Rockwell Automation Unveils Servo Drive with Integrated Motion Over EtherNet/IP[

Rockwell Automation announced the first high-performance, modular servo drive to leverage embedded EtherNet/IP technology for integrated motion control. The EtherNet/IP drive support available with the Allen-Bradley Kinetix 6500 servo drive helps eliminate the need for a dedicated motion network and allows high-performance drives, I/O, smart actuators and any other EtherNet/IP-connected device to be supported on a common network, says Rockwell.

Integrated motion on EtherNet/IP within the Kinetix 6500 servo drive uses CIP Motion, an extension of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) from the Open Device Vendors Association (ODVA). CIP Motion technology combines the requirements of deterministic, real-time, closed-loop motion control, offering full compliance with Ethernet standards, including IEEE 802.3 and TCP/IP.

The Kinetix 6500 servo drives feature a modular structure that helps provide a platform for future machine enhancements, such as an increased power range. Using interchangeable control modules, an axis can transition to a different network or safety functionality.