The proxy device allows users with non-CIP Security-embedded products to define and implement their unique migration roadmap to a CIP Security architecture. It also provides a path forward for non-CIP Security-capable products. By using this stand-alone, easier-to-use hardware solution, another step is being taken to obtain a secure network.
Increase Productivity, Security with Enhanced FactoryTalk Linx Software
Engineers on the plant floor can be more productive with the latest release of FactoryTalk Linx software from Rockwell Automation. The latest release helps ease system recovery, increases upload and download speeds, and helps bring new devices online more efficiently. These enhancements free up time for plant engineers so they can focus on other priorities.
To help protect an organization, the latest FactoryTalk Linx software adds new security measures, including communications integrity/confidentiality, credential authentication, audit tracking, and configuration backup and restore. These extra layers of security can help reduce unplanned downtime due to security concerns and issues.
The release also adds backup and restore capabilities that allow users to save configuration settings. This helps improve administrator efficiency by eliminating the need to manually reconfigure the entire system during recovery.
The software’s reconstructed interface increases online performance for Studio 5000 and ControlFLASH Plus software with faster upload and download times. This increases efficiency by providing better performance for design tools and communication services that use FactoryTalk Linx.
Additionally, users bringing a new device online can now assign IP addresses based on a range or load a preset configuration. This helps improve productivity by bringing new machines and devices online more quickly.
The FactoryTalk Linx OPC UA Connector has been enhanced to provide access to more types of data. It can also now pick up data from a secondary server if a redundant server is shut down, which can improve system uptime and increase data access.
FactoryTalk Linx Gateway now includes user-specified tag groups and access to Logix structure and array definitions with FactoryTalk Security authorization. This helps organizations manage and restrict, down to the individual element, what pieces of data can be accessed through the control system. In addition, users can import and export the configuration to manage it outside of the environment.
New FactoryTalk Logix Echo Emulation Software Transforms Machine Design
Machine designers can save time and costs, optimize machine performance, and get to market faster using the new FactoryTalk Logix Echo controller emulation software. The software is now available for use with the ControlLogix 5580 family of controllers from Rockwell Automation.
Using the emulation software, engineers can fully test control code in a virtual environment. With support for up to 17 emulated controllers, the software can emulate a machine, production line or even an entire plant.
Emulated controllers can also be paired with other software for a wide range of uses. For example, by connecting an emulated controller to a mechanical system model via the Emulate3D digital twin software, users can perform testing and experimentation without large physical equipment. And by connecting an emulated controller to training simulator software, operators can be trained on a new machine and learn its real-time responses before the machine arrives on site.
The FactoryTalk Logix Echo software is designed with a modern user interface and a simpler overall experience than existing emulation software. Switching between design and emulation, for example, is effortless and requires no program changes.
The FactoryTalk Logix Echo software is the latest addition to the FactoryTalk DesignSuite portfolio. The portfolio brings together engineering and design elements into a standard framework, allowing engineers to use the same tools, language, and resources to build or modify their systems.
New PowerFlex 6000T Drive Delivers Big Performance in a Compact Design
Medium-voltage drive for global IEC markets accepts high-voltage primary without increasing footprint
The new PowerFlex 6000T medium-voltage drive from Rockwell Automation delivers industry-leading performance in about half the space. The drive accepts up to 13.8 kV primary voltage in a best-in-class footprint that is only 2,310 to 3,010 mm (7.58 to 9.87 feet) wide. This compact design makes the drive ideal for new and retrofit industrial applications in IEC markets, especially those where space is a premium.
The PowerFlex 6000T drive can provide cost savings by allowing the direct connection of high-voltage feeds from the main distribution line without any additional step-down transformer or substation equipment. The new A-Frame PowerFlex 6000T drive also offers:
- Faster commissioning with adaptive control
- Energy savings with an economizer mode
- Reduced downtime with predictive maintenance
“Customers will immediately boost their productivity when they migrate to PowerFlex 6000T drives,” said Brad Bugiardini, PowerFlex 6000T product manager, Rockwell Automation. “The common control platform in the PowerFlex 6000T, from 0 to 680 amps, makes it easier to start up and troubleshoot all drives. Plus, TotalFORCE technology combines high-performance motor control, advanced self-monitoring capabilities, and a digital platform to deliver faster, more precise and responsive drives.”
The new PowerFlex 6000T drive is designed for managing motor control for heavy applications in industries such as: Oil and gas refining; Mining, mineral and metal processing; Power generation; Water and wastewater.
Rockwell Automation Makes Widespread Implementation of CIP Security Possible with New Proxy Device
Industrial companies can now implement CIP Security expansively in their systems with the Allen-Bradley CIP Security Proxy. Traditionally, industrial networks had little-to-no security built into them. Now with a more Connected Enterprise, it is needed more than ever. The CIP Security Proxy allows users to implement CIP Security on most devices on their network, helping to protect plant operations – even with older systems.
The CIP Security Proxy helps to provide security to the entire network by working with EtherNet/IP-compliant devices. CIP Security is part of the defense in depth strategy, which can help defend against attacks where threat actors can remotely access a network and act maliciously. With the ability to provide CIP Security for a single device, a layer of security is added that can help protect the system.
Configuration for the proxy device can be achieved through FactoryTalk Policy Manager software and FactoryTalk system services. In addition, this device supports motion for Kinetix drives and offers a web server for viewing diagnostics. It allows for secure event generation syslog support and includes rotary switches for 192.168.1.xyz IP addressing. The proxy device also contains three one-gigabit EtherNet/IP ports and can operate in temperatures from -25° to +70° Celsius adding to the ease of use.
Rockwell Automation Provides Access to Critical Data with
Enhanced Safety Laser Scanner
The Allen-Bradley Guardmaster SafeZone 3 laser scanner from Rockwell Automation is now enabled with Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) Safety over EtherNet/IP. This gives users access to critical data needed for a comprehensive picture of machine or production line status. Ultimately, smart safety devices like the SafeZone 3 provide meaningful information so users can monitor machine health, increase uptime, improve flexibility and enhance safety, while lowering total cost of ownership.
The SafeZone 3 laser scanner integrates into Allen-Bradley GuardLogix safety control systems for SIL 2/PLd applications using Studio 5000 Logix Designer. It also supports Device Level Ring (DLR) network topology to help increase network resiliency.
Designed to provide area or access detection in or around a work cell, the SafeZone 3 laser scanner allows users to simultaneously monitor up to four safety zones instead of switching from one to another. It also extends the scanner’s safety field range and provides vital diagnostic data over a single EtherNet/IP connection. This can improve productivity, such as by notifying workers with an alarm if they are nearing a hazard to help prevent a machine from slowing down or stopping. In addition, the CIP Safety capability expands available diagnostic data to alert users of common failures, such as the presence of dust on the scanner’s lens.
Intended for use on or around dangerous areas and hazardous points, the SafeZone 3 also features enhanced high-definition distance measurement scanning technology. This improves the accuracy of the scan data and increases the scanner’s immunity to dust, smoke, weld flash and other optical interferences.
In addition, the configuration memory is stored in the system plug of the SafeZone 3, which helps prevent downtime when a quick replacement of the device is needed. Other features include a bright, multi-colored display with user-friendly push buttons for display of device settings and status.
