ControlNet Network Overview
ControlNet Network Overview
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ControlNet is a real-time control network that provides high-speed transport of both time-critical I/O and interlocking data and messaging data, including upload/download of programming and configuration data on a single physical media link. The ControlNet network’s highly efficient data transfer capability significantly enhances I/O performance and peer-to-peer communication in any system or application where it is used.
ControlNet is highly deterministic and repeatable, and remains unaffected as devices are connected or disconnected from the network. This ensures dependable, synchronized, and coordinated real-time performance.
The ControlNet network is most often used in these types of configurations as a:
- default network for the ControlLogix platform
- substitute/replacement for the Universal remote I/O (RIO) network, because ControlNet handles large numbers of I/O points
- backbone to multiple distributed DeviceNet networks
- peer communication network
- high-speed I/O network
Rockwell Automation offers a full array of ControlNet products, including controllers, I/O, operator interfaces, media, drives, motion control, and software. We have the products and know-how you need to set up a new ControlNet system, and the products and innovations you need to maintain and grow your existing applications. Flexible installation options for the ControlNet network include:
- Fiber media for optical isolation from noise and distances up to 20 km
- Fiber ring option for additional topology flexibility
- Redundant media option to help ensure that a system can maintain operation during a cable fault condition
- Intrinsic safety option lets you install a ControlNet network in hazardous, explosive locations
- IP67 installation rated for adherence to standards
Benefits
- Implements programming, controller-to-controller communications, and I/O control on the same link without impacting time-critical I/O.
- Offers media redundancy and intrinsically-safe options.
- Offers high-speed data throughput, which improves I/O performance and controller-to-controller interlocking.
- Supports a maximum of 99 nodes, with no minimum distance between nodes.
- Supports access to the network from any node for programming and troubleshooting.
- Multicasts both inputs and peer-to-peer data for reduced programming.
- Incorporates system diagnostics to make it easier to configure and maintain.
- Provides deterministic, repeatable data transfers to/from digital and analog I/O.
- Supports configurable I/O and controller update times to match your application requirements.
- Eliminates block-transfer programming.
- Supports a large range of Allen-Bradley products.
- Operate in high-noise environments with fiber-optic segments.
Topology
ControlNet supports a variety of topologies, including trunkline/dropline, star, tree, and ring. In its simplest form, ControlNet is a trunkline, to which you connect nodes with a tap and a 1-meter dropline. Repeaters are required to create other topologies, such as star or ring topologies.
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See ControlNet Coax Media Planning and Installation Guide, publication CNET-IN002, for more information on topologies.
See ControlNet Fiber Media Planning and Installation Guide, publication CNET-IN001, for more information on fiber media.
Typical Applications
The ControlNet network is well-suited to applications that include high-speed digital I/O and/or remote analog I/O, such as:
- Automotive transfer lines, paint shops, and assembly lines
- Water/wastewater
- Food processing
- Pharmaceutical
- Test stands
- Sectional conveyors
- Discrete-part machines
- Filter presses
- Baggage handling
- Most other high-speed applications that require highly synchronized control, high throughput and speed, high I/O count, distribution across large geographic distances, and real-time performance
ControlNet Typical Configuration
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