1769-L3xERA client recently asked me if multiple CompactLogix (or ControlLogix) processors could control the same Ethernet I/O.

Since RSLogix5000 has supported Ethernet I/O, its been possible to setup two processors to control, or “own,” the same remote rack of Ethernet I/O. However, the processor which attached to the I/O first would  be the one to control the I/O, and the second processor would receive an error stating that the I/O was already owned. If or when the first processor was disconnected or powered down, the I/O would be released and the second could then connect to the I/O and control it.

But what if you wanted two CompactLogix (or ControlLogix) processors to control the same remote Ethernet I/O at the same time? Well, lets think about that for a moment… having two processors reading the same inputs doesn't seem to be a problem, but having two processors trying to control the very same outputs at the same time could lead to unpredictable results.

With that in mind, Rockwell created the “listen only” mode for most (if not all) input modules, and for a limited number of output modules. This feature allows you to setup one of your processors as the “owner” of the input or output module, while the other 1769-L2xERcontroller can be set to “listen only” so it too will automatically receive I/O status updates.

So, how do you know which I/O modules support listen only? In my testing of 1734 Point I/O in version 20 of RSLogix,  I found that when adding the I/O to the I/O tree the software will correctly present you with the available options for the module in question. In my tests, every 1734 Input module supported listen only, while only the subset of outputs modules listed below did:

1769-L18ERM-BB1BThe main downside I found to the “listen only” setting is that it only works when the processor which owns the I/O is also connected. If the owner is powered off or disconnected, the “listen only” processor loses it's connection to the I/O as well. Not good if you wanted to use the second controller to alarm on certain conditions if the first controller is taken out of service, but for those applications you should consider a redundant processor configuration.

I hope you’ve found the above information on multiple controllers controlling the same I/O helpful. As always, if you have any questions or would like to comment on the above article please click on the “post a comment or question” link below.

Until next time, Peace ✌️ 

Shawn M Tierney
Technology Enthusiast & Content Creator

Have a question? Join my community of automation professionals and take part in the discussion! You'll also find my PLC, HMI, and SCADA courses at TheAutomationSchool.com.

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7 COMMENTS

  4. Hi Shawn, Your article is great. Do you have information or documentation on the application of Multiple ControlLogix Controllers in the same Chassis? The Studio 5000 project does not have any source of information about connections configured by other connection originators.

    • Good morning Ben,

      Thanks for your comments!

      Not sure if this is what you are asking, but you can have as many Controllers in the same chassis as you have the Power for, and you’ll often see pictures from Automation Fair with several controllers in the same chassis:

      In my courses I also show students how to message and produce and consume tags in the same chassis as well as over Ethernet and ControlNet.

      Of course if you’re using Logix Redundancy, there are a set of rules for this found in the redundancy manual.

      Have a great week,

      Shawn

      Join my free community to follow along! You can also become a member and support our work at: Automation.Locals.com

  5. VERY GOOD INFORMATION…THANKS SHAWN…
    I HAVE A QUESTION I HAVE MULITIPLE ETHERNET REMOTE IOS AND MULTIPLE CONTROL LOGIX CONTROLLERS IN THE FACILITY….MY PREVIOUS TECHNICIAN KEEP ADDING REMOTE IOS AS AND WHEN HE NEEDED AND PROGRAMMED IT IN ANY RANDOM CONTROLLER….NOW I AM NOT ABLE TO FIGURE OUT ONE PERTICULAR IO STAITON , IN WHICH IT CONTROLLER THE PROGRAM IS ? CAN YOU SHARE SOME KNOWLDEGE THANKS

    • I’d label each device with it’s IP Address and Controlling PLC. To find which PLC is controlling which IO, open each RSLogix / Studio 5000 project and examine the IO Tree in each.

      Best of luck,

      Shawn Tierney

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