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Learning RSLogix 5000 m

Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming

Programming pl
This book provides a detailed overview of the Logix
e
platform including ControlLogix, CompactLogix, What you will learn from this book
and SoftLogix and explains the significant changes
 Briefly explore the history of Rockwell
introduced in Studio 5000. A clear understanding Automation and the evolution of the
of the recent Logix platform changes is critical for Logix platform
anyone developing a Rockwell Automation solution.
This book provides an easy-to-follow, step-by-step  Discover the complete range of ControlLogix
approach to learn about the essential Logix hardware and ComplactLogix controllers and form
and software components and provides beginners factors available today, and the key
with a solid foundation in the Logix platform features things you should consider when you are
engineering a Rockwell Automation solution
and terminology. By the end of this book, you will have
a clear understanding of the capabilities of the Logix
 Explore the key platform changes introduced
platform and the ability to navigate the Rockwell with Studio 5000 and Logix Designer
Automation Literature Library Resources. version 26 and the latest firmware versions
C o m m u n i t y E x p e r i e n c e D i s t i l l e d
 Get to grips with the modules available
Who this book is written for in the ControlLogix, SoftLogix, and
CompactLogix platforms

Learning RSLogix 5000

This book is for PLC programmers, electricians,
instrumentation technicians, and automation professionals  Understand writing Ladder Logic (LL)
with basic PLC programming knowledge, but no routines, Sequential Function Chart (SFC)
routines, and Structured Text (ST) routines

Programming
knowledge of RSLogix 5000. If you are a student
who is familiar with automation and would like to learn

Austin Scott
 Design Function Block Diagrams (FBD) and
about RSLogix 5000 with a minimal investment of time,
their easy integration with HMIs
this is the book for you.

$ 39.99 US
£ 25.99 UK Become proficient in building PLC solutions in Integrated
"Community Architecture from the ground up using RSLogix 5000
Experience Prices do not include
local sales tax or VAT
Distilled" where applicable

Visit www.PacktPub.com for books, eBooks,

code, downloads, and PacktLib. Austin Scott
In this package, you will find:
 The author biography
 A preview chapter from the book, Chapter 1 'ControlLogix and CompactLogix
Overview and Firmware'
 A synopsis of the book’s content
 More information on Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming
 About the Author

Austin Scott founded Synergist SCADA in 2006, a successful company that

provides vendor-neutral SCADA architecture and development. Synergist has also
developed a suite of engineering tools, including Citect Power Tools and Active
Network Security. In July 2013, Synergist was acquired by Cimation as the catalyst
for its growing Canadian operations and ongoing product development.

With more than a decade of industrial automation and software development

experience, Austin has worked on large-scale, high-profile projects across North
America and around the globe, incorporating most major SCADA platforms. His
professional focus includes developing and refining custom software solutions
to enhance the productivity of SCADA developers and improve the integration
between the SCADA data and corporate applications. He is also skilled in cyber
security, especially the detection of unauthorized access to SCADA networks and the
forensic analysis of SCADA breaches. In 2013, he wrote Instant PLC Programming with
RSLogix 5000 by Packt Publishing.
 Preface
In 1997, Rockwell Automation launched their current generation control platform,
Logix. It represented decades of automation technical advancement for robust,
large-scale solutions. When it launched, it included the ControlLogix 5550 controllers
(Bulletin 1756), ControlLogix I/O modules, and RSLogix 5000 programming
software platform. In 2001, CompactLogix Controller (Bulletin 1769) was added
to the Logix family to support intermediate-sized automation solutions under the
same development platform. The RSLogix 5000 programming software (in version
21 and higher, is now referred to as Logix Designer within the Studio 5000 software
package) provided a unified IEC61131-3 control platform, featuring user-friendly
interfaces and workflows. Ultimately, the Logix platform reduced programming
complexity, eased troubleshooting, and increased plant reliability.

RSLogix 5000 provides intuitive access to real-time information, easy to follow

run-time logic animations, and a comprehensive suite of online change capabilities.
Rockwell is the automation market leader in North America. Moreover, due to
Rockwell Automation's continued success and the glacial speed at which most plants
switch platforms, it will be the market leader for the foreseeable future. Outside North
America, it is widely considered to be the fourth largest automation manufacturer
(after Siemens, ABB, and Schneider). Its total global installation base is well over
2 million programmable controllers. Needless to say, as an automation professional,
learning the Logix platform suite is an excellent investment of your time.

