What options are available for cycle-accurate acquisition of EtherNet/IP data in industrial automation systems?

For cycle-accurate data acquisition in EtherNet/IP environments, the bus monitor ibaBM-ENetIP is commonly used to capture cyclic data exchange directly between scanners and adapters in the network. Alternatively, the ibaPDA-Interface-EtherNet/IP module enables deterministic transmission via Implicit Messaging, provided the controller supplies the data accordingly. These approaches ensure that high-dynamic process signals are recorded synchronously with minimal latency, creating a precise data basis for real-time diagnostics and process analysis.

What are the benefits of flexible data acquisition from EtherNet/IP controllers for industrial process monitoring?

Flexible acquisition from EtherNet/IP controllers allows application-specific selection between cycle-accurate and software-based data capture. With ibaPDA, data can be processed either via hardware such as ibaBM-ENetIP or through software modules, making the system suitable both for high-dynamic control loops and long-term process analysis. This flexibility enhances transparency in production processes and supports reliable condition monitoring and fault analysis.

How can controller data be acquired from Allen-Bradley systems without programming effort?

For Allen-Bradley controllers, data acquisition without PLC programming is possible via the Xplorer interface or the Logix-Xplorer solution. Internal variables are accessed through a symbol browser without requiring additional PLC code blocks. ibaPDA uses standard communication mechanisms such as polling, allowing signals to be adjusted flexibly during operation and significantly simplifying commissioning.

Why is the choice of EtherNet/IP communication mode important for data quality in production systems?

The choice between Explicit and Implicit Messaging significantly affects the timeliness and accuracy of captured process data. While Explicit Messaging via TCP is used for non-time-critical parameters, Implicit Messaging via UDP ensures real-time capability for cyclic I/O data. ibaPDA accounts for these differences through dedicated interface modules, enabling reliable correlation of control and process data depending on the application.

What approaches support scalable and cost-efficient data acquisition in Allen-Bradley environments?

Scalable data acquisition in Allen-Bradley environments is achieved through a combination of software interfaces and Xplorer technology. While the bus monitor ibaBM-ENetIP is used for highly precise cycle-accurate measurements, Logix-Xplorer and EtherNet/IP interfaces provide a cost-efficient alternative for more flexible applications. This combination allows different requirements—from fast control loops to long-term process monitoring—to be covered within a unified platform.

Data Acquisition From Allen-Bradley Controllers

Customized Monitoring

The Ethernet Industrial Protocol (EtherNet/IP) is an open standard for industrial networks. Ether- Net/IP is used for the transmission of cyclic I/O data and acyclic parameter data.

EtherNet/IP was co-developed by Rockwell Automation and is the established communication standard for Allen-Bradley controllers. EtherNet/IP uses the application protocol CIP (Common Industrial Protocol) and the different communication types explicit messaging and implicit messaging.

Explicit messaging is used for data that is not transmitted in real time. Explicit messaging uses TCP. Implicit messaging is often called “I/O”, is time critical and is used for real-time data exchange. Implicit messaging uses UDP and supports multicast or unicast.

At a Glance

Connection to Allen-Bradley controllers from Rockwell Automation via various interfaces: ibaBM-ENetIP, ibaPDA-Interface- EtherNet/IP, ibaPDA-Interface-Logix-Xplorer
Scan-cycle-precise acquisition via EtherNet/IP with bus monitor ibaBM‑ENetIP
Connection without additional hardware with software interfaces ibaPDA-Interface-EtherNet/IP and ibaPDA-Interface-Logix-Xplorer
Free symbol selection with Xplorer interface
Simple, cost-effective connection via Xplorer interface

Connection to ibaPDA

The ibaPDA system offers various possibilities to acquire data from controllers via EtherNet/IP.

Which method is best depends on, amongst other things, how quickly the data needs to be acquired, whether scan-cycle-synchronous data transmission is required and which hardware is available. In addition, the Xplorer interfaces offer the option of selecting signals via a symbol browser without programming effort. ibaPDA can run on a PC or on the stand-alone devices ibaDAQ-C and ibaDAQ.

Sniffing with the bus monitor

If data needs to be acquired quickly and precisely with each scan cycle, the controller can be connected with the ibaBM-ENetIP bus monitor. The bus monitor acquires the cyclical data exchange between EtherNet/IP scanners and adapters. The device can be integrated into an existing EtherNet/IP network with one or more EtherNet/IP scanners. The ibaBM-ENetIP bus monitor can be operated with the TAP interface in an EtherNet/IP network without interferences.

Connection via EtherNet/IP interface

The communication interface ibaPDA-Interface-EtherNet/IP offers different modules in ibaPDA to acquire data from the controllers. Depending on the selected module, ibaPDA acts as a device that passively waits for connections from a scanner or as a scanner that actively establishes the connections. The values to be recorded must be programmed in the controller and be sent by the controller program. Each change of values requires a program change.

The modules of the EtherNet/IP interface and their function:

› I/O Module

When using the I/O Module type, ibaPDA acts like an I/O adapter or device. The PLC controller is a scanner. Only implicit messaging is used. ibaPDA passively waits for a connection established by the PLC and the data being sent.

