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Allen Bradley Connectivity Guide

Overview​

What is Allen Bradley EtherNet/IP?​

MachineMetrics connects to Allen Bradley PLCs using the EtherNet/IP (Ethernet Industrial Protocol), a network protocol for industrial automation applications.

Key Characteristics:

  • Based on Common Industrial Protocol (CIP)
  • Uses standard Ethernet (TCP/IP)
  • Default port: 44818
  • Tag-based addressing
  • Real-time data exchange

Important: MachineMetrics' Allen Bradley adapter uses EtherNet/IP and only works with specific Allen Bradley controls: CompactLogix, ControlLogix, and GuardLogix. It does not support MicroLogix or SLC500 PLCs (which have their own dedicated adapters).

Compatible Allen Bradley Controls​

Supported Controls​

CompactLogix:

  • All CompactLogix models (1769, 5069 series)
  • Processor integrated into head (implicit slot 0)
  • No slot parameter needed in configuration
  • Examples: 1769-L30ER, 1769-L33ER, 5069-L310ER

ControlLogix:

  • All ControlLogix models (1756 series)
  • Must specify backplane slot where processor is installed
  • Use slot: parameter in configuration
  • Examples: 1756-L71, 1756-L73, 1756-L85E

GuardLogix:

  • All GuardLogix safety controllers (1756 series)
  • Must specify backplane slot where processor is installed
  • Use slot: parameter in configuration
  • Examples: 1756-L71S, 1756-L73S, 1756-L75

Not Supported with This Adapter​

Allen Bradley MicroLogix:

  • ❌ Not supported with the Allen Bradley (EtherNet/IP) adapter
  • MicroLogix PLCs are not compatible with this connector
  • Alternative: Use Modbus/TCP if available on your MicroLogix model

Allen Bradley SLC500:

  • ❌ Not supported with the Allen Bradley (EtherNet/IP) adapter
  • SLC500 PLCs have their own dedicated Allen Bradley SLC500 adapter
  • See the SLC500 connectivity guide for connecting these PLCs

Other Manufacturers:

  • ❌ Not supported - This adapter is designed exclusively for Allen Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix, and GuardLogix controls
  • Other manufacturers' EtherNet/IP implementations (Siemens, Omron, etc.) are not compatible

Prerequisites​

  • Allen Bradley CompactLogix, ControlLogix, or GuardLogix PLC
  • IP address of controller
  • List of tags to monitor (from PLC program or documentation)
  • Backplane slot number (for ControlLogix/GuardLogix)
  • Network access (TCP port 44818)
  • EtherNet/IP scanner tool (for testing, optional)

Physical Connection​

Step 1: Connect Ethernet

  • Plug Ethernet cable into controller's Ethernet port
  • Connect to network switch
  • Ensure Edge device is on same network

Step 2: Verify Network

  • Ping controller IP from Edge or computer
  • Verify port 44818 is not blocked by firewall

Step 3: Test with EtherNet/IP Scanner (Optional)

  • Use Rockwell Automation's RSLinx or similar tool
  • Attempt to browse tags
  • Verify communication before configuring MachineMetrics

Tag Structure​

Tag Path Format​

Allen Bradley PLCs expose data as "tags" with hierarchical paths.

Globally Scoped Tags:

AssemblyIndex
Module10.ModeAuto
Module10.PositionAxis[2]

Locally Scoped Tags (within program):

Program:Station1.FaultNumber
Program:Station1.Values.Reals[0]

Data Types:

  • Booleans, integers, floats, strings
  • Simple types and complex structures
  • Arrays and nested objects

Configuration​

Basic Configuration (CompactLogix)​

version: 2
scan-interval: 0.25    # Poll every 250ms (adjust as needed)

tags:
  mode-auto: Module10.ModeAuto
  fault-ind: Module10.FaultInd
  part-count: HMI1.PartCounter

variables:
  execution:
    - source: mode-auto and fault-ind == false
    - state:
        - ACTIVE: this
        - READY: true
  
  parts:
    - source: part-count
    - value-increase
    - count

data-items:
  - execution
  - parts

ControlLogix/GuardLogix with Slot Parameter​

For ControlLogix and GuardLogix, specify the processor slot:

version: 2
slot: 3                # Backplane slot where processor is installed
scan-interval: 0.25

tags:
  mode-auto: Module10.ModeAuto
  fault-ind: Module10.FaultInd
  part-count: HMI1.PartCounter

variables:
  execution:
    - source: mode-auto and fault-ind == false
    - state:
        - ACTIVE: this
        - READY: true
  
  parts:
    - source: part-count
    - value-increase
    - count

data-items:
  - execution
  - parts

Note: CompactLogix is always slot 0 (don't need to specify slot parameter).

