Rockwell FLEX 5000 I/O Modules bring greater flexibility to a Connected Enterprise

Jun. 21, 2018 – The new Allen-Bradley FLEX 5000 I/O platform from Rockwell Automation is designed to create smarter, more productive and more flexible industrial control systems.

The platform’s higher-speed connectivity and expanded bandwidth deliver increased amounts of data back to the controller, explains Rockwell. 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.

Both OEMs and process operations can also use the new FLEX 5000 I/O modules to improve productivity, describes Rockwell, noting that Engineering time is reduced with simplified wiring and design. Installation is eased with a flexible architecture that includes vertical and horizontal mounting and copper and fibre media options. Hardware requirements can be minimized during installation because the modules are designed to operate in extreme environments of -40 to 70 degrees C temperatures. 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.