Rockwell Automation has provided a wealth of knowledge in their web-based

Literature Library resources, which is the ultimate source of all the Logix platform
knowledge. Rockwell has created a web of over 10,000 documents that is often
difficult to navigate for beginners. Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming is in no way
a replacement for this resource (this book would need to be 100,000 pages longer),
but provides newcomers with a solid foundation in the Logix platform features and
Rockwell Automation terminology. By the end of this book, the reader will have
a clear understanding of the capabilities of the Logix platform and how to quickly
navigate through the Rockwell Automation Literature Library resources.
Preface

Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming provides a gentle introduction to RSLogix 5000

and the Logix platform. If you understand the basics of PLC programming or have
experience with programming other PLC platforms, this book will provide you
with the knowledge to become proficient at implementing Logix solutions from
the ground up.

What this book covers

Chapter 1, ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware, introduces the
ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms by exploring the evolution of the Allen
Bradley controllers. It provides details of the Rockwell Automation Integrated
Architecture and then discusses the important role that firmware plays in the
Logix5000 platform.

Chapter 2, Industrial Network Communications, details the various communication

technologies available for the Logix platform. The focus of this book is on the
current state of Rockwell Automation's ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers,
however, this chapter discusses some legacy communications protocols, which you
may still find running in the field today.

Chapter 3, Configuring Logix Modules, looks at the available modules for the Logix
platform, how to configure them, and their usage in a Logix project. It also includes
methods for identifying module features by their Logix Module Catalog numbers
and the address tree that a typical I/O module creates.

Chapter 4, SoftLogix, introduces the Rockwell Automation SoftLogix 5800 Controller

and Virtual Chassis. It guides you through the setup of the SoftLogix chassis monitor
and configuration of your SoftLogix controller within Logix. Finally, this chapter
investigates the techniques for simulating I/O using the 1784 SIM module.

Chapter 5, Writing Ladder Logic, looks at the history of ladder logic and the
development of the IEC standard programming languages. Then, it lets you jump
into ladder logic programming by creating a simple pump control program. It
demonstrates how to buffer inputs and outputs in our ladder logic code and discusses
the importance of this process. Finally, it explores the buffering capabilities of the new
Program Parameter features in Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

Chapter 6, Writing Function Block, explores the merits of function block programming
by building a small sample application. It also provides instructions for modifying
the function block properties and performing online edits.

Chapter 7, Writing Structured Text, explores the strengths and weaknesses of

structured text programming by exploring the typical uses of this language
and demonstrates several sample applications.
 Preface

Chapter 8, Building Sequential Function Charts, implements a sequential function chart

routine and breaks down the steps, actions, transitions and branches that are used to
construct it. Finally, it lets you work with the online editing capabilities of sequential
function chart routines.

Chapter 9, Using Tasks and Programs for Project Organization, looks at the ways to
structure a Logix project using the basic organization units—tasks, programs, and
routines. It also looks at the ways in which task scheduling and prioritization can be
used to balance the processing time of a controller.

Chapter 10, Faults and Troubleshooting in Logix, teaches you how to identify and
troubleshoot faults in a Logix controller. It details a list of fault codes that provide
insights into the problems encountered by the platform. It introduces the process of
fault recovery, which allows a program to resume its execution after encountering a
specific fault type. Finally, it brings you the convenient troubleshooting applications
available for your iPhone and iPad.

Appendix, Rockwell Automation Literature Library Resource, gives you topic-specific

documentation links.

Safety warning – loss of control/view

The designer of any control scheme must consider the potential failure modes of
control paths and, for certain critical control functions, provide a means to achieve a
safe state during and after a path failure. The examples of critical control functions
are emergency and over-travel stop that may include the following capabilities:

• Separate or redundant control paths must be provided for critical

control functions.
• System control paths may include communication links. Consideration must
be given to the implications of unanticipated transmission delays or failures
of the link.
• Each implementation of a control system must be individually and
thoroughly tested for proper operation before being placed into service.
• Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, serious injury, or
equipment damage.

