New Ethernet/IP™ / Modbus®-TCP Ethernet Adapter for ABB machinery drives expands OEMs’ design options

Industrial Ethernet expands Low-voltage Drives portfolio

NEW BERLIN, Wis., October 6, 2008 . . . ABB Low Voltage Drives today released the FENA-01 Ethernet Adapter for the company’s ACS350 drive line. The FENA-01 supports both EtherNet/IP and Modbus/TCP protocols.

“Combining this feature-rich industrial ethernet adapter with the ACS350 drive offers a powerful drive solution to Building Control Systems,” said Greg Semrow, product manager, ABB Inc., Low Voltage Drives.

The flexible plug-in adapter provides fast and simple connectivity to all major controllers used for conveyors, compressors, door openers, industrial fans and pumps, mixers, ovens, palletizing, stretch wrapping, tension control, volumetric feeder control, just to name a few.

Universal Connectivity

The NEW FENA-01 EtherNet IP and Modbus TCP adapter expands ABB’s universal connectivity capability, improving quality, productivity, flexibility and scalability. “This feature gives the machine or system designer the flexibility to select ABB drives independent of the BAC, PLC or HMI manufacturer,” Semrow noted.

Modbus/TCP is a variant of the Modbus family of simple, vendor-neutral communication protocols intended for supervision and control of automation equipment. Specifically, it covers the use of Modbus messaging over TCP connection on an IP network. The implementation of the Modbus-TCP server in the FENA-01 adapter is completed according to the following specifications:

-- Modbus Application Protocol Specification v1.1a
-- Modbus Messaging on TCP/IP Implementation Guide v1.0a

The EtherNet/IP protocol is managed by the Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA), and is a variant of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) family of communication protocols intended for supervision and control of automation equipment. ABB is a participating member of ODVA, owning EtherNet/IP vendor ID 75, which authorizes ABB to use ODVA technology for implementing and providing interoperable products. All ABB Low Voltage Drive adapters supporting the CIP protocols are developed per the specific CIP protocol specification. The implementation of the EtherNet/IP server in the FENA-01 adapter follows these specifications:

-- CIP Networks Library, Volume 1, Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)
-- CIP Networks Library, Volume 2, EtherNet/IP Adaption of CIP
-- Recommended Functionality for EtherNet/IP Devices Version 1.2

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable customers to improve performance and productivity, while lowering environmental impact.

In the USA, an integrated channel of sales representatives, distributors, and system integrators allow ABB, New Berlin, Wisconsin, to supply a complete line of energy-efficient electric drives, and motors to a wide range of

industrial and commercial customers. Products manufactured include AC & DC variable speed drives for electric motors from 1/8 through 135,000 HP, AC & DC motors, and application-specific drive system solutions to meet diverse customer needs (http://www.abb/drives.com).

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 115,000 people.

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