Micrologix 1400 communication over Ethernet/IP

[ncikic]

Hello,

I have a little project. I need to communicate with the PLC which is MicroLogix1400 to read all tables (not just some) and I came to the conclusion that Ethernet/IP messaging should be used. I am evaluating all the possibilities and I have found that LabVIEW can possibly do it.

I do not have relevant experience in LabVIEW so excuse me if I ask dumb or obvious question.

What I intend to do is to program the LabVIEW to do the communication and then to create a dll which I would finally use in my program.

Can this be done?

Any reference?

As for the cost part what is necessary: labview base + some driver?

Thanks

[sebastianm127]

Hello ncikic,

Thanks for using NI forums. You can connect almost any PLC with LabVIEW. In order to do this application you will need NI LabVIEW and NI OPC Servers.

In these links you can find the PLCs Supported Devices for NI OPC Server (Included MicroLogix 1400), and how you can connect LabVIEW with the PLC.

Supported Devices & Driver Plug-in List for NI OPC Servers

Connect LabVIEW with any PLC using NI OPC Servers

Regards!!!

Sebastian

[a_clucker]

Hi ncikic,

NI makes an Ethernet/IP driver that allows your computer to act as a I/O Adapter. Normally PLCs assume the role of I/O Scanner, which is needed to communicate with an I/O Adapter. If you're not familiar with Ethernet/IP roles, I have found this document to be helpful. Please take note: NI's driver does not have the ability to act as an I/O Scanner, and therefore I recommend you first confirm the PLC acts as an I/O Scanner.

If you're only going to communicate with EthernetIP using explicit messaging (e.g. non-process data aka config data), our driver can act as both Server and Client (these roles are also defined in the above link).

Here is a link to NI's Ethernet/IP driver. To use it you will only need it and LabVIEW development system.

If you do end up purchasing the driver, I have found this page to be a good resource on the API.

[ncikic]

Thanks to both

now rslinx as opc server is used. Client is looking to move from opc, but I will inform them about this.

What is essentially, opc or eip driver, is that I can build from labview project a lib file I can use in visual studio c++ project. Can this be done?

[a_clucker · Accepted solution]

Hi ncikic,

I don't know if anyone has done it, but please see this post about EIP in C/C++.

OPC UA will probably be a similar method, but might also require a DSC Deployment License (RTS).

[ncikic]

I like very much the idea to use LV to communicate with PLC because it would add a layer of abstraction to my software.

I could make changes specific to each type of PLC in LV, then produce the lib file and my c++ code wouldn't change at all. I would really advocate this solution with my client but I need to understand the pricing and licence:

-as for the OPC at the link you gave the DSC RTS says

"

How is the DSC Run-Time System Licensed?
The DSC RTS is distributed to customers on CD media only with a single license. A new license with media needs to be purchased for every machine that needs to run an EXE that uses DSC components.

"

In the link I have found https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/product/labview-datalogging-and-supervisory-control-module.html the pricing is 1K$ but it is not clear if the license is for developer of deployment machine or  per installation as it seems from your link.

-as for the EIP I have found this https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/product/ni-industrial-communications-for-ethernet-ip.html but do not see any licensing

I have found also this https://www.ni.com/pdf/manuals/374775b.html#requirements but again no licensing info

In the link you gave me for EIP c++ it seems it is possible, but do I need some runtime again or not?

I suspect that both products are licensed per installation but can the both solutions communicate with more PLC simultaneously (any limit)?

As I said I would really like to use this solution but you know how are the managers: they immediately ask, how much it costs to me and how are the products licensed.

Ah I forgot, LV has 45 trial days period I think. But NI OPC server or EIP driver are there any trial periods?

Also now I see that I need Application builder https://www.ni.com/en-us/shop/product/labview-application-builder-module.html to be able to make dll with LV base.

I need to put costs down clearly.

Thanks

[ncikic]

I have found where to ask for commercial details so hopefully they will answer me.

Thanks again

[a_clucker]

"I need to put down costs clearly."

This sounds like you need a quote. I would recommend calling a Sales Engineer, who can generate one. The phone number for Sales can be found at ni.com/contact ("Purchase and Quote")