Industrial automation and information technology provider Rockwell Automation has launched its enhancedControlLogix EtherNet – Internet protocol (IP) communication module and the ControlLogix 5580 controller, both supplied under the brand name of Allen-Bradley.

Rockwell Automation product security director Megan Samford notes that new solutions from Rockwell Automation deliverbuilt-in security based on globally accepted security standards to protect control-level communications and overall system integrity.

She adds that, currently, communications between industrial control devices have minimal protection. This leaves them vulnerable to threats like malicious tampering and incidental system changes that can stop production or injure workers.

“As the world’s leading company focused on combining industrial automation with digital technology, the company is uniquely positioned to help close security gaps in connected operations,” boasts Samford.

“Our new offerings with built-in security deliver the industry’s best available protection of control-level traffic. This can give users confidence that the integrity of their systems and their device-to-device communications are protected from day one.”

The ControlLogix EtherNet – IP communication module is among the first industrial devices to use the critical infrastructure protection (CIP) Security protocol from global trade and standard development organisation ODVA.

The protocol helps make sure only authorized devices are connected in industrial operations. It also helps prevent tampering or interference with communications between those devices.

CIP Security is the first industrial automation protocol to support transport layer security, the most proven security standard available.

The ControlLogix EtherNet – IP communication module offers increased value through common programming, operations, safety ratings, product certifications, and conformal coating options.

Additionally, the newly enhanced ControlLogix 5580 controller is the world’s first controller to be certified compliant with today’s most robust control system security standard, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62443-4-2. The standard defines the technical security requirements for industrial automation and control system components.

This certification builds on the 2018 certification of the Rockwell Automation Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) to the IEC 62443-4-1 standard.

The Rockwell ControlLogix 5580 controllers provide increased performance, capacity, productivity and security to help meet the growing demands of smart machines and equipment for manufacturing. All ControlLogix 5580 controllers use theStudio 5000 design environment as the standard framework that optimizes productivity, which reduces time to commission.

This framework manages Integrated Motion over EtherNet/IP for high-speed motion applications and safety integrity level (SIL) 2/ performance level (PL)d and SIL3/ PLe safety solutions. These controllers are ideal for applications that require high-performance communications, input/output, and motion control for up to 256 axes.

Rockwell Automation showcased its strengthened product portfolio and other solutions at Hannover Messe 2019, from April 1 to 5 in Hannover, Germany.