Advanced Configuration​

version: 2
scan-interval: 0.25

tags:
  recipe-loaded: RecipeLoaded
  mode-auto: Module10.ModeAuto
  fault-ind: Module10.FaultInd
  peak-force: Program:Station1.Values.Reals[0]
  press-force: Program:Station1.Values.Reals[2]
  fault-code: HMI1.StaData.FaultNumber
  fault-msg: HMI1.StaData.FaultDescription

variables:
  execution:
    - state:
        - ACTIVE: mode-auto and fault-ind == 0 and recipe-loaded
        - READY: true
        
  controller-mode:
    - state:
        - AUTOMATIC: mode-auto
        - MANUAL: true

data-items:
  - recipe-loaded
  - controller-mode
  - execution
  - press-force

conditions:
  system:
    - code: gen_fault
      message: Machine is in fault
      value:
        FAULT: fault-ind > 0
    - code: ${fault-code}
      message: ${fault-msg}
      value:
        FAULT: fault-ind > 0

Adding Machine in MachineMetrics​

  1. Go to Assets → Machines → Add Machine
  2. Enter machine details
  3. Select Allen Bradley (or EtherNet/IP) as adapter type
  4. Enter controller IP address
  5. Enter adapter script configuration
  6. For ControlLogix/GuardLogix: Verify slot: parameter is correct
  7. Test connection and save

Troubleshooting​

Common Errors​

Error Code 0x04 - Path Segment Error:

  • Invalid tag path specified
  • Check tag names in PLC program
  • Verify tag paths match exactly (case-sensitive)
  • Ensure tag exists in controller

Error Code 0x08 - Service Not Supported:

  • ControlLogix/GuardLogix: Connected to wrong slot
  • Verify processor slot number in backplane
  • Check backplane configuration in adapter script

Connection Timeouts:

  • Scan interval too high for controller
  • CompactLogix has short timeout (~128ms)
  • Try reducing scan-interval to 0.1
  • Note: Lower scan interval may increase PLC load (test carefully)

No Data Appearing:

  • Verify tags exist in PLC program
  • Check tag paths are correct (case-sensitive)
  • Review Edge logs for errors
  • Test with simpler configuration first
  • Use RSLinx or similar tool to verify tags are accessible

Wrong Controller Type:

  • Verify you're using the correct adapter
  • MicroLogix: NOT supported with this adapter (use Modbus if available)
  • SLC500: Use the dedicated Allen Bradley SLC500 adapter instead

Additional Resources​

Questions? Contact support@machinemetrics.com

Allen Bradley PLC Communication Capabilities​

Compatibility Chart​

The following table shows which Allen Bradley PLC models support EtherNet/IP (used by MachineMetrics) and their communication capabilities.

PlatformModel NumberSeriesBuilt-in EthernetEtherNet/IP SupportModbus TCP SupportNotes
CompactLogix 53805069-L306ERL3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)Latest generation, dual-IP or DLR mode
5069-L306ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)With motion support
5069-L310ERL3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L310ER-NSEL3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)No stored energy
5069-L310ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L320ERL3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)2MB, 40 nodes
5069-L320ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L330ERL3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L330ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L340ERL3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)4MB, 90 nodes
5069-L340ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L350ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L380ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
5069-L3100ERML3✓ (Dual 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
CompactLogix 53701769-L16ER-BB1BL1✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)No serial port
1769-L18ER-BB1BL1✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)No serial port
1769-L18ERM-BB1BL1✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)With motion, no serial
1769-L24ER-QB1BL2✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)Has RS-232 port
1769-L24ER-QBFC1BL2✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
1769-L27ERM-QBFC1BL2✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)With motion
1769-L30ERL3✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
1769-L30ERML3✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)With motion
1769-L33ERL3✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)
1769-L33ERML3✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)With motion
1769-L36ERML3✓ (Dual 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)With motion
CompactLogix (older)1769-L31-✗✗✗Requires comm module for Ethernet
1769-L32C-✗✗✗Requires comm module for Ethernet
1769-L32E-✓ (Single 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)Single Ethernet port
1769-L35CR-✗✗✗Requires comm module for Ethernet
1769-L35E-✓ (Single 100Mbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)Single Ethernet port
1769-L20/L30-✗✗✗Requires 1769 comm modules
ControlLogix 55801756-L81E-✓ (Single 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)3MB, 100 nodes
1756-L82E-✓ (Single 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)5MB, 175 nodes
1756-L83E-✓ (Single 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)10MB, 250 nodes
1756-L84E-✓ (Single 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)20MB, 250 nodes
1756-L85E-✓ (Single 1Gbps)✓✓ (via ladder logic)40MB, 300 nodes
ControlLogix 55701756-L71-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L72-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L73-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L74-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L75-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
ControlLogix 55601756-L61-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L62-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L63-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L64-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module
1756-L65-✗Via 1756-EN2x/ENBT✓ (via ladder logic)Requires Ethernet module

Common Ethernet Modules for ControlLogix 5570/5560​

  • 1756-ENBT - Single port, 128 EtherNet/IP connections, 64 TCP
  • 1756-EN2T - Single port, 256 EtherNet/IP connections, 128 TCP
  • 1756-EN2TR - Dual port, 256 EtherNet/IP connections, 128 TCP
  • 1756-EN3TR - Latest generation dual port

Key Notes​

  1. Modbus TCP support on all Ethernet-equipped controllers requires ladder logic implementation (not native protocol)
  2. All ControlLogix 5580 (1756-L8xE) have built-in Ethernet ports
  3. ControlLogix 5570/5560 (1756-L6x, L7x) require Ethernet communication modules
  4. CompactLogix 5380 has the fastest Ethernet (1 Gbps dual port)
  5. Letters in model numbers: E = Ethernet, R = Safety-rated, M = Motion, XT = Extreme temperature
  6. This table covers the main production models - there are also safety variants (GuardLogix) with similar communication capabilities