This book is not comprehensive for any systems using the given architecture.
It does not absolve users of their duty to uphold the safety requirements for the
equipment used in their systems or compliance with both national or international
safety laws and regulations.
 ControlLogix
and CompactLogix
Overview and Firmware
In this chapter, we will introduce the ControlLogix and CompactLogix platforms by
exploring the evolution of the Allen-Bradley controllers. We will provide details of
the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture and then finally, we will discuss
the important role that firmware plays in the Logix5000 platform. Due to 15 to 20
years of industrial controller life span, it is common to encounter older versions of
hardware and firmware, and critical to be familiar with legacy systems.

A brief history of Rockwell Automation

This book begins with some background history on the Rockwell Automation
ecosystem. It is important to understand the legacy systems provided by Rockwell
Automation because some of them can still be found operating in the field today.
Also, it is important to understand the overall Rockwell Automation offering and
terminology, and how the platforms we focus on in the book fit into the real world.

[1]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

Allen-Bradley was founded in 1904 by brothers, Harry (19 years old) and
Lynde Bradley (26 years old), with seed money from Dr. Stanton Allen. As a
teenager, Lynde Bradley developed the prototype for what would later become
Allen-Bradley's first commercial product. The primary focus of Allen-Bradley was
motor controllers for several decades until they received an unusual challenge
from General Motors (GM) in 1968. Each time GM wanted to introduce a new car,
they needed to spend two or three months rewiring all their relays to support the
production process changes. The request was to build a system to replace their
hard-wired relay logic with something more dynamic—Standard Machine
Controller. Modicon ultimately won the GM contract with their highly robust
Modicon 084 Controller. As a result, Allen-Bradley acquired a company called
Information Instruments Inc and produced their first functional controller—
Programmable Matrix Controller (PMC) in 1971. Shortly after the release of PMC,
Allen-Bradley released a more feature-rich product known as Programmable
Logic Controller 1 (PLC-1). Since the introduction of the first Allen-Bradley (later,
Rockwell Automation) PLC-1, we have seen several platforms released, including
PLC-2 (1978), PLC-3 (1981), PLC-5 (1986), SLC 500 (1991), MicroLogix (1994),
ControlLogix (1997), and finally, CompactLogix (2006). In 1985, Allen-Bradley was
acquired by Rockwell International and was later spun off as a part of Rockwell
Automation. In the field today, the Allen-Bradley name and logo can still be seen on
many of the Rockwell Automation's products. The focus of this book will be on the
modern ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers and Studio 5000 Automation
Engineering and Design Environment, which I will refer to as the Logix family.

Integrated Architecture
Like many other vendors, Rockwell Automation has recently rebranded and
reorganized their offering. The ControlLogix family is a part of Rockwell
Automation's larger solution offering called Integrated Architecture. It is a relatively
new term in the world of Rockwell Automation, but the concept has been in place for
quite some time. It represents a convergence of the control and information systems
within an industrial operations environment. This convergence is in line with the
industry trend we have witnessed over the past decade and has increased the ties
between Operational Technology (OT) and traditional Information Technology
(IT). We have seen a continuous increase in demand for operational information
to be provided to the corporate information system in real time in order to fulfill
the maintenance needs, environmental reporting, accounting, and other corporate
requirements. At the same time, we have seen OT move from proprietary protocols
and data access technology to traditional IT technologies such as TCP/IP and
Ethernet. The promise of Integrated Architecture is the ability to easily implement
plant-wide optimization, reduce technical project risk, increase machine performance,
and improve long-term reliability.

[2]
 Chapter 1

The five core technologies of Integrated Architecture Programmable Automation

Controller (PAC) product line include the following platforms:

• ControlLogix
• CompactLogix
• GuardLogix
• DriveLogix
• SoftLogix

Logix
Designer
Studio 5000
View Designer

Logix ControlLogix

Kinetix CompactLogix

Integrated Logix
Stratix SoftLogix
Architecture Controllers

View DriveLogix

PowerFlex GaurdLogix

Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture overview

The preceding diagram outlines the Integrated Architecture structure and shows
where ControlLogix fits into the mix. The FlexLogix (bulletin 1794) controllers were
also part of the Logix PAC family and was used to communicate with PLC-5 and
SLC 500 Flex I/O blocks. However, FlexLogix has now been retired from the lineup,
so it will not be covered in this book.

