Networks specifications to be upgraded

The latest editions of the CIP Networks specifications include new capabilities that extend device interoperability and application coverage.

ODVA is set to publish new editions of the specifications for the family of CIP Networks, enhancing the EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, CompoNet, ControlNet and CIP Safety technologies.

Consistent with ODVA's record of delivering open network standards that are focused on bringing long-term benefits to the industrial automation industry, the latest editions of the CIP Networks specifications include new capabilities that extend device interoperability and application coverage to an even greater range of devices and applications.

Each network in the family of CIP Networks uses the same, media-independent protocol - the Common Industrial Protocol (or CIP).

This approach provides significant advantages to users including, among others, a comprehensive suite of messages and services needed for control, configuration, information, safety, synchronisation and motion as well as topology options for network adaptations to meet specific application requirements.

With the publication of these editions of the specifications, users can look for device suppliers to begin offering some of the following features in their products "CIP Safety on DeviceNet and CIP Safety on EtherNet/IP": Introduced in 2005, CIP Safety is certified to be compliant with the functional safety standard IEC 61508 up to SIL 3.

The latest edition of this specification includes new functionality to support network features often needed in process and Scada applications as well as installations using wireless.

These features include increased granularity in error detection and more flexibility in configuring safety reaction times.

"Integration of Modbus serial devices into CIP Networks": Modbus translation services for Modbus TCP devices were added to CIP in the previous editions of the specifications published in November 2007.

In these editions of the specifications, a new "serial link object" has been added to round out the Modbus translation services supported by CIP.

Both users and vendors will benefit from the ability to integrate Modbus and CIP devices into a unified network architecture that retains one of the key advantages of CIP - seamless bridging and routing.

Collectively these new editions of the specifications include 18 enhancements.

The specifications are organised as a group of publications entitled The CIP Networks Library.

Each specification is made up of one or more volumes of The CIP Networks Library.

ODVA expects that devices containing new enhancements found in the latest specifications will be available in 2008.

Specifications are available on a subscription basis, subject to a terms of usage agreement.

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