ControlLogix/RSLogix5000 software upgrade

[cmschleich]

Hi,

I serve a plant where they run RSLogix5000 v16 and the PLC has the associated firmware. I want to take both to v20.

What I don't know is how to go about testing/validating/checking the PLC program to vet any risks particular to the manufacturer software upgrade. I asked Tech Support for their thoughts and got a completely amateur answer.

Thanks for any response,
Chris

 

[cmschleich]

(this was in response to a question "why", which appears to have been deleted)
Windows XP obsolescence, and instability of v16 on Windows 7. My engineer found an article about a few Win7 setup tricks to make v16 more stable on Windows 7, but I want to avoid tricks.

 

[jkerekes]

What model ControlLogix do you have? The L55 series for example can't be flashed beyond version 16.

 

[cmschleich]

Thanks for the response, 1756-L63

 

[jkerekes]

There are release notes provided with each firmware update. In that, RA details what has been changed/fixed/updated. Usually there aren't any issues in upgrading. Some things that might have changed is how AOI's are handled, motion control, etc. The release notes are worth reviewing.

 

[cmschleich]

Thanks, I pushed back on support this morning and they supposedly asked a firmware engineer who said something similar to your recommendation. Definitely will review the release notes.

 

[Ken Roach]

I generally approach these by reading the release notes carefully and if they include a "known anomaly" that relates to a function I use, I plan an extra functional test and have a downgrade plan in place.

If not, full steam ahead.