Allan-Bradley ArmorBlock 5000 IO-Link Master blocks

Rockwell Automation has released enhanced firmware and an Add-on Profile (AOP) update for the Allen‑Bradley ArmorBlock 5000 IO-Link master blocks. The added features, coupled with the On-Machine capability, provide a boost in functionality and performance for applications within demanding industrial environments.

Added capabilities include a generic IO-Link profile that allows compatibility with a wider range of IO-Link devices, enabling expanded machine capabilities for existing automation systems. Process Data-only mode further simplifies IO-Link integration by transmitting data specified by the IO-Link device.

Automatic download of IODD files via the IO-Link device registration tool helps to simplify the workflow, speeding up configuration and optimising overall efficiency, while EDS file import/export functionality enables more efficient project deployment where users can leverage the same EDS file across different machines.

Change type functionality now allows the replacement of an IO-Link master block with a different power variant without device and software reconfiguration.