When working with Allen Bradley PLCs, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the firmware installed on your devices. Firmware is the permanent software that runs on the PLC and helps it function efficiently. Keeping your PLC firmware up-to-date ensures optimal performance and prevents potential issues.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about checking Allen Bradley PLC firmware. We'll cover the tools and resources available to help you identify the firmware versions on your devices, and guide you through the process to ensure seamless management of your Allen Bradley PLCs.

Understanding Allen Bradley PLC Firmware

Firmware plays a vital role in the performance and operation of Allen Bradley PLCs. It is essentially the PLC's operating system, providing instructions for the hardware to function correctly. Firmware updates ensure that the PLC is equipped with the latest features, improvements, and security patches.

Allen Bradley releases firmware updates periodically, which help maintain system stability, add new functionalities, and address any known issues. Keeping your PLC firmware up-to-date is essential in maintaining optimal performance and avoiding potential problems in your automation system.

Before attempting to check or update the firmware, it's crucial to identify your PLC model and series, as each PLC type may have different procedures or firmware versions. To do this, refer to the PLC's labeling or documentation, which should provide the necessary information.

You can check the current firmware version of your Allen Bradley PLC through various methods, such as:

• Using programming software like RSLogix 5000 or Studio 5000, which display firmware details during PLC communication or project setup.
• Accessing the PLC's web interface, available in some models, by entering the PLC's IP address into your web browser.
• Consulting the device's documentation or datasheets, which may list the factory-installed firmware version.

It's essential to verify the compatibility between your PLC hardware, the firmware version, and your programming software. The Product Compatibility & Download Center from Rockwell Automation is an invaluable tool for checking compatibility and finding the appropriate firmware updates for your Allen Bradley PLC.

Preparing for the Firmware Check

Before checking the firmware version of your Allen Bradley PLC, make sure you have the required software and tools. You'll need access to the RSLinx Classic or RSLinx Enterprise software installed on your computer. These software programs allow communication between the PLC and your computer.

Next, gather the necessary cables to connect your PLC to your computer. For most Allen Bradley hardware, a USB Type B cable is used. If your PLC model requires a different connection, such as an Ethernet or serial cable, ensure you have one available. (source)

To establish communication between your computer and the PLC, follow these steps:

• Locate the communication port on both the PLC and your computer.
• Connect the appropriate cable between the PLC and your computer.
• Open RSLinx Classic or RSLinx Enterprise on your computer.
• Check the communication settings and ensure the correct driver is present.

Once the connection is established, you'll be ready to check the firmware version of your Allen Bradley PLC. (source)

Locating and Accessing PLC Hardware

Before checking the firmware of an Allen Bradley PLC, it's crucial to locate and access the hardware. Start by identifying the communication ports on the PLC device, which can be found on the front or back of the device. These ports are typically USB Type B or Ethernet (RJ45).

For a USB connection, locate the USB Type B port on the PLC and your computer. Use a USB Type B cable (common for Allen Bradley hardware) and connect both devices. With the right communication software, like RSLinx Classic (or Enterprise), the driver should appear upon connecting.

When using an Ethernet connection, follow these steps:

1. Locate the Ethernet port (RJ45 connector) on the PLC.
2. Power on the PLC and look for status lights on the Ethernet port.
3. Ensure the link light is flashing, indicating the PLC is connected to a network.

With the appropriate connections in place, proceed to access the PLC hardware using the Allen Bradley software package specific to your PLC model. This software usually provides tools for discovering IP addresses, firmware versions, and device information.

Identifying and Checking the Firmware Version

Locating and verifying the firmware version of an Allen Bradley PLC is essential for identifying compatibility with specific software and ensuring smooth operation. In this section, we will cover the steps to identify and inspect the firmware version installed on your PLC.

First, establish a connection between your computer and the Allen Bradley PLC. This can be done using a USB Type B cable, which is standard for Allen Bradley devices. Once connected, you should be able to see the driver in your RSLinx Classic or Enterprise communications.

Next, download and install ControlFLASH Plus, a free software tool provided by Rockwell Automation. This tool streamlines firmware management and allows you to quickly view installed versions on your devices, review available firmware, and manage, export, and save specific firmware combinations.

To check the firmware version follow these steps:

1. Launch ControlFLASH Plus on your computer.
2. Scan your device by selecting the appropriate controller in the software interface.
3. After the scan is complete, the current firmware version will be displayed.

If you wish to update or change the firmware version, you can do so by accessing the Product Compatibility and Download Center (PCDC) on the Allen-Bradley website. From there, you can select the desired firmware version and download the required updates.

Following these steps will help you identify and inspect the firmware version installed on your Allen Bradley PLC, ensuring the appropriate compatibility and smooth operation of your devices.

Interpreting the Firmware Information

Once you have obtained the firmware information for your Allen Bradley PLC, it is essential to understand what it means and how to interpret the data. This section will help guide you through the process of interpreting the firmware information for your PLC system.

The firmware information typically includes the following details:

• Firmware Version
• Product Code
• Serial Number
• Revision

The firmware version is a vital piece of information, as it represents the specific software version running on your PLC. It is crucial to know this information for troubleshooting, system compatibility, and updating purposes. To find your firmware version, you can use the ControlFLASH software available on the Rockwell Automation website.

The product code is a unique identifier for your specific PLC model. It is needed when contacting technical support or ordering replacement parts. The product code is usually found on the PLC's label or in the system's hardware configuration.

The serial number is a unique identifier for your individual PLC unit. It helps track the PLC's history, such as maintenance records and warranty information. The serial number is typically found on the PLC's label and in the hardware configuration.

Lastly, the revision information indicates the hardware and firmware revisions for your PLC system. Understanding the revision data is essential when troubleshooting compatibility issues or planning system upgrades. To gather more details about your PLC's revision history, refer to the PLC's Logix 5000 Controllers Revision Information document.

By understanding and interpreting the firmware information, you can better manage, maintain, and troubleshoot your Allen Bradley PLC system. Moreover, this knowledge will help ensure that your system remains up to date and operates efficiently.

Conclusion

In this article, we have covered the process of checking and upgrading Allen Bradley PLC firmware. By following these steps, you can ensure that your PLC is running on the latest and most secure version of the firmware.

To recap, you should start by establishing a connection to the PLC and identifying the current firmware version (source). Then, you can visit Rockwell Automation's website to find and download the latest firmware version for your specific PLC model (source).

Remember to always follow the manufacturer's guidelines when flashing firmware updates, as improper handling can lead to software corruption or even hardware damages. Also, always ensure that you have a backup of your PLC program, in case you encounter any issues during the update process.

By keeping your Allen Bradley PLC firmware up to date, you are maintaining a higher level of functionality and security for your system, which can lead to increased overall performance and reliability. We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with the necessary information to confidently check and update your Allen Bradley PLC firmware.