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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SoftPLC Gateways allow you to upgrade your outdated Allen-Bradley PLC-based control systems in phases - eliminating the need to obtain major project funding and scheduling a lengthy downtime for a complete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 VFD) 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, 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 ways 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.

    • (1) or (2) channels for DH+ or RIO, mix 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 can act as a built-in virtual HMI
    • Optional embedded firewall with VPN support for secure communications (Smart 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 COM6 only)

    Protocols implemented via "blue hose" port(s)

    • A-B RIO RIO Master (Scanner) and 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)

    Other model SoftPLC Gateways (Hardbooks) 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. Most drivers are configured using a simple editor and a starting template. Many drivers also include diagnostic registers that can be made available to HMI's, other connected devices, email messages/reports, etc.

    COMPARE!

    Function SoftPLC®
    Smart Gateway SM2G-x    		 ProSoft®
    AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
    Ports - (4) Ethernet (managed switch w/ routing (2) MAC ID's)
    - (up to 2) A-B RIO/DH+
    - (4 to 6) serial    		 - (1) Ethernet/IP
    - (1) A-B RIO/DH+
    Protocols supported
    (on Drive/
    HMI/PC side)    		 Large selection of serial and Ethernet protocols Ethernet/IP only
    RIO Slave Support - Up to 2 channels, 32 racks per channel
    - No limits on number of Drives or PanelViews
    other than network protocol limit (eg; 223 for ModbusTCP)    		 - 1 channel, 32 racks
    - Limited to (4) Drives or (8) PanelViews
    RIO Master Support Up to 2 channels, 32 racks per channel 1 channel, 32 racks
    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 - Up to 4 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 PLC in future!)
    - Data Logging
    - Ethernet Switch, Firewall
    - Virtual HMI/Web Server
    - many more!    		 - DH+ Gateway(replaces RIO port)
    Price From $1190 From $1780


    Function SoftPLC®
    NeoPAC SN1-Bx    		 ProSoft®
    AN-X2-AB-DHRIO
    Ports - (1) Ethernet
    - (1) A-B RIO/DH+
    - (1) serial
    - (2) USB    		 - (1) Ethernet/IP
    - (1) A-B RIO/DH+
    Protocols supported
    (on Drive/
    HMI/PC side)    		 Large selection of serial and Ethernet protocols Ethernet/IP only
    RIO Slave Support - 1 channel, 32 racks
    - No limit on number of Drives or PanelViews
    other than network protocol limit (eg; 223 for ModbusTCP)    		 - 1 channel, 32 racks
    - Limited to (4) Drives or (8) PanelViews
    RIO Master Support 1 channel, 32 racks 1 channel, 32 racks
    DH+ Support - 1 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 - 1 channel
    - 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.

    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 9 communication ports:

    • 4-port 10/100MB managed Ethernet switch with two Ethernet interfaces (MAC ID's) to support routing and firewall functions
    • (1) RS-485 + (4) RS-232 serial communications ports

    For very low cost, these factory installed communication port options are also available:

    • Allen-Bradley Remote I/O Master or Slave (Up to 2 ports - replaces COM5 and/or installs at COM6)
    • Allen-Bradley Data Highway Plus (Up to 2 ports - replaces COM5 and/or installs at COM6)
    • Additional RS-485 port, with 2 and 4-wire support (installs at COM6)
    • CAN / J1939 (installs at COM6)

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

    SoftPLC NeoPAC

    NeoPAC Gateways

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

    NeoPACs provide these communication ports:

    • (1) GB Ethernet port
    • (1) RS-485 serial communications port
    • (1) RIO/DH+ "bluehose" port
    • (2) USB ports

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

    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.

    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 and full rack addressing
    • Supports upgrading up to 32 RIO devices and up to 63 DH+ devices per network
    • Supports 2 "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 1756-DHRIOx


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

    • Use other vendor's I/O with ControlLogix or CompactLogix
    • Gateway can appear as up to 32 racks of Remote I/O per network
    • Supports 2 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)

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

    • Supports all RIO systems - 1771, 1746/1747 (SLC-500) and Flex systems
    • Supports block transfer to intelligent A-B modules
    • Supports up to 32 racks of Remote I/O per network
    • Supports 2 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)


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

    • Supports all RIO systems - 1771, 1746/1747 (SLC-500) and Flex systems
    • Supports block transfer to intelligent A-B modules
    • Supports up to 32 racks of Remote I/O per network
    • Supports 2 RIO networks, and all baud rates (57.6, 115.2 and 230 Kbaud)
    • Optionally can support (1) DH+ network
    • Also supports other devices and I/O on other networks (eg: Modbus, ModbusTCP)

    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.






    + Sample customer installations...