The product, formally known as RSLogix 5000 (used for programming the
ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers), is now included within the automation
engineering and design software suite called Studio 5000 and is now referred to as
Logix Designer. For the remainder of this book, we will be using the terms—Logix
Designer, RSLogix, and Logix—interchangeably to refer to the Logix controller
family programming environment.

[3]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

ControlLogix controllers
ControlLogix controller was first launched in 1997 as a replacement for
Allen-Bradley's previous large-scale control platform, PLC-5. The ControlLogix
platform includes a bulletin 1756 ControlLogix 5550 controller, bulletin 1756
ControlLogix I/O modules, and the RSLogix 5000 programming software platform
(now referred to as Studio 5000 Logix Designer). ControlLogix represented a
significant technological step forward that included a 32-bit ARM-6 RISC-core
microprocessor and an ABrisc Boolean processor combined with a bus interface on
the same silicon chip. At launch, the series 5 ControlLogix (also referred to as L5 and
ControlLogix 5550) controllers were able to execute the code three times faster than
PLC-5. The following diagram is an illustration of the original Logix L5 controller:

[4]
 Chapter 1

The L5 controller is considered to be a PAC rather than a traditional PLC due to its
modern design, power, and capabilities beyond a traditional PLC (such as motion
control, advanced networking, batching, and sequential control). The ControlLogix
platform is built on the ControlBus backplane, which performs like a mini-network
and allows devices to be Removed or Inserted Under Power (RIUP).

Warning: Removing modules while under power can

create an arc and have disastrous consequences in
explosive environments.

L5 has since been retired from the lineup, so we will focus on the newer L6 and
L7 controllers in this book. Throughout this book, we will be referring to the
ControlLogix controllers as PACs, which are the modern day equivalent of PLCs.

Logix operating cycle

The entire Logix family of controllers (ControlLogix and CompactLogix) has
diverged from traditional synchronous PLC scan architecture in favor of a
more efficient asynchronous operation. Like most modern computer systems,
asynchronous operation allows the Logix controller to handle multiple tasks at
the same time by slicing the processing time between each tasks. The continuous
updating of information in an asynchronous processor creates some programming
challenges, which we will address throughout the book. The following diagram
illustrates the difference between the synchronous and asynchronous operation:

Communications,
Read Inputs Logic
Status, Watchdog Outputs
Execution
Tasks 20 ms RPI

Traditional Logix
Synchronous Asynchronous
PLC Scan Operation
Inputs
Write Outputs Execute Logic Communications
200 ms RPI

[5]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

ControlLogix series 6 controllers

In 2002, the bulletin 1756 ControlLogix L6 (Logix556x) processor was released with
a more powerful processor and more memory, and the CompactFlash nonvolatile
memory card was added to the entire lineup.

Even though the ControlLogix platform is approaching its 20th birthday,

it is still in the early stages of its product life cycle. For example,
Allen-Bradley's 1747 series SLC500 family, which was introduced in
1989, is still available for sale today. Although no longer actively being
developed, SLC500 represents a product life in excess of 25 years.

ControlLogix represents a common control engine with a common development

environment and tight integration between the programming software, controller,
and I/O modules. This close integration greatly reduces automation engineering
development time and cost.

ControlLogix series 7 controllers

In 2010, Rockwell Automation launched the series 7 (also referred to as L7 and
ControlLogix 5570) controllers, which featured the following enhancements over
the series 6 (L6) controllers:

• The performance capability doubled due to a more powerful dual core CPU.
• The adoption of modern SDRAM memory.
• The replacement of the 9-pin serial port with a USB 2.0 port (programs
transfer 200 times faster over USB 2.0 than serial).
• The replacement of the CompactFlash memory card with a Secure Digital
(SD) memory card.
• The replacement of the lithium battery with the capacitor-based Energy
Storage Module (ESM). The ESM provides power to the controller during a
power loss event to allow it to copy the contents of its memory from volatile
memory to the onboard nonvolatile memory. The ESM eliminates the issue
with L6 series controllers that would lose the program after a few weeks
without power once the battery was completely drained.
• The ability to store program comments and tag descriptions on the controller
(firmware v21 and higher).

