In this article, we will discuss Rockwell PLCs for large-scale applications. Rockwell PLCs are the most widely used PLCs in almost all industries. Rockwell PLCs can be classified on the basis of their applications. The application’s Input Output number can be very few or a large number of Input Outputs.
Therefore, the classification of the PLCs is mainly based on the number of Inputs and Outputs. The classifications are Small Scale application, Medium Scale application, and Large Scale application. The 3 mentioned applications are decided based on the number of Inputs and Outputs.
In this article, we will discuss two models of Rockwell PLCs for Large Scale Applications i.e. ControlLogix 5580 Controllers, GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controllers, and Control Logix 5570 Controllers.
1. ControlLogix 5580 Controllers
ControlLogix 5580 Controller is the fastest controller of Rockwell family controllers. The controller is highly optimized, with high capacity, and optimized productivity that is needed from any control system. The ControlLogix 5580 controller offers a 1 GB embedded Ethernet port which enables high-speed communications, Input-Output, and motion control applications.
The ControlLogix 5580 controller offers controller functions that can minimize the system performance. It includes the controller-based change detection & logging, digitally-signed controller firmware, and the role-based access control for extra security. A display is provided that allows for enhanced diagnostics and troubleshooting. Power supplies are also with less width i.e. 29% reduction in width which becomes advantageous when space is constrained.
ControlLogix 5580 series offers chassis with up to 17 slots in standard and conformal coated. The conformal coating gives protection in harsh environments. Memory options are available from 3 MB to 40 MB. An energy storage module is provided which removes the need for a battery. Studio 5000 design and configuration environment is provided for ease of system design and commissioning.
2. GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controllers
GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controllers are SIL 2 and SIL 3 certified. The GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller is optimized for a much faster safety reaction time to achieve protective device coverage and thus reduce the risk of injury. These Safety Controller offers standard memory options from 3 MB to 20 MB and safety memory options from 1.5 MB to 6 MB.
The communication options from 100 to 250 EtherNet/IP nodes are available. GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller series is also available with conformal coating that gives protection in harsh environments. The GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller includes mix-and-match safety and standard I/O. The GuardLogix 5580 Safety Controller series can be identified by the red color controller module.
This controller series also has an energy storage module that removes the need for a battery. Studio 5000 design and configuration environment is provided for ease of system design and commissioning. Also, one very important thing to note here is that the scan cycle of the GuardLogix is much faster than regular PLC controllers.
3. ControlLogix 5570 Controllers
ControlLogix 5570 is one of the most popular controller series of the Allen Bradley PLC. The ControlLogix 5570 controller is mostly used for process control in large-scale applications. When compared to ControlLogix 5580 controller, the only difference in the ControlLogix 5570 controller is that this module doesn’t have an embedded Ethernet port.
ControlLogix 5580 controller is the newer version of the ControlLogix 5570 controller.