Several tools exist to help with Ethernet/IP integration of Rheonics sensors. These tools make setting up the Ethernet/IP connection and configuring the sensor parameters easy. They also allow for real-time sensor data monitoring, making it easier to troubleshoot any issues that may arise. Finally, they provide a secure connection for transmitting data between the sensor and other Ethernet/IP-enabled devices.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Commissioning and diagnostics tools
2. Engineering and Programming tools
- 2.1. Studio 5000
- 2.2. Codesys
3. Integration examples developed by Rheonics

1. Commissioning and diagnostics tools

Commissioning and diagnostic tools enable engineers to identify potential issues in Ethernet/IP networks, such as incorrect configuration, latency, and packet loss. They also allow engineers to check that Rheonics sensors are correctly connected and configured for optimal performance and that the sensor is fully operating in an Ethernet/IP network.

If the Rheonics sensor cannot be found with any of these tools contact the Rheonics Support team to check the sensor configuration.

1.1. RSLINX

RSLinx Classic is a software package developed by Rockwell Automation. RSLinx Classic is designed to provide communication and connectivity solutions for various Rockwell Automation products, particularly for programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other industrial devices. Visit our support article for more information on how to use this software to identify the Rheonics sensor: Checking the sensor serial number with RSLINX classic

Figure 1. RsLinx Classic Lite-Software

1.2. Molex Ethernet/ip tool

Molex has developed a tool for verification and setup for modules that are Ethernet/IP compatible, this tool manages Explicit Messaging to access CIP objects and request useful information from the electronics. It can also detect all the Ethernet/IP devices that are connected in the same subnetwork.

Figure 2. Ethernet/IP Configuration with

Steps to detect Molex Ethernet/IP tool:

Open the Ethernet/IP tool from Molex and select the option “Network Broadcast” The IP address you select must be on the same subnet that the Rheonics sensor.
Click on the “Send List Identity Request on UDP” to detect all Ethernet/IP devices on the network.
All Ethernet/IP devices are listed and can be selected.

Figure 3. Device list from all Rheonics devices connected to the network.

Once we select the device, it will show an “OK” status and we can interact with the sensor on the other tabs.

Figure 4. The station selected for Ethernet/IP communication.

1.3. Wireshark

Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer. It is used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software, and communications protocol development. Wireshark is capable of capturing traffic from a variety of networks, including Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, and USB. It can also decode the protocols of many networking protocols and display the information in a human-readable format. Wireshark is widely used for network analysis and security auditing.

Figure 5. Wireshark trace of Ethernet/IP network composed of Rheonics Sensors.[3]

Steps to detect Rheonics Sensors when using Wireshark:

Open Wireshark and select the NIC (Network Interface Card) that is used for the Ethernet/IP network.

Figure 6. Selecting the NIC to start the capture.

Once we select the Ethernet/IP network card, all the packets will start showing on the Wireshark interface (Figure 3).

A list of the most commonly used filters for Ethernet/IP protocol can be found on this page.

Wireshark · Display Filter Reference: EtherNet/IP (Industrial Protocol).

2. Engineering and Programming tools

Engineering and programming tools like Studio 5000 and Codesys are useful to set Rheonics sensor configuration and build data streams and control loops. The user has access to a powerful environment to create and debug a control system. An extensive knowledge base and EDS files compatible with multiple software simplifies the integration of Rheonics products into any existing system. Users can easily configure and deploy the sensors quickly, saving time and money.

2.1. Studio 5000

The Studio 5000^® is a software suite by Rockwell Automation for industrial automation, system design, and management and it is fully compatible with Rheonics sensors for integration of Viscosity and Density monitoring. [4]

Visit our support article for integration with the Studio 5000 software: Linking tags with Allen Bradley PLC

Figure 7. Studio 5000 software with Rheonics tags.

2.2. Codesys

Codesys is an integrated development environment for programming controller applications according to the international industrial standard IEC 61131-3. It is used to program PLCs, motion control systems, and other industrial automation devices. It includes a visual programming language, library functions, and debugging capabilities. It also offers support for many different types of hardware platforms.

Figure 8. Rheonics sensors integrated with the Codesys software.

Integration of Rheonics devices using Codesys is described in detail in the following article:

Ethernet/IP Communication through CODESYS

3. Integration examples developed by Rheonics

Examples of a quick integration of Rheonics Sensors with some of the most popular industrial PLC controllers and the associated software are explained in the support article that can be found here: Integration.