[6]
 Chapter 1

• The addition of the onboard four character display.

ControlLogix L73 controller

[7]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

Selecting a ControlLogix controller

When selecting a ControlLogix controller, it is important to consider the
following points:

• Supported Logix Designer software versions

• Processing the requirements of your current application and future expansion
• Memory requirements of your current application and future expansion

The ControlLogix series 6 and series 7 controllers and their software version
compatibilities are shown in the following table:

ControlLogix controllers Logix Designer software (RSLogix 5000)

Controller Memory Minimum version Maximum version
Series 6 (L6)
1756-L61 2 MB v12 v20
1756-L62 4 MB v12 v20
1756-L63 8 MB v10 v20
1756-L64 16 MB v16 v20
1756-L65 32 MB v17 v20
Series 7 (L7)
1756-L71 2 MB v18
1756-L72 4 MB v19
1756-L73 8 MB v18
1756-L74 16 MB v19
1756-L75 32 MB v20

It is important to note that the L6 controllers are not supported in Version 21 and
higher of Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

[8]
 Chapter 1

GuardLogix safety controllers

With the launch of the (bulletin 1756) GuardLogix controller in 2005, the
ControlLogix platform supported both standard and safety system control in
the same chassis. The GuardLogix controller system is designed for use in safety
applications, including SIL 3 (IEC 61508) and the ISO standard for Safety of
Machinery (ISO 13849-1 General Principles for Design and PLe/Cat.4). GuardLogix
safety controllers represent an essential piece of a fail-safe (de-energize to trip)
solution. Fail-safe refers to a solution that when a fault is detected, all of its outputs
are set to zero. And, in the event of a faulty input or input module, it automatically
sets any input values associated with them to zero. Both the L6 and L7 controllers
are available in the GuardLogix form factor. Physically, the GuardLogix controllers
feature a red faceplate and are usually installed in pairs—primary and safety partner
controller. The GuardLogix controllers are only supported in Version 18 and higher
of RSLogix 5000 and Studio 5000 Logix Designer.

Extreme environment controllers

The Rockwell Automation's extreme environment controllers (bulletin
1756 ControlLogix-XT) share the same features and programming interfaces
as the standard ControlLogix controllers, but are certified to operate in extreme
conditions. The ControlLogix-XT modules are darker gray in color than the
ControlLogix modules and are spaced in every other slot to provide an improved
ventilation/isolation. In addition, the ControlLogix-XT modules are treated with a
conformal coating that improves the product's resistance to corrosive environments.
The ControlLogix-XT controllers and modules are rated for temperatures
ranging from -20°C to 70°C (-4°F to 158°F) and have the following environmental
certifications—cULus, Class 1, Div 2, C-Tick, CE, ATEX Zone 2, SIL 2, IEC 61131-2,
ANSI-ISA-S71.04-1985, Class G1, G2, and G3. The L6 and L7 standard controllers and
GuardLogix controllers are all available in Extreme Environment (XT) form factors.

[9]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

CompactLogix controllers
In 2006, Rockwell Automation first shipped the (bulletin 1768) L43 CompactLogix
controllers targeted at cost effective, small- to medium-size automation solutions.
At the time of launch, CompactLogix controller was planned as the long-term
replacement for the SLC 500 controller family. The CompactLogix control platform
is designed with an emphasis on the controller software. As the CompactLogix
hardware evolves with an improved performance and additional features, the
logic will easily migrate to new hardware and firmware versions. Unlike the SLC
500 platform, the CompactLogix controllers can be programmed using the same
RSLogix 5000 (Logix Designer) software suite that is used with ControlLogix. In
2006, CompactLogix L43 with integrated motion support was added to the family. It
features a CompactFlash memory card, Ethernet port, Serial RS-232 port, 1769 / 1768
modules, and a power supply module. The following is an illustration of the L43
CompactLogix controller:

CompactLogix controller-bulletin 1768—L43 and L45

Modules on L43 can only be placed to the right of the power supply.

