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Communication : A-B DH+/RIO GatewaysShop Online for A-B Gateways

Low cost, powerful A-B gateways

Great Solutions for Allen-Bradley PLC Migrations

SoftPLC Gateways allow you to upgrade your outdated Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems in phases - eliminating the need to obtain major project funding and scheduling a lengthy downtime for a complete replacement. Our migration solutions are suitable whether you want to continue to use Rockwell Automation products, or move to another vendor's products. SoftPLC Gateways are perfect solutions when you want to:

Replace Obsolete Components

  • Replace drives (eg: 1336/1395 VFD's) on an Allen-Bradley RIO network
  • Replace HMI's (eg: PanelView) on Allen-Bradley RIO network
  • Replace HMI/SCADA on a Data Highway Plus network
  • Replace robots, scales or other equipment on an Allen-Bradley RIO or DH+ network
  • Replace an A-B PLC, while still maintaining existing DH+ communications
  • Replace an A-B PLC CPU, without changing anything else
  • Replace an A-B PLC with a DCS or other brand controller, without changing the RIO
  • Replace RIO/DH+ cabling without changing PLC's or RIO

Expand Existing System

  • Connect new and old systems to a common network
  • Communicate data between devices on different network types
  • Add I/O from another vendor to an existing A-B PLC system
  • Add A-B I/O to an existing A-B PLC system

The Applications tab below provides additional examples of how SoftPLC A-B RIO/DH+ Gateways can be used.

Here's a short video that describes how SoftPLC Gateways solve A-B migration challenges:


    Gateway Functions

    Overview

    SoftPLC Gateways are the optimal migration solution for users of Allen-Bradley PLC's - offering the most flexibility and features at the lowest cost.

    • Up to 3 "blue-hose" channels - any mix of DH+, RIO Scanner/Master, RIO Adapter/Slave
    • Up to sixteen (16) different user-selectable protocols supported simultaneously
    • Hundreds of thousands of data points supported in each Gateway
    • Extremely fast data throughput, highly optimized drivers
    • Diagnostics, real-time status monitoring on each communication network
    • Supports user logic for data manipulation (eg: scaling, averaging, comparisons), scheduling, alarm handling, or many other functions
    • Built-in data logging
    • Compatible with all HMI/SCADA systems
    • Optional embedded web server or Web Studio runtime (IoTVIEW) can act as a built-in virtual HMI
    • Optional embedded firewall with VPN support for secure communications (Smart & Hardbook SoftPLC models only)
    • Supports our TagWell cloud platform for remote access via internet

    SoftPLC Gateways are configured using TOPDOC NexGen - included free with your first Gateway purchase!

    Available Protocols

    Gateway Protocols by Model View Table of Supported Protocols

    All SoftPLC Gateways can be user configured for up to 16 simultaneous protocols of any mix. The currently available protocols are listed below, others can be added by SoftPLC or by users with the SoftPLC Programmer's Toolkit. Please contact us for a quote if you are interested in a protocol not listed.

    Protocols implemented via Serial Port(s)

    • A-B DF1 Serial Full Duplex Master/Slave
    • A-B DF1 Half Duplex Slave
    • ASCII (COMGENIUS)
    • Modbus Serial RTU/ASCII, Master and Slave
    • CAN/J1939* (Smart SoftPLC v2 only)

    Protocols implemented via "blue hose" port(s)*

    • A-B RIO RIO Master (Scanner)
    • A-B RIO Slave (Adapter)
    • A-B Data Highway Plus (DH+)

    Protocols implemented via Ethernet Ports

    • Ethernet/IP Adapter (Slave or Server) and Scanner (Master or Client)
    • A-B DF1 Ethernet (CSP/PCCC) Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
    • Modbus TCP/UDP Master (Client) and Slave (Server)
    • Enron ModbusTCP Master (Client)

    SoftPLC Hardbook model gateways support these additional protocols:

    • ProfiNet Slave*
    • Profibus Master and Slave*
    • DeviceNet Master and Slave*
    • CANopen Master and Slave*
    • CC Link Slave*
    • EtherCAT Master and Slave*
    • Powerlink Slave*
    • SERCOS Master and Slave*
    • ASI Master*
    • Interbus Master*

    * These protocols require factory installed hardware.

