The Allen-Bradley FLEX 5000 I/O platform from Rockwell Automation is intended to create smarter, productive and flexible industrial control systems.

The platform’s connectivity and bandwidth deliver data back to the controller. This helps future-proof control systems for a Connected Enterprise. It is built on a 1 Gigabit architecture with communications supporting Device Level Ring (DLR), linear and star topologies. A future release will support Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) for a redundant network topology.

(image source Rockwell Automation website)

Both OEMs and process operations can also use the FLEX 5000 I/O modules. The architecture includes vertical and horizontal mounting and copper and fiber media options. Hardware requirements can be minimized during installation because the modules are designed to operate in extreme environments (40 C to 70 C operating temperatures).

Removal and insertion under power (RIUP) allows technicians to replace existing I/O, and an online change capability allows configuration of new I/O, both while the system continues to run.

A range of safety modules will be available for the FLEX 5000 I/O platform in a future release. Users will be able to meet their specific safety needs with modules that are TÜV certified for use in safety applications up to SIL 3 and PLe, Cat. 4.

The FLEX 5000 I/O family is designed for security to help companies protect their assets and their brand. The platform helps enable the secure convergence of industrial and enterprise systems when using an open, standard and IT-friendly Ethernet network. This is a result of deploying a defense-in-depth security strategy with firmware encryption, birth certificates and secure boot functionality.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation is dedicated to industrial automation and information, making its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, WI, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.