ODVA reorganizes, enhances CIP protocol, network specifications

Ann Arbor, MI—ODVA reports that it has reorganized and realigned its DeviceNet specifica-tion with Ethernet/IP to aid user of both networks, and has enhanced the two protocols to give us-ers new networking functions for increasing manufacturing productivity.

By Control Engineering Staff June 30, 2004

Ann Arbor, MI— ODVA reports that it has reorganized and realigned its DeviceNet specification with Ethernet/IP to aid user of both networks, and has enhanced the two protocols to give us-ers new networking functions for increasing manufacturing productivity.

Scheduled for publication in 2004’s fourth quarter, the reorganization includes defining the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), which is used by all CIP networks, in one volume, while specific network adaptations of CIP will be covered in separate volumes. Managed jointly by ODVA and ControlNet International, CIP allows complete integration of control with information and Internet technologies. Built on a media-independent platform, CIP provides seamless communication from the plant-floor through the enterprise, combined with scalable network architecture, and allows companies to integrate I/O control, device configuration and data collection across multiple networks.

Publishing CIP network specifications in this two-volume format will clearly delineate the identical upper layer protocol used by all CIP networks and the differences in implementation needed to adapt CIP to specific networks. ControlNet International has also decided to follow this publication format for its ControlNet specification, and is expected to announce its publication in the same two-volume format in upcoming months.

“Publishing CIP network specifications in a two-volume format will help educate users and device manufacturers about CIP’s inherent universality and the networks on which it resides” said Katherine Voss, ODVA’s executive director, who also leads ControlNet International. “Armed with this knowledge, vendors will be able to give users the ability to choose the best CIP network for their applications, while maintaining interoperability of devices, networks and control systems. The result for users will be improved payback on automation investments through reduced cost and time for engineering, installation, training and maintenance, along with more informed decision making from their automation assets, which is possible only with a network architecture that allows the plant-floor to be integrated seamlessly with the enterprise.”

Besides publishing the reorganized DeviceNet specification, ODVA will add new enhancements to the CIP, DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP specifications. These will include:

  • New encoder capabilities that extend the application coverage of CIP networks to include standard profiles and objects for encoding devices, including single-turn, multi-turn and linear, as well as velocity, acceleration and CAM functions;

  • Device self-documentation to provide a transparent way to access the electronic data sheet (EDS) that can be stored in each device. By having instant access to device parameters, including model number, configuration information, and size or other rating, manufacturers can reduce production downtime and improve diagnostics;

  • QuickConnect over DeviceNet that allows users to establish a connection immediately after application of power to selected devices on the network. Crucial in applications requiring quick device changeovers, such as robot end-of-arm tooling, QuickConnect minimizes production changeover time by allowing one group of nodes to replace another without requiring the entire network to be powered down;

  • Semiconductor industry-related enhancements, such as expanded application coverage for ion gauge devices;

  • M12 connector option for EtherNet/IP provides a pin-and-socket connector option for users needing an IP67-rated connector in a small form factor;

  • Increased flexibility to configure the data link layer of EtherNet/IP adds the ability to override automatic negotiation of baud rate and duplex, enabling users to set these values in the software during network commissioning.

“The enthusiasm of ODVA’s members to continue adding new features and functionality to CIP, DeviceNet and EtherNet/IP through the specification enhancement process reflects the vitality of the CIP networks and suggests that the recent surge in the adoption of CIP networks is indicative of future industry trends,” adds Voss.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com


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