How to Connect Remote IO to an Allen-Bradley PLC over EtherNet/IP
iR-ETN Remote IO is a powerful tool to work in conjunction with your local IO modules. Designed for seamless integration with your existing systems. iR-ETN Remote IO offers enhanced connectivity, scalability, and efficiency.
Overview
In today’s rapidly advancing industrial landscape, achieving seamless communication between different systems is essential for optimizing efficiency and productivity. This article provides a detailed guide on connecting a Maple Systems iR-ETN to an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix and ControlLogix CPU using the EtherNet/IP communications protocol.
As you follow this guide, you will gain the knowledge needed to establish a reliable connection, which ensures seamless interoperability between your Maple Systems Remote IO and Allen-Bradley PLCs, ultimately enhancing your industrial automation capabilities.
The iR-ETN firmware supports EtherNet/IP protocol.
In EasyRemote IO software, you can generate the description file (EDS) for EtherNet/IP devices. By scanning the iR-ETN devices within the software, the EDS file is created based on the current I/O configuration. Subsequently, the EDS file can be imported into RSLogix 5000 using the EDS Hardware Installation Tool.
Downloads
- EasyRemote IO Download
- iR-ETN User Manual
- iR-ETN EtherNet/IP Connection Guide
Requirements
- Applicable firmware version
- iR-ETN: V1.0.3.0
Network Topology
For more information on updating iR-ETN firmware, please reach our to Maple Systems technical support.
How to Generate EDS Files using EasyRemote IO
The iR-ETN firmware supports EtherNet/IP protocol.
In EasyRemote IO software, you can generate the description file (EDS) for EtherNet/IP devices.
Launch Remote IO
Inside Remote IO go to the Online tab and click [Automatic Scan] to scan the network for the iR-ETN. The information of the iR-ETN and the connected modules is show as below.
If [Automatic Scan] does not detect your iR-ETN Coupler, it will need to be added manually. To do this, navigate to the Edit tab, click Add, and then select Network Coupler.
After configuring EasyRemote IO appropriately, proceed by clicking on [File] >> [Export EtherNet/IP EDS] and selecting the file to export tags.
Select the iR-ETN and click OK
If the following popup message appears then the EDS File has successfully been exported.
Adding a Single iR-ETN
RSLogix 5000 Configuration Steps
Open RSLogix 5000 and click [Tools] >> [EDS Hardware Installation Tool] >> and Import iR-ETN’s EDS file.
Import EDS file following the on-screen instructions.
Right-click on [Ethernet] and select [Add Module…].
Enter iR-ETN’s IP address and device name. The device name will be used in the tags.
iR-ETN’s Input/Output Data can be found in the tag.
Select the corresponding bit when programming.
Adding Multiple iR-ETNs
RSLogix 5000 Configuration Steps
In Allen-Bradley software, each device requires a unique EDS file. to add multiple iR-ETN (each with different number of I/O), please following the instructions below.
Go to [Ethernet] >> [Add Module] and add Generic Ethernet Module
Configure connection parameters for iR-ETN’s EDS file.
*When Assemble Instance only has Input, “Comm Format” must be set to “Input Data – SINT”
Enter iR-ETN’s IP address, name, and description.
Enter RPI. Use the default setting, which is 10 ms (min. RPI support for iR-ETN is 5 ms)
When you have finished setting the parameters, you can see iR-ETN’s I/O status in Controller tags page. In this example, the first slot of iR-ETN = DM16-P and the second slot = AI04-TR.
Conclusion
In conclusion, integrating the Maple Systems iR-ETN Remote IO with your Allen-Bradley PLC is a valuable way to enhance the flexibility and scalability of your automation projects. The EtherNet/IP protocol natively provides a robust connection with up to 100 meters of distance between the PLC and the Remote IO, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
Additionally, this distance could be extended even further with the use of network devices to meet the specific needs of your project. By implementing this setup, you not only streamline communication but also ensure that your systems operate efficiently, allowing for seamless expansion and adaptation to future demands. Whether you’re looking to improve your current setup or planning a new installation, the iR-ETN Remote IO offers a reliable solution for elevating your automation infrastructure.
The following RSLogix 5000 programs, and iR-ETN EDS files can be located below.
RSLogix 5000 Sample Project
EasyRemoteIO EDS File
For more information, please reach out to Maple Systems technical support.