RSLinx Classic and Enterprise Software

RSLINX SOFTWARE

RSLinx software is a communication server package that provides plant-floor device connectivity for a wide variety of applications. RSLinx software can support multiple software applications simultaneously communicating to a variety of devices on many different networks. RSLinx software provides a user-friendly graphical interface for navigating through your network. Select a device and click to access a variety of integrated configuration and monitoring tools. A complete set of communication drivers is provided for your networking needs, including Allen-Bradley networks.

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RSLinx® Enterprise is your preferred data server. It communicates via FactoryTalk® Live Data (our client/server communication protocol) with FactoryTalk products. FactoryTalk products and RSLinx Enterprise share FactoryTalk capabilities of security, diagnostics, audit, and redundancy. RSLinx Enterprise is typically included with all FactoryTalk products so you do not need to purchase the data server separately.

RSLinx® Classic is the most widely-installed communication server in automation today. RSLinx Classic Lite can be used either as an application or service. RSLinx Classic Lite, RSLinx Classic OEM or FactoryTalk Gateway as an application provide the ability to program controllers, flash firmware and batch sequencing.

RSLINX ENTERPRISE

– Optimized to efficiently communicate with ControlLogix family of controller

– Communicates with PLC-5, SLC 5/05 Controllers and MicroLogix controllers

– Communicates directly with CIP enabled devices

– Automatic recovery from program downloads and online changes

– Higher throughput (tags/second) and higher maximum tag counts

– Faster disconnect/reconnect and failover recovery times

– Tools to configure and troubleshoot, local & remote

– FactoryTalk Administration Console

ANC-120e-USB-Data-Highway-RSLINX-PLC-Programming-Cable

ANC-120e, USB to AB Data Highway Plus RSLINX PLC Programming Cable, alternative to the 1784 -U2DHP.  This high performance cable uses the AB Controllogix Ethernet Driver for fast communications access to PLC-5 & SLC 5/04s

$995 USD List.

RSLINX ENTERPRISE V5.51 / V5.60

            • Improved recovery performance
            • Fast data service recovery after redundant controller switchover or network disruption.
            • Direct device communication
            • Provides ability to use CIP commands to read/write directly to devices without going through a controller.
            • Two new shortcut types (EDS Parameters and Symbolic).
            • Updated FactoryTalk Diagnostics Counter Monitor and FactoryTalk Live Data Client.

RSLINX CLASSIC

            • Support of complex paths: A complex path is one which starts on one protocol and changes before reaching a device.
            • Support of Unsolicited Messages: unsolicited messages originate in a controller and are sent, unsolicited to RSLinx Classic.
            • Support of Alias Topics: An alias topic is a “virtual” topic that reference other real topics. The “virtual topic” is used by clients and requests are redirected to the active “real” topic. “Real” topics can be switched, providing alternative paths

RSLINX CLASSIC V3.51.01 AND V3.60

            • EtherNet/IP bus Subnet Browsing – Configure Browse Tab
            • CIP Router device IP address and subnet mask automatically read and displayed from device and used to generate list of possible IP addresses for browsin.
            • Shows ALL possible IP Addresses on subnet which allows you to build node table list instead of manual entry.
            • IP address filtering provided giving user the ability to enter part of the IP address and the first address that contains the type string will get displayed.
            • Backup & restore utility enhancements
            • Provides ability to backup and restore the same configuration, including Ethernet bus to multiple machines without manually re-browsing the driver configuration.

What is RSLINX Enterprise

RSLinx Enterprise is a FactoryTalk Live Data™ server and FactoryTalk Alarms and Events server. RSLinx Enterprise configurations, which you create and modify using the Communication Setup editor, are used by your applications to communicate with devices (such as controllers and I/O scanners) on the plant floor. This enables you to see values, such as sensor readings and other controller data from your plant floor devices, on your desktop computer or dedicated PanelView Plus terminal. An RSLinx Enterprise configuration consists of:

          • A list of communication devices and their settings (for example, node, baud rate, and alike).
          • Device drivers and their associated properties.
          • A list of potential target devices, with which RSLinx Enterprise can communicate (that is, exchange data).
          • Shortcuts. A shortcut is a name that stands for the device you want to connect to, and the data that device contains. The communication path associated with the shortcut tells the application where to find that data. For FactoryTalk View Machine Edition applications, you can pre-configure RSLinx Enterprise-based communications needed for the runtime applications, using the design software, FactoryTalk View Studio.You can also edit configurations, using Windows CE-based tools on the PanelView Plus terminal.

