Configure R-30iB Plus for an EtherNet/IP™ Adapter Connection

In this Tech Short, Haresh Moradia, a staff engineer at FANUC America, explains how to configure the FANUC R-30iB Plus Controller as an EtherNet/IP™ Adapter using V9.40 software. This configuration enables communication with external devices like PLCs or other robot controllers. The EtherNet/IP™ Adapter option is supported across all B Plus Cabinets, including A, B, Mini, Mate Plus, and Compact Plus Controllers. The Advanced EtherNet/IP™ Scanner Package bundles popular FANUC software options, such as Enhanced Data Access for Rockwell Automation® PLCs, web-based access via ActiveX or JavaScript, OPC UA™ Server access, and Jog in Auto Mode. A key benefit is that Ethernet ports are built-in and optimized for EtherNet/IP™, especially Port 2. Typical network setups involve connecting the robot’s EtherNet/IP™ Adapter (preferably via Port 2) to devices with EtherNet/IP™ Scanner capabilities, such as Rockwell Automation®, SICK®, Beckhoff® PLCs, or other R-30iB Plus Controllers. Up to 48 simultaneous connections are supported, with RPI values adjustable from 8 ms upward depending on connection load. To configure a Rockwell PLC to communicate with the robot, users set the robot’s IP and subnet to match the PLC, add a FANUC Add-On Profile module in RSLogix™, and define input/output sizes. These sizes must be converted between bytes (PLC) and words (robot). After enabling the connection and cycling power, the robot and PLC communicate with a default RPI of 32 ms, which can be adjusted. The video also demonstrates robot-to-robot communication using EtherNet/IP™ Scanner and Adapter configurations. After entering connection details and enabling both sides, power cycling establishes communication at 8 ms RPI. Tips include using Port 2, FANUC Add-On Profiles, Class C networks, managed switches for routing, and setting system variables to retain output states. The FANUC EtherNet/IP™ Setup and Operations Manual is recommended for further guidance.