756-ENBT, and AB 1784 Interface Cards: 1784-U2DHP, 1784-KTx, 1784-PKTx, 1784-PCMK and Prosoft AN-X2-DHRIO Converters.

$1,295 USD List. Jan. 1, 2024

Overnight Shipping Available

ANC-120e USB to AB's DH+

The ANC-120e is an economical and high performance USB-to-Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus converter interfacing major HMI, SCADA, PLC Programming packages to Devices on DH+. Its features significantly outperform AB’s 1784-U2DHP PLC Programming Cable operating at 12 Mg USB speed with the Controllogix Ethernet/IP Driver.

The ANC-120e works with all SCADA, MMI, PLC programming packages installed on your PC with USB direct access to the DH+ network and stations. These packages include RSLINX/LOGIX Classic & Enterprise with RSLOGIX 5/500, Wonderware DAServer & TCP/IO Server, Citect, and Kepware using Controllogix Ethernet/IP Drivers. 

$1,295 USD List. Jan 1, 2024

Overnight Shipping Available

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