News Release
For Release: Immediately
Date:01/27/2005Contact:Jerry Koch, Parker CTC
Phone: 513-831-2340
Fax:513-831-5042
Parker Expands AB Driver for HMI Software
Interact provides EtherNet/IP enabled operator interface at a competitive price
MILFORD, OH (January 27, 2005) — Parker Automation announces the release of CTC’s expanded Allen-Bradley Ethernet communications driver for Interact. The updated communication driver now supports a direct Ethernet connection to the AB Logix family of controllers and an Ethernet-to-RS-232 connection to DF1 compatible controllers using the AB EtherNet/IP 1761-NET-ENI module. It provides the ability to use Parker’s Interact HMI software for Ethernet communications to the ControlLogix, CompactLogix, FlexLogix, PLC5, SLC5 and MicroLogix controllers on the factory floor.
The new release of the driver includes a performance increase and the ability to exchange information using Native Tag Addressing for the Logix family of controllers. Native Tag Addressing saves the user time by allowing PLC (native) tags to be pasted directly into Interact’s tag editor without complicated address mapping. Interact is a feature-rich software package that can be tailored to meet the needs of any HMI project. It provides the ease of use of Windows® for development, with a highly reliable run-time environment.
“CTC is the first and only panel replacement supplier to offer this built-in Ethernet capability at such a low cost with 5-inch and larger screens,” said Jerry Koch, CTC’s Software Product Manager. “Until now, machine communication was typically restricted to using a serial port or high-speed Ethernet capability that was only possible using costly SCADA-style solutions.”
The need for communications with SCADA systems is driving the use of Ethernet on the factory floor. Standard Ethernet communication gives machine builders and users important benefits such as simplified wiring, cost savings (by using standard off-the-shelf products), the ability to interact with multiple PLCs simultaneously, and faster communication.
Parker’s expanded driver supports a direct connection to the onboard Ethernet port of a controller, or an Ethernet connection using the 1761-NET-ENI module for an Ethernet to RS-232 connection using the controller’s DF1 serial port. It is ideal for customers who are tired of the limitations and high cost that accompany proprietary drivers.
In addition to the direct Ethernet communications with the PLC5 and SLC5 PLC families, the updated driver can now communicate Ethernet with the MicroLogix, SLC5, and PLC5 controllers using the 1761-NET-ENI Ethernet module. It complements CTC’s PA PowerStation family, a “perfect fit” solution that is an easy drop-in replacement for many popular panel products, such as Allen Bradley’s PV and PV+. Designed and manufactured for reliability, these rugged units combine the connectivity, functionality and expandability of Interact HMI software with many standard features that cost extra on competitive models.
The AB EtherNet/IP communications driver is part of CTC’s MachineShop™ Software Suite and is bundled with all CTC PowerStation workstations at no additional cost. Version 6.10 is also compatible with P1 and PS PowerStations and is available for download on CTC’s Website:
About Parker CTC
Since 1980, CTC has been designing, manufacturing, and marketing both hardware and software to provide factory-floor, machine-operator-interface solutions for automation projects worldwide. In 1998, CTC became a unit of the Parker Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH), Cleveland, Ohio. With annual sales approaching $7 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world’s leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. For more information on CTC brand products from Parker, contact: Parker Automation-CTC, 50 W. TechneCenter Drive, Milford, OH 45150. Phone: 513-831-2340. Fax: 513-831-5042. Internet: .
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