    SoftPLC Gateway ports and protocols are configured with TOPDOC NexGen, included free with your first Gateway purchase. Communication drivers are configured with an easy to use editor, that includes a sample template. Many drivers also report status to diagnostic registers that are available to HMI's, other connected devices, email messages/reports, etc.

    COMPARE!

    Function SoftPLC®
    Smart Gateway SMG4-x    		 ProSoft®
    AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
    Ports - (4) GB Ethernet (managed switch)
    - (1) stand-alone GB Ethernet
    - (up to 3) A-B RIO/DH+
    - (1-4) serial RS-485
    - (2) USB    		 - (1) 10/100 Ethernet
    - (1) A-B RIO/DH+
    Protocols supported
    (on Drive/
    HMI/PC side)    		 Selection of Ethernet & serial protocols Ethernet/IP only
    RIO Slave Support - Up to 3 channels, 32 logical racks per channel
    - No limits on number of Drives or PanelViews
    other than network protocol limit (eg; 223 for ModbusTCP)    		 - 1 channel
    - Limited to (4) Drives or (8) PanelViews
    RIO Master Support Up to 3 channels, 32 adapters per channel 1 channel, 32 adapters
    DH+ Support - Up to 3 channels, 64 nodes per channel
    - Supports peer-to-peer messaging and HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming    		 - Limited to (8) PanelViews
    - Supports pass-through access over Ethernet/IP from PC/PLC/HMI, but not peer-to-peer messaging
    DF1 Support - Up to 6 channels per Gateway, Full/Half-Duplex
    - Supports peer-to-peer messaging, HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming    		 - N/A
    Other Functions - Logic and I/O control (can replace the A-B PLC in future!)
    - Data Logging
    - Ethernet Switch, Firewall
    - Virtual HMI/Web Server
    - many more!    		 - DH+ Gateway(replaces RIO port)
    Price From $995 From $1780


    Function SoftPLC®
    NeoPAC SN2-A1-x    		 ProSoft®
    AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
    Ports - (1) GB Ethernet
    - (up to 2) A-B RIO/DH+
    - (up to 2) serial RS-485
    - (2) USB    		 - (1) 10/100 Ethernet
    - (1) A-B RIO/DH+
    Protocols supported
    (on Drive/
    HMI/PC side)    		 Selection of Ethernet & serial protocols Ethernet/IP only
    RIO Slave Support - up to 2 channels, 32 logical racks per channel
    - No limit on number of Drives or PanelViews
    other than network protocol limit (eg; 223 for ModbusTCP)    		 - 1 channel
    - Limited to (4) Drives or (8) PanelViews
    RIO Master Support up to 2 channels, 32 adapters per channel 1 channel, 32 adapters
    DH+ Support - up to 2 channels, 64 nodes per channel
    - Supports peer-to-peer messaging and HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming    		 - Limited to (8) PanelViews
    - Supports pass-through access over Ethernet/IP from PC/PLC/HMI, but not peer-to-peer messaging
    DF1 Support - 2 channels (via USB ports)
    - Supports peer-to-peer messaging, HMI communications, but not pass-through for programming    		 - N/A
    Other Functions - Logic and I/O control (can replace the PLC in future!)
    - Data Logging
    - Virtual HMI/Web Server
    - many more!    		 - DH+ Gateway(replaces RIO port)
    Price From $695 From $1780

    SoftPLC Gateway Models

    All SoftPLC Gateways provide a base set of features, the differences are primarily in the number of communication ports. Detailed information and specifications on all standard models can be found here: SoftPLC Gateways. For "bluehose" RIO/DH+ gateways, we offer 2 models - Smart Gateways and NeoPACs.

    SoftPLC Gateways are, in reality, SoftPLC controllers. For more details on advanced features, additional hardware/firmware options and available accessories, refer to SoftPLC Controllers and universal SoftPLC features information.

    Smart Gateway

    Smart Gateways

    A Smart Gateway has a base set of features, to which you can add both hardware and firmware options. Smart Gateways are factory assembled with your selected options, then undergo a system-level test prior to shipment.

    All Smart Gateways include this base set of communication ports:

    • 4-port GB managed Ethernet switch with two Ethernet interfaces (MAC ID's) to support routing and firewall functions
    • (1) stand-alone GB Ethernet port
    • (1) RS-485 port
    • (2) USB ports

    For very low cost, up to 3 factory installed communication port options can be added to support:

    • Allen-Bradley "blue-hose" (RIO Master/Scanner, RIO Slave/Adapter, or DH+
    • RS-485, isolated, 2-wire (configurable protocols)

    It's easy to choose options and price your Smart Gateway using our webstore ordering page, or you can contact us for assistance.

    SoftPLC NeoPAC

    NeoPAC Gateways

    A NeoPAC Gateway is a powerful, low cost RIO/DH+ interface. NeoPAC Gateways are factory configured with your selected options, then undergo a system-level test prior to shipment.

    NeoPACs provide these standard communication ports:

    • (1) GB Ethernet port
    • (2) USB ports

    For very low cost, up to 2 factory installed communication port options can be added to support:

    • Allen-Bradley "blue-hose" (RIO Master/Scanner, RIO Slave/Adapter, or DH+
    • RS-485, isolated, 2-wire (configurable protocols)

    It's easy to choose options and price your NeoPAC Gateway using our webstore ordering page, or you can contact us for assistance.

    DH+/RIO Gateway Applications

    Upgrade HMI's and/or Drives on A-B RIO or DH+

    • No changes to PLC logic/configuration required
    • Replace old HMI's and/or Drives with new equipment from nearly any vendor
    • Configurable with 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and full rack addressing
    • Supports upgrading up to 32 RIO devices and up to 63 DH+ devices per "blue-hose" network
    • Supports up to 3 "blue-hose" networks of any mix (RIO and/or DH+)
    • Supports conversion to multiple serial, Ethernet and fieldbus networks
    • Supports PLC-5, SLC-500, PLC-3, PLC-2/PLC, Pyramid Integrator and Logix Processors with DH/RIO interface modules


    Add I/O of another bus to an A-B PAC/PLC installation (eg: ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP, SoftPLC's Tealware, Modbus serial)

    • Use other vendor's I/O with ControlLogix or CompactLogix
    • Gateway can appear as up to 32 RIO adapters per network
    • Supports up to 3 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)

    Replace an A-B PLC using remote I/O with a ControlLogix or CompactLogix PAC, without having to replace existing I/O & cabling

    • Supports all blue-hose RIO systems (eg: 1771, 1746/1747 (SLC-500), Flex)
    • Supports block transfer to intelligent A-B modules
    • Supports up to 32 adapters per blue-hose network
    • Supports up to 3 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)
    • Also supports other devices and I/O on other networks (eg: Modbus, ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP)


    Replace an A-B PLC with a SoftPLC/Gateway, without having to replace existing I/O & cabling

    • Supports all blue-hose RIO systems (eg: 1771, 1746/1747 (SLC-500), Flex)
    • Supports block transfer to intelligent A-B modules
    • Supports up to 32 adapters of Remote I/O per network
    • Supports up to 3 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)
    • Optionally can support up to 2 DH+ networks
    • Also supports other devices and I/O on other networks (eg: Modbus, ModbusTCP, Ethernet/IP)

    Communicate data between devices on different network types.

    • Pass data from devices on multiple networks or network types to a higher level system (eg: DCS or SCADA).
    • Collect data from devices on multiple networks or network types and make it available to a higher level system ("data logger/concentrator").
    • Provide remote access via a single point to a variety of devices, using a SoftPLC Gateway, a modem, and optionally the TagWell cloud for IoT/M2M applications.






    + Example customer applications...