# How do Roll-2-Roll sensors connect to my PLC or industrial network?

> Roll-2-Roll® sensors offer two integration paths, both providing real-time edge positions, width measurements, and inspection alerts to your PLC without middleware or custom drivers. The 1DC has a built-in controller with an M8 4-pin network connector. It connects directly to your industrial…

**Last updated:** 2026-10-06

**Source:** https://r2r.tech/resources/faq/how-do-roll-2-roll-sensors-connect-my-plc-or-industrial-network

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## Question

How do Roll-2-Roll sensors connect to my PLC or industrial network?

## Short Answer

The 1DC Series connects directly via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus/TCP, or CC-Link IE Field Basic. The ODC Family connects through a controller: SCU5 (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET or EtherCAT, one per variant) or SCU6x (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP, CC-Link IE Field Basic—the same five as the 1DC).

## Detailed Answer

Roll-2-Roll® sensors offer two integration paths, both providing real-time edge positions, width measurements, and inspection alerts to your PLC without middleware or custom drivers.

### 1DC Series — Direct PLC Connection

The 1DC has a built-in controller with an M8 4-pin network connector. It connects directly to your industrial Ethernet network via:

- EtherNet/IP
- PROFINET
- EtherCAT
- Modbus/TCP
- CC-Link IE Field Basic

This makes the 1DC ideal for OEMs and integrators who want a single-device solution with direct PLC communication.

### ODC Family — Via SCU5 or SCU6x Controller

The ODC Family connects to an SCU5 or SCU6x controller via M12 12-pin Quick Disconnect Sensor Cable (up to 10 m). The controller then provides the network interface:

- SCU6x — one industrial Ethernet port, 4 digital inputs (NPN/PNP/dry contact), 3 digital outputs, plus web browser dashboard for remote diagnostics
- SCU5 — single Ethernet port (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or EtherCAT depending on variant) plus analog outputs (±10V, 0–20 mA)

Both paths deliver edge positions, width data, and inspection signals — including splice alerts, flag detection triggers, and defect notifications — directly to Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff, or any EtherNet/IP-compatible PLC.

**Category:** Technical

## Related Products

- [ODC 96](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors/odc-96)
- [1DC 96](https://r2r.tech/products/sensors/1dc-96)

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration, with 0.0635 mm resolution and ±0.127 mm repeatability at line speeds up to 760 m/min — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

- Website: https://r2r.tech
- Phone: +1 (888) 290-3215
- Email: sales@r2r.tech