Communication with Allen Bradley devices from the Rockwell Automation company

Communication possibilities with Allen Bradley devices from the Rockwell Automation company:

DF1 protocol

It goes about the communication protocol designated for the classic serial link (RS232/RS422). The protocol allows the communication either Full-duplex (point-to-point type of connection, RS232) or Half-duplex (1Master x nSlave) with addressing the PLC stations.

This protocol is supported perhaps by the majority of PLC's, for example SLC500, MicroLogix 1000/1100/1200/1500, CompactLogix etc.

For this communication in the PROMOTIC system can be used: PmDF1 - Driver for communication with Allen Bradley devices with DF1 protocol.

Ethernet/IP protocol

It is built on the NetLinx architecture that is implemented even in DeviceNet and ControlNet networks. Ethernet/IP is administered by the ODVA independent organization that even takes charge of DeviceNet.

This protocol is also used by intelligent relays of the Micro 800-850 product line.

For the communication with the PROMOTIC system, for example, SW OPC server RSLinks OEM AB and the PROMOTIC OPC client PROMOTIC component can be used.

It is planned to create a native PROMOTIC communication driver for this protocol.

DH+ protocol

It supports 64 nodes at the most, 230 kB/s (SLC 501 to 3 can't it). It is the proprietary Allen-Bradley protocol. Two methods can be used for the communication:

1) HW communication card: It is HW card PkTX for PCI into the PC.

For the communication with this card, SW OPC server RSLinks OEM AB and the PROMOTIC OPC client component can be used.

2) External converter DF1/DH+: For the communication with this converter, the PmDF1 communication driver can be used.

DH485 protocol

It goes about the communication protocol designated for the serial link. It supports 32 nodes at the most, 19 kB/s (multi-master = each-to-each). It is the proprietary Allen-Bradley protocol. Two methods can be used for the communication:

1) HW communication card: For description see protocol DH+.

2) External converter DF1/DH485: (e.g. 1747-UIC or older 1770-KF3). For the communication with this converter, the PROMOTIC communication driver PmDF1 can be used.

ASCII protocol

It goes about the configurable char communication protocol designated for the classic serial link (RS232/RS422). This protocol is supported by some PLC's, for example, CompactLogix device (on the second serial link port), MicroLogix 1100/1200/1500, etc.

For this communication in the PROMOTIC system can be used: PmChar - Driver for communication by user defined ASCII/BIN protocol.