Applied Motion Products, Inc. (USA) – Applied Motion Products announced the release of a new, faster EtherNet/IP communications stack for all EtherNet/IP-compatible integrated motor and drive products. This new stack includes a variety of enhancements over the legacy communications stack, increasing speed and functionality while maintaining backwards compatibility.

This development reinforces Applied Motion Products’ commitment to providing motion control solutions for leading industrial Ethernet networks. According to Jeff Kordik, CTO of Applied Motion Products, “This new stack addresses requests from the market for more flexibility and better usability with motors and drives on EtherNet/IP networks. We’ve listened to this feedback and developed a solution that will enable our customers to do more with the same hardware, thereby adding significant value to both existing machine designs as well as new ones”.

New functionality in the communications stack includes an output assembly that enables motion and other drive functions to be commanded with Class 1 implicit messaging, also known as I/O messaging or polling. A new and improved input assembly includes more data for drive status, including new words for position error and analog input values. These two new assemblies make PLC programming easier, increase communication speeds and reduce network traffic. The programmable Requested Packet Interval (RPI) in the controller can now be set as low as 4 milliseconds.

Existing Class 3 explicit messaging capabilities remain in place, and backwards compatibility is supported. Backwards compatibility means that the new stack can be used immediately by existing customers, even if they are not immediately ready to incorporate the new functionality. It also means that the new stack is completely transparent to existing users and so roll out of the new stack can occur without disruptions in the design cycle. Users wishing to take advantage of the new functionality can configure their PLCs to access the new assemblies at a time when it works best for them.

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 Products that support the new communications stack include the following:

• StepSERVO Integrated Motors: SSM, TSM and TXM series
• Stepper Drives: ST5, ST10 and STAC5 series
• Integrated Stepper Motors: STM and SWM series

Features:

• Stepper and servo systems with built-in EtherNet/IP communications
• Support for Class 1 implicit (I/O) and Class 3 explicit messaging
• Access to all drive and motion commands and parameters over EtherNet/IP network
• Full Q programming capability
• Sample code and documentation available for popular PLCs
• Auto-sensing, auto-crossover 10/100 Mbit Ethernet
• Support for Ethernet UDP & TCP protocols
• Available on STAC5, ST5, and ST10 stepper drives
• Available on SSM and TXM StepSERVO integrated motors
• Available on STM23 and SWM24 integrated steppers
• Available on SV200, SVAC3 and SV7 servo drives