1. What is Ethernet/IP?


EtherNet/IP is an industrial network protocol that adapts the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to standard Ethernet. It is a best-in-class Ethernet communication network, enabling users to implement standard Ethernet technologies in industrial automation applications (IEEE 802.3 combined with TCP/IP Suite) while simultaneously enabling Internet and enterprise connectivity to data anywhere. 


EtherNet/IP has two communication functions: implicit messaging which communicates in a fixed cycle, and explicit messaging which communicates at arbitrary timings.


EtherNet/IP is a member of a family of networks that implements the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) at its upper layers. The CIP defines the object structure and specifies the method of message transfer.  [1]


2. What are the characteristics of Ethernet/IP?


  • Compatible with standard Internet protocols — e.g., HTTP, FTP, SNMP, and DHCP — and standard industrial protocols for data access and exchange such as OPC UA.

  • Physical layer: copper, fiber optics, or wireless.

  • 100 Mbps, full duplex.

  • Flexible topology (Line, star, and ring).

  • Data is transmitted in a cyclic manner (in a fixed cycle) determined by the requested packet interval (RPI).

  • Large message size.


Figure 1. EtherNet/IP Topology with Rheonics Sensor 


3. What devices do I need to set up an Ethernet/IP network?


3.1. Is Ethernet/IP Half-Duplex or Full-Duplex?

The Ethernet/IP protocol supports data speeds of up to 100 Mbps and cycle times of 1 to 10 ms for I/O data.  Ethernet/IP allows half/full duplex communication, which means that data can be transmitted in both directions at the same time (Controllers and IO devices can both assume consumer and provider roles, leveraging the full duplex nature of Ethernet). 

Half-Duplex transmission

Figure 2. Half-Duplex transmission


Full-duplex transmission:

Figure 3. Full-Duplex transmission
3.2. Ethernet Cable Options.

Recommendations for Ethernet cables that will comply with the Ethernet/IP protocol are the following:

  • Standard Ethernet cable options



Figure 4. Flat Ethernet cable

  • Industrial Ethernet cable: Ruggedized Ethernet cables, built for the factory floor

Figure 5. Ruggedized ethernet cable [2]


  • Ethernet cables with Cat 5, 5e, Cat 6, 6a, or Cat 7 cables, would meet the requirements based on the achievable speed of 100Mbps in 100 meters but specifications must be verified by the integrator.

Figure 6. Ethernet/IP CAT6A Ethernet cable [3]


3.3. Switches

The switches that should be used together with Rheonics devices should meet the minimum requirements of 100 Mbps and be capable of going full duplex.

When looking for a switch that is Ethernet/IP compatible, the following options are the most commonly used, it is up to the user to decide which is the best for their application:


Switch Type

Advantage

Disadvantage

Unmanaged switches

  • These are inexpensive and easy to set up.

  • Great solution for those who need to connect multiple devices to the same network and don't need to configure anything.

  • No configuration interface or options

Managed switches

  • Integrated diagnostics

  • They come with a built-in configuration interface, allowing you to customize your network settings to suit your needs.

  • They also offer advanced features like Quality of Service (QoS), VLANs, and port-level security.

  • Requires training in how to manage an ethernet network.


4. What configuration do I need?


4.1. Addressing Ethernet/IP


Ethernet/IP Devices use a combination of Media Access Control (MAC) addressing and Internet Protocol (IP) addressing for network addressing. Each device must have a unique MAC address and IP address to be identified on the network. The purpose of this combination is to enable Ethernet/IP devices to communicate with each other and with the Ethernet/IP controllers.


4.2. Electronic Data Sheet(EDS file)

The EDS file is a text file that contains configuration data for specific device types, it describes how a device can be used on an EtherNet/IP network. The document describes the device's objects, attributes, and services. The EDS is required for compliance with ODVA standards.


An EDS file conveys the identity information needed for a network tool to recognize a device. For EtherNet/IP scanners, the EDS file contains information about the EtherNet/IP adapter's I/O messages. It describes the input message produced by the EtherNet/IP adapter and the output message consumed by the adapter.


5. Does Rheonics inline viscosity and density meter support Ethernet/IP?


Yes, all Rheonics SME sensor electronics support Ethernet/IP communication protocol. It can be ordered prior to the shipment or can be enabled remotely. To order the Ethernet/IP communication protocol on Rheonics sensors, check for the C7-Ethernet/IP option in the RFQ page for the specific device you are ordering, eg. inline viscometer SRV or inline density meter SRD. More information on how to order the Ethernet/IP communication protocol can be found in this support article: Getting Started With Ethernet/IP and Rheonics SME


6. How does Rheonics support Ethernet/IP integration and development?



ODVA is a global organization whose members are among the world's leading automation companies. ODVA's mission is to promote open, interoperable information and communication technologies in the industrial automation sector. ODVA recognizes its media-independent network protocol - the Common Industrial Protocol, or "CIP" - as its core technology and its primary common interest - EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, CompoNet, and ControlNet.  

Rheonics is a member of ODVA organization as a vendor of hardware, software, and Ethernet/IP-compatible systems. Check our membership at this link: https://marketplace.odva.org/organizations/2885-rheonics-gmbh


Figure 7. Rheonics ODVA membership

Rheonics provides detailed user manuals and technical support for integration. Our Ethernet/IP-compatible sensors can be easily integrated into any Ethernet/IP network thanks to all the guidelines and steps provided in our support portal. In addition, our experienced engineering team can assist with installation and configuration to ensure successful integration into your Ethernet/IP network in a timely manner. Visit our Support portal for more information on Ethernet/IP Protocol: 


References


https://www.odva.org/technology-standards/key-technologies/ethernet-ip/  [1]

https://www.milestek.com/ip68-ruggedized-cat6-cable-plug-to-jack-e-nickel-finish-24awg-str-cm-cmx-fr-tpe-blk-w-dust-caps-0-5m [2]

https://catalog.belden.com/index.cfm?event=pd&p=PF_A7JSJSA6023 [3]