DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP specifications updated

ODVA announced today that the next editions the DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP specifications have been published.

ODVA announced today that the next editions the DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP specifications have been published.

These new editions are the second publication of updates in 2006, and they bring a range of enhancements to the specifications which further increase ease of configuration.

Over 20 specification enhancements were integrated into these next editions, allowing more comprehensive and useful information to be contained within EDS files, adding DTM configuration options, and facilitating the deployment of these networks with increased flexibility.

The EDS enhancements allow the key features and benefits of DeviceNet to be more readily exploited.

The update enables variable I/O sises to be specified within EDS files, provides a means for the contents of connection entries to be described, and allows device classification section of the EDS file to be used to specify whether or not a module is a DeviceNet module.

All of these enhancements will simplify device configuration in a network.

A further enhancement - both to the DeviceNet specification and the wider CIP specification - removes the limitation where some text strings are English language only, allowing local languages to be used.

Further enhancements to DeviceNet include improved diagnostics capabilities, the extending of power cable lengths from the previous 3m maximum up to a new 39m limit, and the ability to use the innovative 'flat media' cables and connectors.

With EtherNet/IP quickly becoming the de facto standard for industrial Ethernet, ODVA has addressed its implementation in more challenging environments where the use of sealed connectors is an absolute necessity.

Previously the specification defined the use of MT-RJ connectors, but the enhanced specification allows the additional use of LC sealed connectors.

As a final enhancement, ODVA and FDT have completed a key phase of their co-operative work, and a DTM configuration option has now been included within the CIP specification, adding the capability for using DTMs for device configuration, without removing any of the existing options.

The CIP Networks Library of specifications includes EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet and CIP Safety.

CIP, the Common Industrial Protocol, is a single, media-independent protocol common to all of these networks that provides the interoperability and interchangeability essential to open networks and open systems.

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