DFNT Protocol Specification

The EtherNet/IP protocol driver supports the Explicit Messaging implementation of the protocol. User-configurable as both a Client and a Server, the EtherNet/IP port is a very powerful data transfer tool.

Protocol Specifications

The EtherNet/IP protocol is one of the primary connectivity tools to the different Rockwell Automation platforms. The Explicit Messaging aspect of the protocol (only) has been implemented in the ProLinx units to provide the data transfer link between the ProLinx units and the Rockwell Automation hardware.

EtherNet/IP Server Specifications

In Server mode, the module accepts commands from one or more clients to read/write data stored in the module's internal registers.

EtherNet/IP Client Specifications

In Client mode, the module controls the read/write data transfer between the gateway and other EtherNet/IP devices. Data transfer can be initiated and executed without any ladder programming being required in the Rockwell Automation hardware.

EtherNet/IP (Explicit Messaging) Compatible Devices

List of Rockwell Automation material that support EPIC:

• PLC5/E rev C/N, D/E, E/D
• SLC5/05 series A, OS503 frn4
• 1785-ENET Series A, rev D
• Interchange V6.2
• MicroLogix 1100/1400/ANY via 1761-NET-ENI
• CompactLogix 1768-L43/L45 via 1768-ENBT
• CompactLogix 1769-L32E/L35E/ANY via 1761-NET-ENI
• RSLinx Gateway V1.7+
• ControlLogix 1756-ENET/ENBT/EN2T

EGD Protocol Specification

The EGD modules offer one-to-one or one-to-many interconnect scenarios. Data is exchanged between devices and/or networks using a shared common database and an efficient but powerful wireless protocol. This common database provides the "backbone" communications for various field devices using different networks.

Protocol Specifications

GE Fanuc Automation and GE Drive Systems developed an Ethernet Global Data, or EGD, exchange for PLC and computer data in 1998. GE Ethernet Global Data (EGD) offers versatility where a mix of control devices requires cooperation with each other. This involves sharing of information across the applications regardless of device or network type, often at high speed, and with high reliability. Bandwidth utilization is optimized by using efficient communication methods. High reliability means fewer communication failures and having the ability to detect failures upon occurrence. Particular emphasis is delivered for applications requiring periodic or frequent updates and time synchronization of devices. The protocol supports Unicast, Broadcast and Multicast group messaging. Efficiency is based on the fact each device on the network can produce these types of messages and each device determines which of these messages to consume.

The module supports the following functions specified in the EGD protocol: