On-machine switch delivers data for better decisions

Rockwell Automation has launched the Allen-Bradley ArmorStratix 5700, its first on-machine switch.

Built with ruggedized IP67 protection, the Layer 2 managed industrial Ethernet switch can be mounted directly onto a machine or application, reducing the overall size and cost of a control cabinet, and shrinking the machine footprint.

The switch provides integration of machine-level data that, due to cost or location, would otherwise remain isolated from business-level systems. Using the Cisco IOS network infrastructure software, this switch manages the transfer of production data to enterprise-level databases and information systems for improved decision making.

Machine-mounted Ethernet switches with M12 connectors and IP67 ratings are very popular among machine builders. This switch should go a long way toward resolving the information technology/operational technology struggles in manufacturing plants today.

These tools help enable easy setup and diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system – bridging the gap between IT and the automation engineer.

The switch comes standard with 8, 16 and 24 fixed-port configurations, and each base model comes with M12 Ethernet connectors, SD f lash card, dual-power inputs and a panelmounted design.

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