[ 10 ]
 Chapter 1

In 2008, Rockwell Automation released the low-cost CompactLogix L23 controllers

(bulletin 1769) with embedded I/O. The L23 controller features a serial RS-232 port,
Ethernet port (only on the E models), embedded I/O, and an embedded power
supply. The following is an illustration of an L23 controller:

CompactLogix controller-bulletin 1769 L23x Packaged controllers with embedded I/O

[ 11 ]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

Also in 2008, Rockwell Automation released the (bulletin 1769) CompactLogix L3x
modular controllers. The 1769 CompactLogix modules do not have a chassis like the
ControlLogix modules. The 1769 CompactLogix modules can be connected together
using a DIN rail or can be screwed in directly to a panel. CompactLogix L3x features
a CompactFlash memory card, serial RS-232, ControlNet or Ethernet port, and a
power supply module. The following diagram is an illustration of the CompactLogix
L3x controller:

CompactLogix Controller-Bulletin 1769-L3x Modular controllers

[ 12 ]
 Chapter 1

The L3x modules can be placed to the left or the right of

the power supply.

In 2009, Compact GuardLogix, an SIL3 certified controller, with the L43S and L45S
CPU supporting integrated safety, was added to the Logix family.

CompactLogix 5370 controllers

In 2012, Rockwell Automation released the (bulletin 1769) CompactLogix 5370
L1, L2, and L3 controllers, which provided a low-cost Ethernet/IP-enabled,
high-performance controller in a 40 percent smaller form factor than ControlLogix.
The CompactLogix 5370 series controller provides many of the same enhancements
that the ControlLogix series 7 provided over the ControlLogix series 6 controllers,
including the following properties:

• Twice the performance capability due to a more powerful dual core CPU
• Adoption of modern SDRAM memory
• Replacement of the 9-pin serial port with a USB 2.0 port (programs transfer
200 times faster over USB 2.0 than serial)
• Replacement of the CompactFlash memory card with an SD memory card
• Added the ESM and removed the need for a lithium battery
• Made use of the existing CompactLogix 1769 I/O modules
• Integrated motion control over Ethernet
• Ability to store program comments and tag descriptions on the controller
(firmware v21 and higher)

[ 13 ]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

The following table provides illustrations of the CompactLogix 5370 controllers and
their distinguishing features:

CompactLogix Controller—bulletin 1769 5370—L1 Features

SD memory card
2 X Ethernet ports
USB 2.0 port
Embedded point I/O
modules
Expandable with 6 or 8
point I/O modules
Embedded power supply
Integrated motion control

CompactLogix 5370 L1 Controller

CompactLogix Controller—bulletin 1769 5370—L2 Features
SD memory card
2 X Ethernet ports
USB 2.0 port
Embedded 1769 I/O
modules
Expandable with 4 x 1769
I/O modules
Embedded power supply
Integrated motion control

CompactLogix 5370 L2 Controller

[ 14 ]
 Chapter 1

CompactLogix Controller—bulletin 1769 5370—L3 Features

SD memory card

2 X Ethernet ports

USB 2.0 port

8 to 30 1769 I/O modules
Power supply module
CompactLogix 5370 L3 Controller

Selecting a CompactLogix controller

There are many factors to consider when selecting a CompactLogix controller due to
their module nature and wide range of form factors which are available:

• Supported Logix Designer software versions

• Cabinet size restrictions
• CompactLogix form factors or I/O module scalability
• Processing the requirements of your current application and future expansion
• Memory requirements of your current application and future expansion

The CompactLogix controllers and their software version compatibilities are shown
in the following table:

CompactLogix controllers Logix Designer software (RSLogix 5000)

Controller Memory Minimum version Maximum version
Bulletin 1768
1768-L43 2 MB v16 v20
1768-L45 3 MB v16 v20
Bulletin 1769 L23x Packaged controllers with embedded I/O
1769-L23 512 KB v16 v20
Bulletin 1769-L3x Modular controllers
1769-L3x 1.5 MB v16 v20

[ 15 ]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

CompactLogix controllers Logix Designer software (RSLogix 5000)

Controller Memory Minimum version Maximum version
Bulletin 1769 5370
5370 1769-L16 384 KB v20
5370 1769-L18 512 KB v20
5370 1769-L24 750 KB v20
5370 1769-L27 1 MB v20
5370 1769-L30 1 MB v20
5370 1769-L33 2 MB v20
5370 1769-L36 3 MB v20

