Rockwell Automation Publication 1756-PM004D-EN-P - September 2012 9
Communicate with I/O Modules Chapter 1
Direct or Rack-Optimized Connection
The Logix5000 controller uses connections to transmit I/O data. These
connections can be direct connections or rack-optimized connections.
Ownership
In a Logix5000 system, modules multicast data. This means that multiple devices
can receive the same data at the same time from a single device.
Term Definition
Direct connection A direct connection is a real-time, data transfer link between the controller and an I/O module. The controller maintains
and monitors the connection with the I/O module. Any break in the connection, such as a module fault or the removal
of a module while under power, sets fault bits in the data area associated with the module.
Rack-optimized connection For digital I/O modules, you can select rack-optimized communication. A rack-optimized connection consolidates
connection usage between the controller and all the digital I/O modules in the chassis (or DIN rail). Rather than having
individual, direct connections for each I/O module, there is one connection for the entire chassis (or DIN rail).
A direct connection is any
connection that does not use the
Rack Optimization Comm Format.
Rack-Optimized Connection