Applied Motion Products has announced the launch of a new and faster EtherNet/IP communications stack for all EtherNet/IP-compatible integrated motor and drive products. The stack consists of a wide range of enhancements over the legacy communications stack that aid in boosting the speed and functionality while maintaining backwards compatibility. The offering reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering motion control solutions for leading industrial Ethernet networks.

 

Discussing the new functionality, it includes an output assembly that ease motion and other drive functions to be commanded with Class 1 implicit messaging, also referred as I/O messaging or polling. Further, there is an improved input assembly carrying more data for drive status with new words for position error and analog input values. 

 

 

 

The new assemblies offer benefits like easy PLC programming, increased communication speeds, and reduced network traffic. Besides, the programmable Requested Packet Travel (RPI) in the controller can now be set as low as 4 milliseconds. While retaining the Class 3 explicit messaging capabilities, the stack also supports backwards compatibility. It implies that the existing customers can use the stack even without immediately incorporating the new functionality.

 

Integrated motors and drives with EtherNet/IP communications are compatible with popular Rockwell PLCs such as ControlLogix, CompactLogix, and MicroLogix, as well as PLCs from Omron, Panasonic, Keyence, and others. Products from Applied Motion that support the new communications stack include:

 

• StepSERVO Integrated Motors: SSM, TSM and TXM series

• Stepper Drives: ST5, ST10 and STAC5 series

• Integrated Stepper Motors: STM and SWM series