Allen-Bradley FLEX I/O dual-port ethernet/IP adapter range

The Allen-Bradley FLEX I/O dual-port ethernet/IP adapters from Rockwell Automation help OEMs connect machines to their customers’ IT infrastructures using a single network. With the dual ports, users can also leverage the adapter to display diagnostics via a simple web browser, helping reduce troubleshooting and downtime.

The adapters support a device-level ring topology that provides network infrastructure and fast recovery time, while keeping implementation costs down. DLR infrastructures are connected at the end device versus the switch. With no need for unnecessary switches and cabling, users can reduce design time and simplify implementation.

The ring also adds a measure of redundancy that is very effective when a connection fails - as a single network failure, such as a cable break, will not lead to the failure of the other devices in the ring. A DLR network can recover in less than 3 ms for a 50-node system.

During this time, the connection between the programmable automation controller and the I/O device is not interrupted. The adapters also support the daisy-chain topology for applications that involve devices located long distances from CPU subsystems.