Controller-to-Controller Communication on EtherNet/IP

Machines rarely run alone. This course covers the two ways Logix controllers share data over EtherNet/IP, and, more usefully, when to reach for each.

You configure MSG instructions properly, including the sequencing that stops messages stacking up on each other, then set up produced and consumed tags and see what a scheduled connection buys you. Along the way: addressing, the dual-port embedded switch, ring topologies, and what a CIP connection actually costs the controller.

The lab has two controllers exchanging a handshake and a block of production data, with the link broken on purpose so you see exactly how each method fails and what your logic has to do about it.

1. 1

   EtherNet/IP on the 5370

   Addressing and subnets, the dual-port embedded switch, linear and device-level ring topologies, and what a CIP connection actually is.

   Available now 7 slides ~60 min 60 min lab
2. 2

   Messaging between controllers

   The MSG instruction end to end: CIP Data Table Read and Write, configuring the path, and sequencing messages so they cannot stack up on each other.

   Available now 7 slides ~60 min 60 min lab
3. 3

   Produced and consumed tags

   Scheduled connections instead of triggered reads: setting up producer and consumer, choosing an RPI, and using connection status in your logic.

   Available now 7 slides ~60 min 60 min lab
4. 4

   Choosing an approach, and what it costs

   MSG against produce/consume on latency, connection count and network load, plus the error handling and watchdogs each one needs.

   Available now 7 slides ~60 min 60 min lab
5. 5

   Two-controller lab

   Two controllers exchanging a handshake and a block of production data, with the link broken on purpose so you see how each method fails.

   Available now 7 slides ~60 min 60 min lab

Lab times are approximate: they are a guide to how long the hands-on part usually takes, not a limit. You can ask for more lab time whenever you need it.