Features & Benefits:

RSLinx Enterprise provides the following features and benefits: · Provides access to controller and device data from any FactoryTalk Live Data client.

          • Is optimized for ControlLogix communications. What is RSLinx Enterprise? Features and benefits Chapter 2 Welcome to RSLinx Enterprise 12 Rockwell Automation Publication LNXENT-GR001P-EN-E – October 2015
          • Checks for devices that support a relatively small number of CIP connections and limits the number of read connections. (The number of write connections remains fixed at 1.)
          • Offers a variety of communication drivers and routing options.
          • Supports Local applications (also called stand-alone applications) for smaller systems, and Network applications (also called distributed applications) for larger systems.
          • For Network applications, provides the option of specifying a secondary, or redundant, server to take over when the primary server fails.
          • Provides editing capabilities outside of FactoryTalk View Studio. You do not have to install FactoryTalk View Studio to edit RSLinx Enterprise configurations. Use FactoryTalk Administration Console, which is installed with FactoryTalk Services.
          • Installs and supports FactoryTalk Alarms and Events. Refer to the Help for more information about FactoryTalk Alarms and Events.
          • Supports FactoryTalk Security to provide a means for system administrators to control access to resources (such as applications or areas), or the ability to perform tasks (such as read and write) in the automation system.
          • In conjunction with FactoryTalk Gateway, provides standard OPC connectivity into the FactoryTalk system for third-party products. For more information about FactoryTalk Gateway, refer to the FactoryTalk Gateway Help.

Overview of Basic Concepts:

It is important to understand some basic concepts about FactoryTalk and RSLinx Enterprise before you begin working with RSLinx Enterprise within the FactoryTalk Administration Console. For more detailed information about FactoryTalk, refer to the FactoryTalk Help. FactoryTalk Services Platform Formerly known as FactoryTalk Automation Platform, the FactoryTalk Services Platform is an underlying architecture and set of services that Rockwell Automation software products build upon.

The FactoryTalk Services Platform:

          • Provides common services (such as diagnostic messages, health monitoring services, access to real-time data) and shares plant resources (such as tags and graphic displays) throughout an automation system.
          • Allows defining plant-floor resources once, and then allows simultaneous access to those resources across product boundaries.
          • Supports centralized security services.

The FactoryTalk Services Platform includes the following components:

FactoryTalk Directory FactoryTalk Directory allows products to share a common address book, which finds and provides access to plant-floor resources, such as data tags and graphic displays.

The FactoryTalk Services Platform includes two separate directories: a Local Directory and a Network Directory. In a Local Directory, a Directory Server, all project information, and all participating software products are located on a single computer. Local applications cannot be shared across a network. A Network Directory organizes project information from multiple

FactoryTalk products across multiple computers on a network. FactoryTalk Live Data FactoryTalk Live Data manages connections between FactoryTalk products and data servers. It reads values from, and writes values to, OPC-DA servers (OLE for Process Control – Data Access) and Live Data servers on behalf of client software products, such as FactoryTalk View and FactoryTalk Transaction Manager.

FactoryTalk Diagnostics FactoryTalk Diagnostics collects and provides access to activity, status, warning, and error messages generated throughout a FactoryTalk system. FactoryTalk Administration Console FactoryTalk Administration Console is an optional, standalone tool that enables you to configure and manage FactoryTalk-enabled applications. FactoryTalk Security FactoryTalk Security offers centralized security services that provide the ability to control access to your automation system. For more information on configuring FactoryTalk Security, refer to the topic titled About “FactoryTalk Security” in the RSLinx Enterprise Help. Local applications versus Network applications An application organizes project information, including elements such as data servers, HMI servers, and alarm and event servers. The application makes project information available to all FactoryTalk-enabled products participating in a FactoryTalk system.

Network applications are held in a FactoryTalk Network Directory. Project information and participating software products can be located on multiple computers distributed across a network. All of the computers participating in a particular Network application share a common Network Directory Server located on a network computer.

          • Local applications are held in a FactoryTalk Local Directory. Project information is located on a stand-alone computer and is available only to software products installed on that same local computer. Local applications cannot be accessed remotely and cannot share project information with a Network application. FactoryTalk Administration Console and FactoryTalk View Studio To edit RSLinx Enterprise configurations, use FactoryTalk Administration Console or FactoryTalk View Studio as follows:
          • In a Network (distributed) application, you can use either FactoryTalk Administration Console or FactoryTalk View Studio.
          • In a Local application, you can edit locally or remotely using FactoryTalk Administration Console, or you can edit locally or remotely within FactoryTalk View Studio.
          • To edit a FactoryTalk View ME (Machine Edition) project, use FactoryTalk View Studio because of the specific needs of FactoryTalk View ME.