It is also important to consider that some of the CompactLogix 5730 controllers

are slated as direct replacements for some of the older CompactLogix controllers
(although the older controllers are still available for purchase):

• 5370 1769-L24 replaces 1769-L23

• 5370 1769-L3x replaces 1769-L3x

ControlLogix software and firmware

Due to the long life span of most industrial PACs, it is common to encounter
controllers still running legacy firmware. Controller firmware versions and
RSLogix 5000 and Logix Designer versions go hand in hand. If you are working
on the ControlLogix or CompactLogix controller that is running firmware version
13.03, you should be using RSLogix 5000 Version 13.03 to program it. As updating
firmware can introduce process downtime, it is important to understand and work
with the capabilities of older firmware and software versions:

Version Year Notes

1 1997 Cross reference support, RSLinx Version 2.0 support, L5x
2 1998 Trending, position and time camming, 1794 FLEX I/O, RSWho
3,4 1998 Internal builds, not released to the public
5 1998 SERCOS, quick view pane, function block diagrams, FLEX EX
6 1999 FlexLogix and SoftLogix support
7 2000 Windows 2000 support, CompactLogix support, Ethernet/IP support
8 2001 ControlLogix redundancy, DH485, nonvolatile memory L55
9 2001 SERCOS Drive support with 1756-M08SE module
10 2002 ControlLogix 5563 controller support

[ 16 ]
 Chapter 1

Version Year Notes

11 2002 SFC, ST, FBD online edits SoftLogix 5800, point I/O support
12 2003 RSLogix Emulate 5000, event task, CompactLogix support, compare
13 2004 SFC online editing, ST online editing, LD import/export
14 2004 GM only build
15 2005 S88, add 1756 I/O modules during runtime, user-defined data type
(UDT)
16 2007 User-defined add-on instructions (AOI), ControlLogix 1756-L64
17 2008 Windows Vista, free to download demo, advanced process control
18 2010 1756-L73, 1756-L75 controller, CIP motion, CIP SYNC, CompactLogix
safety
19 2010 Windows 7 support, 1756-L72, 1756-L74, integrated motion Ethernet/
IP
20 2012 1756-L71, support 200 to 10,000 I/O points, GuardLogix
Studio 5000—Logix Designer
21 2013 Logix Designer, alarm log, comments and descriptions stored in PAC
22 2014 Internal build, not released to the public
23 2014 Controller firmware updates and fixes
24 2014 Windows 8 support, logical organizer view, program parameter,
merge improved
25 2015 Internal build, not released to the public
26 2015 Windows 8.1 support, license-based source protection

Product Selection Toolbox

Rockwell Automation provides a software suite called Product Selection Toolbox,
which is designed to help you select and design Integrated Architecture solutions.
This software suite provides helpful tools for evaluating the size of your application,
generating drawings, and even estimating the cost of your application. This product
is available for free to approved partners and customers.

[ 17 ]
ControlLogix and CompactLogix Overview and Firmware

Rockwell Automation Product Catalog for

iPad
Rockwell Automation has created an iPad-based product selection tool. Rockwell
Automation Product Catalog is a portable version of Product Selection Toolbox that
allows you to select and configure thousands of products from Rockwell Automation
and their industry partners. Product Catalog will even help you find the nearest
distributor to your location. It is available for free in the App Store.

Summary
In this chapter, we learned about the controllers available within Rockwell
Automation's Integrated Architecture. We also explored the history of Rockwell
Automation and evolution of the industry-leading Logix platform. We now have
an idea of the controller solutions available within Integrated Architecture, and are
capable of making basic solution architecture decisions. In the appendix of this book,
you can find links to Rockwell Automation Literature Library where you can dive
deeper into the topics covered in this chapter.

In the next chapter, we will introduce the various networking and communication
options available for the Rockwell Automation Logix controllers.

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Where to buy this book

You can buy Learning RSLogix 5000 Programming from the Packt Publishing website.
Alternatively, you can buy the book from Amazon, BN.com, Computer Manuals and most internet
book retailers.
Click here for ordering and shipping details.

www.PacktPub.com

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