ROCKWELL Automation says it is supporting the release of a free, open-source Ethernet/IP software stack for I/O adapter devices.
The open-source communications stack was created and released by the Odo Struger Laboratory team of researchers from the Vienna University of Technology.
Rockwell Automation says the technology is designed to connect a wide range of factory networks using open communication standards.
The stack is an open-source implementation of Ethernet/IP. Ethernet/IP uses Common Industrial Protocol on standard, unmodified Ethernet which allows communications from I/O to IT.
The company claims access to plant and production information provides manufacturers with real-time control and information flow.
Rockwell Automation says developers can use the open-source adapter stack in a variety of Ethernet/IP I/O adapter-class products including basic sensors, actuators, simple drives and I/O components.
Developers can download the adapter stack through SourceForge.net.