Rockwell Automation is further expanding the Allen-Bradley controller family with the Controllogix 5580. According to the manufacturer, the new controller offers up to 45% more memory capacity and includes an integrated 1 Gbit Ethernet port. This supports data exchange, I/Os and applications with up to 256 motion axes. The controller also simplifies product selection: Users can select the appropriate model based on the total number of Ethernet network nodes required. Up to 300 Ethernet nodes are supported with one controller. As with the other 'Logix' controllers, users can use the 'Studio 5000' design software to configure and develop all elements of their control system. The data is defined once and can then be called up and reused within the entire software environment.