MILWAUKEE, Jan. 20, 2004 — Rockwell Automation today announced the release of firmware updates for its Allen-Bradley® MicroLogix™ 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers. The new updates add Modbus® Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) master protocol capabilities. This allows companies in industries such as water, wastewater, oil and gas to easily integrate and standardize Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks because MicroLogix can now be used at all levels of the Modbus network — master or slave — making the controllers excellent choices for SCADA supervisors or low-cost RTUs. “By adding Modbus master capability to the MicroLogix controller, it complements the slave capability MicroLogix has had for years and provides the user with more controller flexibility and options,” said Mark Tabler, senior applications engineer, Rockwell Automation. “This creates a more streamlined solution for SCADA applications because it allows MicroLogix controllers to act as masters, in addition to the capabilities already supported.”As part of this same firmware release, these controllers can now implement pulse train output functionality with independent acceleration and deceleration profiles. The new updates also allow MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers to communicate with Allen-Bradley PowerFlex® 4 and PowerFlex 40 drives (through a 1761-NET-AIC or other RS-232-to-RS-485 interface converter). These features combine to deliver a powerful yet economical solution for low-end motion and control. The updates for existing customers are free, require no new hardware and can be downloaded at www.ab.com/micrologix. All new MicroLogix 1200 and 1500 controllers will ship with the Modbus master and slave protocol capabilities. RSLogix™ 500 Version 6.10.10 software is required to support the configuration of the master functionality. This is the third protocol enhancement in the past year for MicroLogix controllers. Before adding Modbus master capabilities, Rockwell Automation added DF1 half-duplex master protocol and the new DF1 radio modem protocol, allowing MicroLogix 1200 and MicroLogix 1500 controllers to provide efficient and secure communications in various environments. Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK) is a world-leading provider of industrial automation power, control and information solutions that help customers meet their manufacturing productivity objectives. The company brings together leading brands in industrial automation for Complete Automation® solutions, including Allen-Bradley controls and engineered services and Rockwell Software® factory management software, Dodge® mechanical power transmission products, and Reliance Electric® motors and drives. The company also is a leading provider of contact management technologies and applications that help companies more efficiently manage interaction with their own customers. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., USA, the company employs about 22,000 people at more than 450 locations serving customers in more than 80 countries. For more information on the MicroLogix Modbus enhancements, please contact:Rockwell Automation Response Center10701 Hampshire Avenue SouthBloomington, Minn. 55438800.223.5354, Ext. 1674.
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