› Produced Tags

When using the Produced Tag type, ibaPDA acts like a tag consumer, the PLC controller as tag producer. ibaPDA enables the readout and adoption of the configuration of the available “produced tags”. The data are then sent by implicit messaging.

› I/O Scanner

When using the I/O Scanner type, ibaPDA acts like a scanner and establishes the connection to a device. Such devices are usually remote I/O units or measurement devices. The data from the device are then sent by implicit messaging.

Signal selection without programming

Using special iba solutions, programming effort can be avoided: With the Xplorer interface the measured values can be freely selected via an address book by mouse click. In addition, the values to be measured can be changed without intervention in the programming while the controller is running.

How does the Xplorer interface work?

With Logix-Xplorer interface, it is possible to easily and cost-effectively connect to Allen-Bradley systems. The Xplorer interface allows free access to the internal data of a controller. The standard connections of each controller are used, additional hardware is not required. The measured values are cyclically requested and sent by the controller in a „polling“ procedure. Data acquisition is not scan-cycle-precise since the data is only sent by the controller when the request can be processed.

Different Xplorer interfaces

The Logix-Xplorer interface can be used to acquire data from the ControlLogix, GuardLogix, CompactLogix, SoftLogix and FlexLogix controllers. MicroLogix controllers are supported by the interface ibaPDA-Interface-AB-Xplorer.

In addition, further Xplorer interfaces are available for many control systems: for SIMATIC, ABB, B&R, Bachmann M1, CODESYS-V2 und V3, Mitsubishi MELSEC, OMRON, SIGMATEK and Beckhoff TwinCAT controllers. The mentioned Xplorer interfaces are available in a bundle for ibaPDA, but can also be licensed individually.

The bundle is also available as a cost-effective entry-level solution that is ideal, for example, for efficient troubleshooting during commissioning: ibaPDA-PLC-Xplorer offers the full ibaPDA functionality for up to 64 signals.

Requirement	iba Interface	Example
Very short cycles Cycle precise	ibaBM-ENetIP ibaPDA-Interface-Ethernet/IP	Fast control, e.g. gap control, roll force etc. Complex logic (accuracy of cycle)
Longer cycles Nearly cycle precise	ibaPDA-Interface-Logix-Xplorer	Control of thermal processes Media control “Quick glance” on a PLC

Requirement

iba Interface

Example

Very short cycles
Cycle precise

ibaBM-ENetIP

ibaPDA-Interface-Ethernet/IP

Fast control, e.g. gap control, roll force etc.
Complex logic (accuracy of cycle)

Longer cycles
Nearly cycle precise

ibaPDA-Interface-Logix-Xplorer

Control of thermal processes
Media control
“Quick glance” on a PLC

Used Functions

The following functions of the iba system are used in this application.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What options are available for cycle-accurate acquisition of EtherNet/IP data in industrial automation systems?: For cycle-accurate data acquisition in EtherNet/IP environments, the bus monitor ibaBM-ENetIP is commonly used to capture cyclic data exchange directly between scanners and adapters in the network. Alternatively, the ibaPDA-Interface-EtherNet/IP module enables deterministic transmission via Implicit Messaging, provided the controller supplies the data accordingly. These approaches ensure that high-dynamic process signals are recorded synchronously with minimal latency, creating a precise data basis for real-time diagnostics and process analysis.
What are the benefits of flexible data acquisition from EtherNet/IP controllers for industrial process monitoring?: Flexible acquisition from EtherNet/IP controllers allows application-specific selection between cycle-accurate and software-based data capture. With ibaPDA, data can be processed either via hardware such as ibaBM-ENetIP or through software modules, making the system suitable both for high-dynamic control loops and long-term process analysis. This flexibility enhances transparency in production processes and supports reliable condition monitoring and fault analysis.
How can controller data be acquired from Allen-Bradley systems without programming effort?: For Allen-Bradley controllers, data acquisition without PLC programming is possible via the Xplorer interface or the Logix-Xplorer solution. Internal variables are accessed through a symbol browser without requiring additional PLC code blocks. ibaPDA uses standard communication mechanisms such as polling, allowing signals to be adjusted flexibly during operation and significantly simplifying commissioning.
Why is the choice of EtherNet/IP communication mode important for data quality in production systems?: The choice between Explicit and Implicit Messaging significantly affects the timeliness and accuracy of captured process data. While Explicit Messaging via TCP is used for non-time-critical parameters, Implicit Messaging via UDP ensures real-time capability for cyclic I/O data. ibaPDA accounts for these differences through dedicated interface modules, enabling reliable correlation of control and process data depending on the application.
What approaches support scalable and cost-efficient data acquisition in Allen-Bradley environments?: Scalable data acquisition in Allen-Bradley environments is achieved through a combination of software interfaces and Xplorer technology. While the bus monitor ibaBM-ENetIP is used for highly precise cycle-accurate measurements, Logix-Xplorer and EtherNet/IP interfaces provide a cost-efficient alternative for more flexible applications. This combination allows different requirements—from fast control loops to long-term process monitoring—to be covered within a unified platform.