Understanding CIP Technology
Not to be confused with Clean in Place CIP, Expert integration services for structured communication between diverse industrial devices using CIP technology.
The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) is an open industrial networking protocol maintained by the ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Association) and supported by hundreds of vendors. It provides a comprehensive suite of message types and services for industrial automation, covering control data exchange, device configuration, information collection, and specialised extensions for safety and motion control.
Key Features of CIP
Object-Oriented Design: CIP models devices as collections of standardised objects with classes, instances, and attributes.
Media Independence: The same CIP application protocol can run over different physical and data link layers.
Unified Protocol: CIP serves as the core of several industrial network technologies including EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and CompoNet.
Flexible Messaging: Supports both explicit (request/reply) and implicit (real-time I/O) communication.
CIP Extensions:
CIP Safety: Safety-critical communication for devices like emergency stops and safety relays.
CIP Motion: Coordinated motion control between controllers and drives.
CIP Sync: Time synchronisation across networks for high-precision applications.
Using CIP enables flexible, scalable industrial systems that support modern manufacturing requirements.
How CIP Works
CIP defines two main types of communication that apply uniformly across all CIP networks:
Explicit Messaging
Request/reply transactions used for non-time-critical data, such as:
- Reading configuration parameters
- Device diagnostics
- One-off data transfers
Typically carried over a TCP/IP connection on EtherNet/IP or connection-based services on other CIP networks. Explicit messages are analogous to client-server queries.
Implicit Messaging (I/O)
Real-time, cyclic data exchanges intended for control I/O data, such as:
- Sensor readings
- Actuator commands
- Controller status information
Uses UDP packets (often multicast) on EtherNet/IP to achieve efficient cyclic updates with minimal overhead. Data is produced/consumed on a fixed schedule known as the Requested Packet Interval (RPI).
In CIP communication, each device (including PLCs) exposes standard object classes that can be accessed via CIP services. Common CIP objects include the Identity Object (device identification info), Assembly Object (grouped I/O data), and various device-specific objects for things like analogue I/O channels or motor drive parameters.
Our CIP Integration Solutions
At Sull Systems, we provide comprehensive integration services to help industrial businesses leverage CIP technology for seamless communication between diverse equipment:
Multi-Vendor PLC Integration
We specialise in connecting PLCs from different manufacturers using CIP:
Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) PLCs with native EtherNet/IP support
Siemens S7-series PLCs via our proven integration methods
Schneider Electric and Omron PLCs with EtherNet/IP capability
Controller-to-controller communication across different vendors
CIP Network Design and Implementation
Our engineers design and deploy reliable CIP-based networks
EtherNet/IP infrastructure planning and optimisation
DeviceNet and ControlNet network configuration
Multi-network CIP routing setups
Integration of CIP-enabled field devices with your control systems
Cross-Protocol Integration
We bridge the gap between CIP and other industrial protocols
PROFINET to EtherNet/IP gateways and mappings
Modbus to CIP protocol conversion
OPC UA servers for unified access to CIP and non-CIP devices
Custom gateway solutions for legacy systems
CIP Programming and Configuration
Our development team implements robust CIP communication in your control systems
Configuration of implicit I/O connections for real-time data exchange
Development of explicit messaging routines for parameter access
Implementation of producer/consumer data models
Custom function blocks for Siemens PLCs to interface with CIP networks
Benefits of Our CIP Integration Approach
Vendor Independence
Our solutions let you mix equipment from different manufacturers without compatibility issues. We enable communication between Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, and other brands using standardised CIP interfaces.
Reduced Integration Complexity
Leverage CIP’s unified object model across different network types. Our solutions simplify the integration of devices on EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, or mixed networks through consistent data representation.
Structured Data Exchange
Achieve consistent, high-speed data transfer between your controllers and devices. Our CIP implementations ensure reliable communication for both cyclic I/O and configuration data.
Future-Proof Architecture
Build systems that can evolve with your needs. Our CIP implementations follow ODVA standards, ensuring compatibility with new devices and technologies as they become available.
Practical Considerations for CIP Integration
Our expertise addresses the key challenges in implementing CIP-based communication:
Addressing and Routing
We ensure proper configuration of device identifiers (IP addresses for EtherNet/IP, node IDs for DeviceNet) and implement efficient routing for multi-network systems. Our engineers handle the complexity of CIP path addressing and object model mappings.
Performance Optimisation
We tune your CIP networks for optimal performance, including:
- Setting appropriate Requested Packet Intervals (RPIs) based on application needs
- Managing connection limits for efficient use of controller resources
- Configuring network parameters to prevent congestion and ensure reliability
- Implementing time synchronisation for motion-critical applications
Implementing time synchronisation for motion-critical applications
Setting appropriate Requested Packet Intervals (RPIs) based on application needs
Managing connection limits for efficient use of controller resources
Configuring network parameters to prevent congestion and ensure reliability
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Our solutions include comprehensive diagnostic capabilities:
- Network traffic analysis with protocol decoders
- Connection status monitoring and error detection
- Device parameter verification and validation
- Structured troubleshooting procedures for complex integrations
Structured troubleshooting procedures for complex integrations
Network traffic analysis with protocol decoders
Connection status monitoring and error detection
Device parameter verification and validation
Example: Integrating a Mixed Vendor Environment
A manufacturing client needed to connect their existing Siemens S7-1500 PLC system with new production equipment that used Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers and EtherNet/IP field devices. Our solution included:
- Implementation of CIP function blocks in the Siemens PLC to establish direct communication with the Allen-Bradley equipment
- Configuration of explicit messaging for parameter exchange between controllers
- Setup of implicit I/O connections for real-time status and control data
- Development of a unified data model for consistent information representation across systems
The result was a effortless integrated production line with reliable real-time data exchange between different control platforms, all without expensive gateway hardware or complex middleware.
Why Choose Sull Systems?
Deep Protocol Expertise: Our engineers understand CIP at the packet level, ensuring robust, standard-compliant implementations.
Multi-Vendor Experience: We have proven experience integrating CIP across Rockwell, Siemens, Schneider, Omron, and many other platforms.
Complete Solution Coverage: From network design through programming, commissioning and ongoing support.
Optimisation Focus: We don’t just make it work – we make it work efficiently, with attention to performance, reliability, and maintainability.
Vendor-Independent Approach: As an independent integrator, we select the best approach for your needs, not tied to any specific manufacturer’s ecosystem.
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