Ethernet network interface unit

GE Fanuc Automation has added an ethernet network interface unit (ENIU) to the series 90-30 programmable logic controller family. This communications module enables users to connect series 90-30 I/O over ethernet to a master controller through a single point of connection, which helps save configuration time and reduce the overall number of components.

Users can connect the programmer anywhere on the I/O network and monitor, configure and troubleshoot any ENIU or the master controller, reducing down time and machine commissioning. For easy implementation of the series 90-30 ENIU, GE Fanuc's Proficy Machine Edition software offers configuration tools in a universal development environment.

The ENIU features a built-in ethernet switch with two (one IP address) 10/100Mbit ports (RJ-45), allowing the user to daisy chain to the next ENIU without the need for external switches. It can be expanded with up to seven local I/O expansion bases with a total of 70 I/O modules per drop. For quick start-up, installation requires only standard ethernet components without the need for specialty connectors or external devices. This new module also allows up to 2048 discrete inputs, 2048 discrete outputs, 1264 analog inputs and 632 analog outputs per drop.