IDEC MicroSmart FC6A Plus PLC software update

IDEC Corporation has announced an update to add EtherNet/IP communications to the MicroSmart FC6A Plus PLC. This update provides more options for end users, designers and OEMs to integrate the FC6A Plus with many types of I/O systems and intelligent automation devices.

The FC6A Plus is expandable to support up to 2060 I/O, making it suitable for controlling machines or small-scale manufacturing operations. With the addition of industry-standard EtherNet/IP scanner capabilities, the FC6A Plus can now connect with, monitor and control any I/O, variable speed drive, motor control or other intelligent automation device using this industrial protocol. In addition, it can be configured as an EtherNet/IP adapter allowing it to interact with other peer and supervisory systems, such as PLCs and HMIs.

From now, FC6A Plus CPUs will ship with the latest firmware and EtherNet/IP connectivity already installed and ready for use. For CPUs already in service, users can obtain the current WindLDR software (version 8.15.0 or later) for free, and then use it to perform the upgrade. Once a new or upgraded CPU is deployed, Ethernet port 2 can be configured with the EtherNet/IP protocol.