Design-time versus runtime RSLinx Enterprise is comprised of design-time and runtime components. The design-time components provide the user interface that enables you to set up devices, drivers, and shortcuts that are ultimately used by the runtime components. Based on this configuration data, the runtime components execute read/write requests received during runtime operation.
What is RLINX Classic

RSLinx Classic for Rockwell Automation Networks and Devices is a comprehensive factory communication solution, providing Allen-Bradley programmable controller access to a wide variety of Rockwell Software and Allen-Bradley applications. These range from device programming and configuration applications such as RSLogix and RSNetWorx, to HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications such as RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE (Site Edition), and FactoryTalk View ME (Machine Editation), to your own data acquisition applications using Microsoft Office, web pages, or Visual Basic®. RSLinx Classic also incorporates advanced data optimization techniques and contains a set of diagnostics. The API (Application Programming Interface) supports custom applications developed with the RSLinx Classic SDK. RSLinx Classic is an OPC Data Access Compliant Server and a DDE serve

Difference Between Classic Types

RSLinx Classic is available in four versions to meet the demand for a variety of cost and functionality requirements. Depending on the version you are running, some functionality may or may not be operational. Refer to the following sections for specific version functionality. The RSLinx Classic version you are running appears in the title bar at the top of the main window. If a version of RSLinx Classic is started without the proper activation files, it runs as RSLinx Classic Lite.

RSLINX Classic Lite

RSLinx Classic Lite provides the minimum functionality required to support RSLogix and RSNetWorx. This version is not commercially available, but is bundled with products that require only direct access to the RSLinx Classic network drivers. This version does not support OPC, DDE, or the published RSLinx Classic C API (Application Programming Interface). RSLinx Classic Lite is used for the following:

        • Ladder logic programming using RSLogix products.
        • Network and device configuration and diagnostics using RSNetWorx.
        • Configuring Ethernet modules and devices (for example, 1756-ENET, 1756-DHRIO, and so on)
        • Upgrading firmware using ControlFlash.
        • Browsing networks and getting device information such as firmware revision.

RSLinx Classic Single Node

RSLinx Classic Single Node includes the required functionality to supply communication services for all Rockwell Software products. OPC and DDE interfaces are supported, but to only one device. It does not support applications developed for the RSLinx Classic C API, or direct drivers in HMI applications. RSLinx Classic OEM or higher is required for these application types.

RSLinx Classic Single Node is used for the following:

        • Data acquisition using OPC or DDE to only one device. This includes clients such as RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk View ME Station, Microsoft Office, Visual Basic, and web pages.
        • Ladder logic programming using RSLogix products.
        • Network and device configuration and diagnostics using RSNetWorx.
        • Configuring Ethernet modules and devices (for example, 1756-ENET, 1756-DHRIO, and so on).
        • Upgrading firmware using ControlFlash.
        • Browsing networks and getting device information such as firmware revision.

RSLinx Classic OEMRSLinx Classic OEM includes the required functionality to supply communication services for all Rockwell Software products. OPC and DDE clients are supported for any number of devices. It also supports applications developed for the RSLinx Classic C API. RSLinx OEM version 2.2 and previous versions only supported AdvanceDDE. RSLinx Version 2.3 and subsequent versions support all DDE types except FastDDE. RSLinx Classic OEM is used for the following:

        • Data acquisition using OPC or DDE to any number of devices. This includes clients such as RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE, FactoryTalk View ME Station, Microsoft Office, Visual Basic, and web pages.
        • Ladder logic programming using RSLogix products.
        • Network and device configuration and diagnostics using RSNetWorx.
        • Configuring Ethernet modules and devices (for example, 1756-ENET, 1756-DHRIO, and so on).
        • Upgrading firmware using ControlFlash.
        • Browsing networks and getting device information such as firmware revision.

