ADC – Automatic Device Configuration

[David GarciaParticipantKarma: 49Rank: Padawan]

I have a question regarding Automatic Device Configuration & the use of Stratix Switches. My question is pretty simple as i understand it ADC is able to work because a Stratix Switch, assigns a static IP address to a specific port. This Specific Port is designated to only have a certain type of Device Model VFD for example, so that if that VFD goes down and is replaced. You can then swap a new VFD into the same port and the PLC will scan and recognize that its replacement, and that it needs to be Flashed & Configured automatically.

Do i have to use a Stratix Switch to do this or can i use a different switch and still take advantage of the ADC for my Drives?

Thank you.

DG

[PLCGuruKeymaster]

Hi David and welcome to the forum!

I’m assuming you have an ADC enabled drive such as a PowerFlex 750 or 525. ADC involves Logix controller ownership of a drive’s configuration settings. Each time the controller establishes an I/O connection with an ADC-enabled drive, it will check configuration signatures in the drive to see if it matches what’s in the controller. If the signatures match, no ADC download is needed and it is not performed. If the signatures do not match, ADC is performed.

It is important to note that the configuration signature in the drive will be cleared if a write occurs to parameter NVS memory. This can occur when using the HIM or another software tool to change a parameter value, a MSG instruction in the Logix program writing to parameter NVS memory, etc.

To your question, I am not aware of any prerequisite to need a Stratix switch as the device configuration is controller owned. There is a technote on the Rockwell site here that speaks to it.

[PLCGuruKeymaster]

Hi David, thought I’d do a quick follow up to see how you made out? Let us know!

[Thumper _ParticipantKarma: 141Rank: Jedi]

Hi David.

I know this is an older post but thought I would offer my input on the subject. ADC works just as described by PLC Guru where the configuration of the ADC enabled device is stored in the controller. It can work in two ways, depending on your network layout.  If you are after a truly “plug and play” replacement using ADC, a managed switch must be used with static port addressing configured. This way when power is applied to the new device, the managed switch will assign the IP address to the device  first, then the controller will download the stored configuration including correct firmware if required.  ADC will work without a managed switch, but will require the extra step of the user to manually assign the new device it’s IP address, then the controller can download the config.

[David GarciaParticipantKarma: 49Rank: Padawan]

Hello Guys,

Sorry for the super late reply to all of your feedback on my question. I have been working with our customers in the OEM landscape and i have had the ADC question brought up more often. I guess my question was answered by Thumper when he mentioned that a managed switch must be used with static port addressing configured.

I was curious as too if ADC works exclusively with Rockwell drives… or if it is able to work with Drives from a Third Party vendor?

Thanks
DG

[PLCGuruKeymaster]

Hey David,

Welcome back! To my knowledge ADC will only work with Rockwell Drive/Controller combinations. Perhaps @Thumper will have more insight but I’ve ever only seen ADC work with these types of Rockwell pairs.

Cheers!

[Thumper _ParticipantKarma: 141Rank: Jedi]

Hi David

I think ADC is a Rockwell technology, so only Rockwell products support it. Not only the PF520 and 750 families of drives support ADC. The Smc flex and 150 soft starts, E300 overloads, Armorstarts and IO Link enabled sensors all support ADC functionality. There may be a few other products but those are the ones I know for sure. Hope that helps.

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