Product category:
Smaller-Sized PLCs
News Release from: Rockwell Automation | Subject: MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 June 2004
Controllers become masters of the Modbus
New firmware updates for Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers add Modbus remote terminal unit (RTU) master protocol capabilities.
New firmware updates for Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers add Modbus remote terminal unit (RTU) master protocol capabilities This allows companies in industries such as water, wastewater, oil and gas to easily integrate and standardise supervisory control and data acquisition (Scada) networks because MicroLogix can now be used at all levels of the Modbus network - master or slave - making the controllers excellent choices for Scada supervisors or low-cost RTUs
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 20 Feb 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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"By adding Modbus master capability to the MicroLogix controller, it complements the slave capability MicroLogix has had for years and provides the user with more controller flexibility and options", said Glenn Bates, Product Manager at Rockwell Automation.
"This creates a more streamlined solution for Scada applications because it allows MicroLogix controllers to act as masters, in addition to the capabilities already supported".
As part of this same firmware release, these controllers can now implement pulse train output functionality with independent acceleration and deceleration profiles.
The new updates also allow MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers to communicate with Allen-Bradley PowerFlex 4 and PowerFlex 40 drives (through a 1761-NET-AIC or other RS232-to-RS485 interface convertor).
These features combine to deliver a powerful yet economical solution for low-end motion and control.
The updates for existing customers are free, require no new hardware and can be downloaded at from the MicroLogix section of the Allen-Bradley website.
All new MicroLogix 1200 and 1500 controllers will ship with the Modbus master and slave protocol capabilities.
RSLogix 500 Version 6.10.10 software is required to support the configuration of the master functionality.
This is the third protocol enhancement in the past year for MicroLogix controllers.
Before adding Modbus master capabilities, Rockwell Automation added DF1 half-duplex master protocol and the new DF1 radio modem protocol, allowing MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers to provide efficient and secure communications in various environments.
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