RSLinx Classic Gateway RSLinx Classic Gateway extends RSLinx Classic-based communication throughout the enterprise by connecting clients over TCP/IP networks. Programming and configuration products such as RSLogix and RSNetWorx use a local RSLinx Classic Lite or better with a Remote Devices via Linx Gateway driver configured to communicate to the RSLinx Classic Gateway. Remote HMIs and VB/VBA applications including Microsoft Office can use remote OPC to communicate to RSLinx Classic Gateway for data collection. This allows you to have multiple distributed computers performing data collection without having RSLinx Classic installed on each machine! In addition to the capabilities provided in the RSLinx Classic Professional version, RSLinx Classic Gateway offers remote connectivity to:

        • Multiple RSView32, FactoryTalk View SE, and FactoryTalk View ME Station clients accessing data through one RSLinx Classic Gateway (remote OPC).
        • Remote computer running RSLogix connecting to a plant network over a modem for online program changes
        • Remote Microsoft Office applications showing plant floor data such as Excel.
        • A web page showing plant floor data when the web server and RSLinx Classic are on separate computers.

ANC 100e and ANC-120e both provide a converter options between RSLINX on either DH+ or Ethernet/IP to other Devices for PLC Programming.

ethernet-ip-ab-dh-plus

ANC-100e, RSLINX Ethernet/IP to Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (DH+) Gateway Converter Series.    The ANC-100e is an economical and high performance, “pocket-sized” converter interfacing Factory Automation Devices between Ethernet/IP and PLC-5s & SLC-504s on Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus DH+.

$995 USD List.

ANC-120e: USB to Allen-Bradley DH+ Converter / PLC Programming Cable $1,295 USD List

The ANC-120e is an economical and high performance USB-to-Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus converter interfacing major HMI, SCADA, PLC Programming packages to Devices on DH+. The PLC Programming Cable is a superior alternative to AB’s 1784-U2DHP.

The ANC-120e was efficiently engineered,  allowing the RSLINX Controllogix Ethernet/IP Driver to function at 12Mb USB speeds and DH+ communications up to 230.4Kb.
(ANC-100e, Ethernet/IP converter to Data Highway Plus “Pocket-sized” , Din Rail / Desktop option also available using the Controllogix Ethernet/IP Driver.)

RSLINX/LOGIX PLC Programming.
The ANC-120e works with all SCADA, MMI, PLC programming packages installed on your PC with USB direct access to the DH+ network and stations. These packages include RSLINX/LOGIX Classic & Enterprise with RSLOGIX 5/500, Wonderware DAServer & TCP/IO Server, Citect, and Kepware using Controllogix Ethernet/IP Drivers.

Replacement Compatibility with AB 1784-U2DHP, 1784-KTX, 1784-PKTX, 1784-PCMK, 1770-KF2.
The enhanced ANC-120e gateway converter is useful for PLC programming, accessing and monitoring DH+ network from a computer. It is a direct replacement to the 1784-U2DHP providing superior 12Mg USB speed communications and cost efficiency.

Convenient DH+ Connections.
The ANC-120e USB-to-Data Highway Plus Cable lets you connect a USB port on your computer to a DH+ network by either wiring directly to the AB blue hose or to the 8-Pin Din connector on any SLC 5/04 or PLC-5 processor.

Highlights of ANC-120e:
– Compatible with all PLC Programming/HMI/SCADA packages: Including all older versions of RSLINX Classic, latest RSLINX Enterprise with RSLOGIX 5/500, Wonderware DAS & TCP/IO Server, Citect Ethernet/IP, and Kepware Controllogix Ethernet/IP Drivers.
– Easy setup: RSLINX driver selection is the ControlLogix Ethernet driver.
– Economical:  Priced at $1,295 USD List providing significant cost savings to the 1784-U2DHP.
– 12Mb USB Full Speed: Uses the RSLINX Controllogix Ethernet Driver on full USB speed. No RS232 USB conversion required.
– Controllogix Functionality: Ethernet-to-DH+ converter capable of many ControlLogix 1756-ENBT/DHRIO functionalty.
– Compatibility: Modern replacement options to the 1784-U2DHP, 1784-PKTx, 1784-KTx, 1784-PCMK cards.
– DH+ Speeds: Reliably supports all DH+ data rates – 57.6, 115.2 and 230.4 kBaud on communication cable lengths exceeding standard requirements.
– Auto Detect: Default Auto Baud Rate and Auto Polarity detection – no need for setup, simplifies cabling.
-Size: USB stick with no requirement for a external power supply.
– Easy DH+ connection:  2-pin Phoenix Blue Hose connector option or direct 8-pin mini din cable connection to PLC port. (8 pin mini din cable sold seperately).